Cantina Taqueria & Tequilia Bar

2099 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, Manhattan, NY

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: May 14, 2025

Score

Medium Risk NYC Grade: A

Across the available record, Cantina Taqueria & Tequilia Bar has three inspections on file, the first dated 2022. The most recent report on file is from May 14, 2025. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.

Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around five violations across recent inspections versus roughly seven violations before.

When inspectors have written things up, “food contact surface not properly washed” has been the most frequent reason, cited two times.

By comparison, the average Manhattan facility scores 77, putting Cantina Taqueria & Tequilia Bar on the weaker side. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

May 14, 2025

Administrative Miscellaneous / Initial Inspection

2 critical violations. 3 minor violations.

View 5 violations

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

06D

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

06F

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

Food protection certificate not available for inspection

18-11

Current letter grade or grade pending card not posted

20-06

Aug 16, 2023

Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection

4 critical violations. 2 minor violations.

View 6 violations

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.

06C

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

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

04K

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

04L

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

08A

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

Jun 15, 2022

Administrative Miscellaneous / Initial Inspection

4 critical violations. 4 minor violations.

View 8 violations

Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.

06C

Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.

04L

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

06D

Personal cleanliness inadequate. outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. effective hair restraint not worn in an area where food is prepared.

06A

Bulb not shielded or shatterproof, in areas where there is extreme heat, temperature changes, or where accidental contact may occur.

22C

Non-food contact surface improperly constructed. unacceptable material used. non-food contact surface or equipment improperly maintained and/or not properly sealed, raised, spaced or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above and underneath the unit.

10F

Facility not vermin proof. harborage or conditions conducive to attracting vermin to the premises and/or allowing vermin to exist.

08A

“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.

20D

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Cantina Taqueria & Tequilia Bar last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Cantina Taqueria & Tequilia Bar on file is from May 14, 2025. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Cantina Taqueria & Tequilia Bar?

Across the inspection record, “food contact surface not properly washed” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Cantina Taqueria & Tequilia Bar.

How does Cantina Taqueria & Tequilia Bar compare to other restaurants in Manhattan?

Cantina Taqueria & Tequilia Bar most recently scored 64 out of 100, which is lower than the Manhattan average of 77.

Has Cantina Taqueria & Tequilia Bar's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Cantina Taqueria & Tequilia Bar have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Cantina Taqueria & Tequilia Bar means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

How often is Cantina Taqueria & Tequilia Bar inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Cantina Taqueria & Tequilia Bar is inspected roughly once per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Shun Lee Palace

155 East 55 Street

Score: 64 — Medium Risk

Merchants Cigar Bar / Tradewell Park

Score: 43 — High Risk

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