El Despertar Marlene

849 Prospect Avenue, Bronx, NY 10459

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Feb 3, 2026

Score

High Risk NYC Grade: Pending

Going back to 2024, El Despertar Marlene has four inspections in the public record. The newest entry in the record is dated Feb 3, 2026. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.

The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around three violations to closer to 12 violations.

“Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F” comes up most often, recorded four times in the inspection record.

Restaurants in Bronx average 77, so El Despertar Marlene 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

Feb 3, 2026

Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection

5 critical violations. 7 minor violations.

View 12 violations

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

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

04L

Hot tcs food item not held at or above 140 °f.

02B

Live animal other than fish in tank or service animal present in facility’s food or non-food area.

04O

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

04H

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

Failure to post or conspicuously post healthy eating information

20-08

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

Food allergy information poster not conspicuously posted where food is being prepared or processed by food workers.

20-01

Design, construction, materials used or maintenance of food contact surface improper. surface not easily cleanable, sanitized and maintained.

09C

Jan 13, 2026

Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection

3 critical violations. 1 minor violation.

View 4 violations

Hot tcs food item not held at or above 140 °f.

02B

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

04L

Live animal other than fish in tank or service animal present in facility’s food or non-food area.

04O

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

08A

Dec 6, 2024

Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection

1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

Hot tcs food item not held at or above 140 °f.

02B

10B

Jan 11, 2024

Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection

5 critical violations. 8 minor violations.

View 13 violations

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

06F

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

06D

Hot tcs food item not held at or above 140 °f.

02B

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

04H

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

04L

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.

10H

Design, construction, materials used or maintenance of food contact surface improper. surface not easily cleanable, sanitized and maintained.

09C

Providing single-use, non-compostable plastic straws to customers without customer request (including providing such straws at a self-serve station)

19-06

10F

Thawing procedure improper.

09B

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

08A

10B

Failure to display required signage about plastic straw availability

19-10

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Despertar Marlene last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Despertar Marlene on file is from Feb 3, 2026. The public record contains four inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Despertar Marlene?

Across the inspection record, “hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at El Despertar Marlene.

How does El Despertar Marlene compare to other restaurants in Bronx?

El Despertar Marlene most recently scored 33 out of 100, which is lower than the Bronx average of 77.

Has El Despertar Marlene's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at El Despertar Marlene have averaged around 12 violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at El Despertar Marlene 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 El Despertar Marlene inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, El Despertar Marlene is inspected around two times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Colony Fried Chicken

864 Prospect Avenue

Score: 67 — Medium Risk

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