La Gualacena

178 Wyckoff Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Mexican / Latin
Last inspected: Mar 6, 2026
64
Score
Medium Risk NYC Grade: Pending

Going back to 2023, La Gualacena has five inspections in the public record. The most recent report on file is from Mar 6, 2026. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.

Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around five violations lately and about eight violations before that.

The pattern that stands out is “anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device not provided”, which has been cited four times.

That's lower than the typical Brooklyn restaurant, which scores around 77. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.

5
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 6, 2026
Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection
2 critical violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Evidence of rats or live rats in establishment's food or non-food areas.
04K
After cooking or removal from hot holding, tcs food not cooled by an approved method whereby the internal temperature is reduced from 140 °f to 70 °f or less within 2 hours, and from 70 °f to 41 °f or less within 4 additional hours.
02H
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
Mechanical or natural ventilation not provided, inadequate, improperly installed, in disrepair or fails to prevent and control excessive build-up of grease, heat, steam condensation, vapors, odors, smoke or fumes.
10D
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
08A
64
Feb 3, 2026
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
2 critical violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Evidence of rats or live rats in establishment's food or non-food areas.
04K
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
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
08A
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
Dishwashing and ware washing: cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient.
10G
64
Aug 6, 2025
Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection
8 critical violations. 4 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Hot tcs food item not held at or above 140 °f.
02B
Live roaches in facility's food or non-food area.
04M
After cooking or removal from hot holding, tcs food not cooled by an approved method whereby the internal temperature is reduced from 140 °f to 70 °f or less within 2 hours, and from 70 °f to 41 °f or less within 4 additional hours.
02H
Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.
04L
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
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
Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with haccp plan.
04H
Evidence of rats or live rats in establishment's food or non-food areas.
04K
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
Pesticide not properly labeled or used by unlicensed individual. pesticide, other toxic chemical improperly used/stored. unprotected, unlocked bait station used.
08C
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
25
Jan 13, 2025
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
3 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 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
Hot tcs food item not held at or above 140 °f.
02B
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
61
Oct 18, 2023
Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection
3 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
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
After cooking or removal from hot holding, tcs food not cooled by an approved method whereby the internal temperature is reduced from 140 °f to 70 °f or less within 2 hours, and from 70 °f to 41 °f or less within 4 additional hours.
02H
Insufficient or no hot holding, cold storage or cold holding equipment provided to maintain time/temperature control for safety foods (tcs) at required temperatures
05F
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
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
58

Frequently Asked Questions

When was La Gualacena last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at La Gualacena on file is from Mar 6, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at La Gualacena?

Across the inspection record, “anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device not provided” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at La Gualacena.

How does La Gualacena compare to other restaurants in Brooklyn?

La Gualacena most recently scored 64 out of 100, which is lower than the Brooklyn average of 77.

Has La Gualacena's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at La Gualacena have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at La Gualacena 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 La Gualacena inspected?

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