A

El Mero Mero

35-57 38 Street, Queens, NY 11101

Mexican Astoria (718) 392-2444

Grade A · as of Dec 19, 2024

El Mero Mero was last inspected on May 13, 2026 and scored 23 points (B range). Inspectors found 3 violations, 3 of them critical.

Latest inspection

May 13, 2026 · Cycle Inspection · Initial Inspection

23

Score: 23 points (B range)

3 critical

Scored in the B range on an initial inspection, so no grade is given yet. A re-inspection follows.

  • CriticalFood handling

    No one supervising the kitchen held a Food Protection Certificate.

    Official wording (code 04A)

    Food Protection Certificate (FPC) not held by manager or supervisor of food operations.

  • CriticalFood temperature

    Hot food was being held below 140°F, where bacteria can grow.

    Official wording (code 02B)

    Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F.

  • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

    Food or supplies weren’t protected from contamination during storage, prep, or service.

    Official wording (code 06C)

    Food, supplies, or equipment not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, service or from customer’s refillable, reusable container. Condiments not in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor.

ABJan 2, 2024: 222224/01Dec 19, 2024: 121224/12May 13, 2026: 232326/05
Inspection scores over time. Lower is better: 0–13 is an A, 14–27 a B, 28 or more a C.

Inspection history

3 inspections on record

  1. A 12 points (A range)

    Cycle Inspection · Re-inspection

    1 critical2 general Show violations
    • CriticalFood temperature

      Cold food was kept warmer than 41°F, where bacteria can grow.

      Official wording (code 02G)

      Cold TCS food item held above 41 °F; smoked or processed fish held above 38 °F; intact raw eggs held above 45 °F; or reduced oxygen packaged (ROP) TCS foods held above required temperatures except during active necessary preparation.

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing was missing protection against backflow, or floors didn’t drain properly.

      Official wording (code 10B)

      Anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device not provided where required; equipment or floor not properly drained; sewage disposal system in disrepair or not functioning properly. Condensation or liquid waste improperly disposed of.

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Non-food surfaces or equipment were dirty, damaged, or made of unsuitable material.

      Official wording (code 10F)

      Non-food contact surface or equipment made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above and underneath the unit.

  2. 22 22 points (B range)

    Cycle Inspection · Initial Inspection

    Scored in the B range on an initial inspection, so no grade is given yet. A re-inspection follows.

    3 critical1 general Show violations
    • CriticalFood handling

      No one supervising the kitchen held a Food Protection Certificate.

      Official wording (code 04A)

      Food Protection Certificate (FPC) not held by manager or supervisor of food operations.

    • CriticalPests

      Mice, or signs of mice, were found.

      Official wording (code 04L)

      Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.

    • CriticalPests

      Live roaches were found.

      Official wording (code 04M)

      Live roaches in facility's food or non-food area.

    • GeneralPests

      The building wasn’t pest-proofed: gaps, holes, or clutter that let rodents or insects in or give them shelter.

      Official wording (code 08A)

      Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.

More in Astoria

Source: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 6 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.