Mela Pica Pollo

1562 Saint Nicholas Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10040

Other

Last inspected: May 6, 2026

Score

High Risk NYC Grade: Pending

There aren't many inspections to draw from yet: just two so far. On May 6, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.

The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around two violations to closer to 10 violations.

The city-wide average sits at 77, which Mela Pica Pollo's 37 doesn't quite reach. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

May 6, 2026

Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection

5 critical violations. 5 minor violations.

View 10 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

Food protection certificate (fpc) not held by manager or supervisor of food operations.

04A

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

02B

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

06D

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

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

09C

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

“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

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

Failure to post or conspicuously post healthy eating information

20-08

Aug 15, 2024

Pre-permit (Non-operational) / Initial Inspection

1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Mela Pica Pollo last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Mela Pica Pollo on file is from May 6, 2026. The public record contains two inspections in total.

How does Mela Pica Pollo compare to other restaurants in Manhattan?

Mela Pica Pollo most recently scored 37 out of 100, which is lower than the Manhattan average of 77.

Has Mela Pica Pollo's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Mela Pica Pollo have averaged around 10 violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Mela Pica Pollo 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.

Nearby Restaurants

Anita's Cuisine

1557 Saint Nicholas Avenue

Score: 58 — Medium Risk

Empanadas Monumental

1573 Saint Nicholas Avenue

Score: 78 — Low Risk

Tu Cachapa Y Mas

1573 Saint Nicholas Avenue

Score: 86 — Low Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Manhattan → Other restaurants in NYC → Other restaurants in Manhattan