B

El Gallo Negro

41-34c Crescent Street, Queens, NY 11101

Mexican Queensbridge-Ravenswood-Long Island City (347) 507-1977

Grade B · as of May 11, 2026

El Gallo Negro was last inspected on May 11, 2026 and scored 27 points (B range). Inspectors found 5 violations, 3 of them critical.

Latest inspection

May 11, 2026 · Cycle Inspection · Re-inspection

B

Score: 27 points (B range)

3 critical1 general1 paperwork
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • CriticalFood temperature

    Cooked food wasn’t cooled down quickly enough.

    Official wording (code 02H)

    After cooking or removal from hot holding, TCS food not cooled by an approved method whereby the internal temperature is reduced from 140 °F to 70 °F or less within 2 hours, and from 70 °F to 41 °F or less within 4 additional hours.

  • 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.

  • PaperworkFood handling

    No “wash hands” sign at the hand sink.

    Official wording (code 09E)

    Wash hands sign not posted near or above hand washing sink.

ABAug 14, 2023: 383823/08Sep 6, 2023: 525223/09Sep 21, 2023: 212123/09Nov 7, 2024: 121224/11Mar 2, 2026: 222226/03May 11, 2026: 272726/05
Inspection scores over time. Lower is better: 0–13 is an A, 14–27 a B, 28 or more a C.

Inspection history

7 inspections on record

  1. 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.

    2 critical3 general Show violations
    • 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.

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Someone was eating, drinking, or smoking in a food prep or dishwashing area.

      Official wording (code 06B)

      Tobacco or electronic cigarette use, eating, or drinking from open container in food preparation, food storage or dishwashing area.

    • 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.

    • GeneralFood handling

      Frozen food was being thawed the wrong way.

      Official wording (code 09B)

      Thawing procedure improper.

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Non-food surfaces or equipment were poorly built or maintained.

      Official wording (code 10G)

      Dishwashing and ware washing: Cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient.

  2. A 12 points (A range)

    Cycle Inspection · Initial Inspection

    2 critical Show violations
    • 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 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.

  3. 21 21 points (B range)

    Pre-permit (Operational) · Compliance Inspection

    3 critical2 general Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Wiping cloths were dirty or not kept in sanitizing solution.

      Official wording (code 06F)

      Wiping cloths not stored clean and dry, or in a sanitizing solution, between uses.

    • 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.

    • 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.

  4. C 52 points (C range)

    Pre-permit (Operational) · Re-inspection

    4 critical1 general Show violations
    • CriticalFacility

      Not enough refrigeration or hot-holding equipment to keep food at safe temperatures.

      Official wording (code 05F)

      Insufficient or no hot holding, cold storage or cold holding equipment provided to maintain Time/Temperature Control for Safety Foods (TCS) at required temperatures

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Clean utensils or equipment were stored or handled in a way that could contaminate them.

      Official wording (code 06E)

      Sanitized equipment or utensil, including in-use food dispensing utensil, improperly used or stored.

    • 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.

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Workers’ personal hygiene was inadequate (dirty clothing, no hair restraint, jewelry).

      Official wording (code 06A)

      Personal cleanliness is inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn where required. Jewelry worn on hands or arms. Fingernail polish worn or fingernails not kept clean and trimmed.

    • 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.

  5. –

    Administrative Miscellaneous · Initial Inspection · Violations were cited in the following area(s)

    1 paperwork Show violations
    • PaperworkSigns & paperwork

      Required choking first-aid or alcohol-and-pregnancy signs (or resuscitation masks) were missing.

      Official wording (code 20-04)

      “Choking first aid” poster not posted. “Alcohol and Pregnancy” warning sign not posted. Resuscitation equipment: exhaled air resuscitation masks (adult & pediatric), latex gloves, sign not posted.

  6. 38 38 points (C range)

    Pre-permit (Operational) · Initial Inspection

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

    4 critical2 general1 paperwork 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.

    • CriticalFood handling

      Damaged cans weren’t separated from good stock and labeled for return.

      Official wording (code 09A)

      Swollen, leaking, rusted or otherwise damaged canned food to be returned to distributor not segregated from intact product and clearly labeled DO NOT USE

    • 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.

    • CriticalFacility

      A hand-washing sink was missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Official wording (code 05D)

      No hand washing facility in or adjacent to toilet room or within 25 feet of a food preparation, food service or ware washing area. Hand washing facility not accessible, obstructed or used for non-hand washing purposes. No hot and cold running water or water at inadequate pressure. No soap or acceptable hand-drying device.

    • 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.

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Single-use items (cups, utensils, containers) were missing, reused, or left unprotected.

      Official wording (code 10H)

      Single service article not provided. Single service article reused or not protected from contamination when transported, stored, dispensed. Drinking straws not completely enclosed in wrapper or dispensed from a sanitary device.

    • PaperworkFood handling

      No “wash hands” sign at the hand sink.

      Official wording (code 09E)

      Wash hands sign not posted near or above hand washing sink.

More in Queensbridge-Ravenswood-Long Island City

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