Queens, NY — Cafetales, a Latin American restaurant at 78-17 Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, received a Grade B score of 25 during a health inspection conducted on March 12, 2026. The score places the restaurant near the top of the Grade B range, just three points below the Grade C threshold of 28.

The inspection data was released by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 17, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors documented three non-critical violations during the March 12 inspection. No critical violations were recorded.

Two of the three violations cited the same issue: failure to display required signage about plastic straw availability, noted under code 19-10. NYC Local Law 142 requires food service establishments to post signage informing customers that plastic straws are available upon request. The duplicate citation suggests the signage requirement was not met in more than one required location within the establishment.

The third violation, cited under code 10D, involved the restaurant's ventilation system. Inspectors found that mechanical or natural ventilation was not adequately provided, was improperly installed, in disrepair, or failed to prevent and control excessive buildup of grease, heat, steam condensation, vapors, odors, smoke, or fumes. Ventilation deficiencies can affect air quality within the establishment and contribute to conditions that may impact food safety and worker comfort.

While all three violations were classified as non-critical, the combined point total of 25 resulted in a score at the upper end of the Grade B range. Under NYC's grading system, non-critical violations can accumulate to produce a score that approaches or exceeds grade thresholds.

Food Safety Context

NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes the regulatory framework for food service establishments in the city. The FDA Food Code, which informs local regulations, emphasizes proper ventilation as a component of maintaining safe food handling environments. Adequate ventilation helps control temperature, reduce moisture, and prevent the accumulation of airborne contaminants in food preparation areas.

The signage violations, while carrying a lower individual point value, reflect compliance requirements that the city has implemented to ensure transparency for consumers.

Inspection History

Cafetales' inspection record shows notable variability over the past several years:

  • Jan 9, 2025: Score 13, Grade A
  • Aug 6, 2024: Score 36
  • Jun 5, 2023: Score 12, Grade A
  • Jan 11, 2023: Score 45, Grade C
  • Jun 7, 2022: Score 78

The restaurant had achieved a Grade A score of 13 in its most recent prior inspection in January 2025. The current score of 25 represents a 12-point increase from that inspection. The historical record also includes a Grade C score of 45 in January 2023 and a score of 78 in June 2022, indicating the establishment has experienced significant fluctuations in inspection performance.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

NYC restaurant inspection scores are assigned as follows:

  • Grade A: 0–13 points
  • Grade B: 14–27 points
  • Grade C: 28 or more points

Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations. A score of 25 falls within the Grade B range but sits near the boundary with Grade C, meaning relatively few additional violation points in a future inspection could result in a lower grade.

Consumers can verify any restaurant's inspection history through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database or by checking the grade card posted at the establishment. Detailed inspection results are public record and available at the NYC Open Data portal.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Cafetales including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.