A

La Esquina

421 8th Ave, NY 10116

Mexican (212) 920-7434

Grade A · as of Aug 26, 2025

La Esquina was last inspected on August 26, 2025 and scored 12 points (A range). Inspectors found 2 violations, 2 of them critical.

Latest inspection

August 26, 2025 · Cycle Inspection · Initial Inspection

A

Score: 12 points (A range)

2 critical
  • 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

    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.

ABMay 15, 2024: 242424/05Aug 26, 2025: 121225/08
Inspection scores over time. Lower is better: 0–13 is an A, 14–27 a B, 28 or more a C.

Inspection history

2 inspections on record

  1. 24 24 points (B range)

    Pre-permit (Operational) · Initial Inspection

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

    3 critical2 general Show violations
    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

Source: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 14 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.