Tropical Jerk

217-95 Hempstead Avenue, Queens, NY 11429
Mexican / Latin
Last inspected: Apr 28, 2026
45
Score
High Risk NYC Grade: Pending

Tropical Jerk appears in inspection records six times, starting in 2023. Tropical Jerk was last inspected on Apr 28, 2026. Diners may want to take note: high risk reflects issues that a health inspector considered important.

Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around six violations lately compared to roughly three violations before.

“Food protection certificate (FPC) not held by manager or supervisor” comes up most often, recorded five times in the inspection record.

Tropical Jerk's latest score of 45 falls below the Queens average of 75. This restaurant has more on its record than most do.

6
Inspections
4
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 28, 2026
Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection
4 critical violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food protection certificate (fpc) not held by manager or supervisor of food operations.
04A
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
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
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
Dishwashing and ware washing: cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient.
10G
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
08A
45
Jan 12, 2026
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
3 critical violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 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
Design, construction, materials used or maintenance of food contact surface improper. surface not easily cleanable, sanitized and maintained.
09C
Current letter grade or grade pending card not posted
20-06
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
55
Jun 26, 2025
Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection
3 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 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
Hot tcs food item not held at or above 140 °f.
02B
Food protection certificate (fpc) not held by manager or supervisor of food operations.
04A
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
08A
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
May 22, 2025
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
2 critical violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hot tcs food item not held at or above 140 °f.
02B
Food protection certificate (fpc) not held by manager or supervisor of food operations.
04A
Thawing procedure improper.
09B
Accurate thermometer not provided or properly located in refrigerated, cold storage or hot holding equipment
10E
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
64
Feb 16, 2024
Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection
2 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 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
Food protection certificate (fpc) not held by manager or supervisor of food operations.
04A
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
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
67
Apr 24, 2023
Administrative Miscellaneous / Initial Inspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Current letter grade or grade pending card not posted
20-06
95

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Tropical Jerk last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Tropical Jerk on file is from Apr 28, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Tropical Jerk?

Across the inspection record, “food protection certificate (FPC) not held by manager or supervisor” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Tropical Jerk.

How does Tropical Jerk compare to other restaurants in Queens?

Tropical Jerk most recently scored 45 out of 100, which is lower than the Queens average of 75.

Has Tropical Jerk's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Tropical Jerk have averaged around six violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Tropical Jerk 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.

How often is Tropical Jerk inspected?

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