A

El Rey

25-21 Astoria Boulevard, Queens, NY 11102

Mexican Old Astoria (718) 545-2292

Grade A · as of Sep 19, 2024

El Rey was last inspected on February 6, 2026 and scored 32 points (C range). Inspectors found 4 violations, 4 of them critical.

Latest inspection

February 6, 2026 · Cycle Inspection · Initial Inspection

32

Score: 32 points (C range)

4 critical

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

  • 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.

  • CriticalFood source

    Shellfish lacked proper source tags or the tags weren’t kept for 90 days.

    Official wording (code 03B)

    Shellfish not from approved source, not or improperly tagged/labeled; tags not retained for 90 days.

  • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

    Surfaces that touch food weren’t properly washed and sanitized.

    Official wording (code 06D)

    Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.

  • 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.

ABApr 27, 2023: 111123/04Sep 19, 2024: 131324/09Feb 6, 2026: 323226/02
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 13 points (A range)

    Cycle Inspection · Initial 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.

    • GeneralPests

      Pesticides were used or stored improperly, or open bait was used.

      Official wording (code 08C)

      Pesticide not properly labeled or used by unlicensed individual. Pesticide, other toxic chemical improperly used/stored. Unprotected, unlocked bait station used.

    • 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. A 11 points (A range)

    Cycle Inspection · Initial Inspection

    1 critical1 general Show violations
    • CriticalFood handling

      Workers touched ready-to-eat food with bare hands.

      Official wording (code 04C)

      Food worker/food vendor does not use utensil or other barrier to eliminate bare hand contact with food that will not receive adequate additional heat treatment.

    • 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.

More in Old Astoria

Source: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 9 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.