El Vaquerito

54-11 Northern Boulevard, Queens, NY 11377
Mexican / Latin
Last inspected: Feb 20, 2026
74
Score
Medium Risk NYC Grade: A

Public records show four inspections at El Vaquerito stretching back to 2023. The newest entry in the record is dated Feb 20, 2026. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.

Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around four violations each.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “non-food contact surface or equipment made of unacceptable material”, showing up three times.

El Vaquerito scores about where you'd expect for a Queens restaurant. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.

4
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 20, 2026
Administrative Miscellaneous / Initial Inspection
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Sanitized equipment or utensil, including in-use food dispensing utensil, improperly used or stored.
06E
“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.
20-04
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
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
74
Nov 25, 2024
Cycle Inspection / Re-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
Thawing procedure improper.
09B
82
Jun 10, 2024
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
4 critical violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Sanitized equipment or utensil, including in-use food dispensing utensil, improperly used or stored.
06E
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
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
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
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
Thawing procedure improper.
09B
47
Mar 7, 2023
Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
06D
Thawing procedure improper.
09B
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
78

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Vaquerito last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Vaquerito on file is from Feb 20, 2026. The public record contains four inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Vaquerito?

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

How does El Vaquerito compare to other restaurants in Queens?

El Vaquerito most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is about the same as the Queens average of 75.

Has El Vaquerito's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Vaquerito have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at El Vaquerito 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 El Vaquerito inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, El Vaquerito is inspected roughly once per year on average.