Empire Taco

617 Wilson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207
Mexican / Latin
Last inspected: Mar 12, 2026
70
Score
Medium Risk NYC Grade: A

Across the available record, Empire Taco has four inspections on file, the first dated 2024. The most recent visit was on Mar 12, 2026. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.

Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near three violations each time.

Across the inspection history, “non-food contact surface or equipment made of unacceptable material” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded two times.

Restaurants in Brooklyn average 77, so Empire Taco trails the local norm. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.

4
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 12, 2026
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
2 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 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
Wiping cloths not stored clean and dry, or in a sanitizing solution, between uses.
06F
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
70
Nov 7, 2025
Cycle Inspection / Reopening Inspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 5, 2025
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
4 critical violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Personal cleanliness is inadequate. outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. effective hair restraint not worn where required. jewelry worn on hands or arms. fingernail polish worn or fingernails not kept clean and trimmed.
06A
Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with haccp plan.
04H
Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
06D
Live roaches in facility's food or non-food area.
04M
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
Contract with a pest management professional not in place. record of extermination activities not kept on premises.
28-06
47
Jun 10, 2024
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
3 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.
04L
Live roaches in facility's food or non-food area.
04M
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
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
08A
61

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Empire Taco last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Empire Taco on file is from Mar 12, 2026. The public record contains four inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Empire Taco?

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 Empire Taco.

How does Empire Taco compare to other restaurants in Brooklyn?

Empire Taco most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Brooklyn average of 77.

Has Empire Taco's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Empire Taco have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Empire Taco 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 Empire Taco inspected?

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