Cantina 138

138 Havemeyer Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Nov 19, 2025

Score

High Risk NYC Grade: Pending

Cantina 138 appears in inspection records four times, starting in 2023. Cantina 138 was last inspected on Nov 19, 2025. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.

The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around seven violations each, up from closer to three violations before.

Across the inspection history, “establishment is not free of harborage or conditions” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded three times.

Restaurants in Brooklyn average 77, so Cantina 138 trails the local norm. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Nov 19, 2025

Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection

5 critical violations. 2 minor violations.

View 7 violations

Properly scaled and calibrated thermometer or thermocouple not provided or not readily accessible in food preparation and hot/cold holding areas to measure temperatures of tcs foods during cooking, cooling, reheating, and holding.

04J

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

04L

Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with haccp plan.

04H

Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage associated with (frsa) flies or other nuisance pests in establishment’s food and/or non-food areas. frsa flies include house flies, blow flies, bottle flies, flesh flies, drain flies, phorid flies and fruit flies.

04N

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

06D

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.

10F

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

08A

Mar 7, 2024

Pre-permit (Operational) / Compliance Inspection

1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.

View 3 violations

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.

02G

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

10G

Current letter grade or grade pending card not posted

20-06

Jul 21, 2023

Pre-permit (Operational) / Re-inspection

2 critical violations. 1 minor violation.

View 3 violations

04N

Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with haccp plan.

04H

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

08A

Jun 28, 2023

Pre-permit (Operational) / Initial Inspection

3 critical violations. 4 minor violations.

View 7 violations

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

04K

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

06D

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.

05D

10F

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.

10B

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

08A

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

10G

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Cantina 138 last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Cantina 138 on file is from Nov 19, 2025. The public record contains four inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Cantina 138?

Across the inspection record, “establishment is not free of harborage or conditions” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Cantina 138.

How does Cantina 138 compare to other restaurants in Brooklyn?

Cantina 138 most recently scored 43 out of 100, which is lower than the Brooklyn average of 77.

Has Cantina 138's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Cantina 138 have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Cantina 138 means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.

How often is Cantina 138 inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Cantina 138 is inspected around two times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Nara Chicken Korean Cuisine

137 Havemeyer Street

Score: 70 — Medium Risk

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