El Palenque

Name: El Palenque
Address: 181 West End Avenue, NYC, NY, 11235, US
Telephone: (718) 255-3580

181 West End Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11235

Latin American Sheepshead Bay-Gerritsen Beach-Manhattn Bch (718) 255-3580

Grade A · as of Jul 23, 2026

El Palenque was last inspected on July 23, 2026 and scored 13 points (A range). Inspectors found 2 violations, 2 of them critical.

Latest inspection

July 23, 2026 · Pre-permit (Operational) · Re-inspection

Score: 13 points (A range)

2 critical

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

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.

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

Jun 11, 2026 41 41 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 critical5 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.
- 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.
- 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
  
  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.
- GeneralFacility upkeep
  
  Fridges or hot-holding units lacked an accurate thermometer.
  
  Official wording (code 10E)
  Accurate thermometer not provided or properly located in refrigerated, cold storage or hot holding equipment
- 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.
- 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 poorly built or maintained.
  
  Official wording (code 10G)
  Dishwashing and ware washing: Cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient.
Jun 11, 2026 –

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.

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How NYC grades restaurants

Inspectors add points for each violation. Lower is better.
0–13 points earns an A. 14–27 is a B. 28 or more is a C.
A restaurant that scores 14 or more on its first inspection gets no grade yet. It is re-inspected about a month later and can display “Grade Pending” in the meantime.

Severity levels

Critical Can directly make someone sick: food temperatures, contamination, pests, hand-washing.
General Cleanliness, maintenance and facility problems.
Paperwork Missing signs, permits or paperwork.

More in Sheepshead Bay-Gerritsen Beach-Manhattn Bch

Source: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 3 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.