El Palo Restaurant

196-25 Jamaica Avenue, Queens, NY 11423

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Oct 14, 2025

Score

Low Risk NYC Grade: A

Going back to 2023, El Palo Restaurant has four inspections in the public record. Inspectors last stopped by on Oct 14, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.

Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near two violations per visit.

The pattern that stands out is “non-food contact surface or equipment made of unacceptable material”, which has been cited two times.

Compared to the broader Queens restaurant scene, where the average is 75, this is a stronger showing. The record reflects steady performance over time.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Oct 14, 2025

Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection

1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 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

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

Mar 11, 2025

Administrative Miscellaneous / Initial Inspection

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Current letter grade or grade pending card not posted

20-06

Aug 18, 2023

Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection

3 critical violations. 1 minor violation.

View 4 violations

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

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

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

08A

Apr 26, 2023

Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection

3 critical violations. 2 minor violations.

View 5 violations

02G

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

02B

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

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

10F

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Palo Restaurant last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Palo Restaurant on file is from Oct 14, 2025. The public record contains four inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Palo Restaurant?

Across the inspection record, “non-food contact surface or equipment made of unacceptable material” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at El Palo Restaurant.

How does El Palo Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Queens?

El Palo Restaurant most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is higher than the Queens average of 75.

Has El Palo Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Palo Restaurant have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at El Palo Restaurant means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

How often is El Palo Restaurant inspected?

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

Nearby Restaurants

Sabo West Indian

196-23 Jamaica Avenue

Score: 58 — Medium Risk

Carribean Sports Bar

197-15 Jamaica Avenue

Score: 95 — Low Risk

Mama's Fried Chicken

195-29 Jamaica Avenue

Score: 18 — High Risk

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→ All locations in Queens → Mexican / Latin restaurants in NYC → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Queens