Queens, NY — Don Julio Bar & Restaurant, a Mexican restaurant located at 39-20 104th Street in Queens, received a Grade B following a New York City health inspection conducted March 24, 2026. The restaurant's score of 25 places it near the upper boundary of the B range, two points from the threshold at which a Grade C is issued. Inspection data was released by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 27, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors documented four violations during the visit — two critical and two non-critical.

The most serious finding was evidence of mice in the establishment's food or non-food areas, cited under Code 04L. Mouse activity in a food service environment poses direct risks of contamination and is classified as a critical violation under NYC Health Code Article 81.

A second critical violation was recorded under Code 06F: wiping cloths were not stored clean and dry, or in an approved sanitizing solution, between uses. The FDA Food Code requires that sanitizing cloths be held in a solution of appropriate concentration when not in active use, a practice designed to prevent bacterial cross-contamination on food-contact surfaces.

Inspectors also noted two non-critical violations. Code 10F cited non-food contact surfaces or equipment made of unacceptable materials, not kept clean, or not properly sealed or spaced to allow cleaning on all sides. Code 19-10 cited a failure to display required signage informing customers about plastic straw availability, as mandated under New York City regulations.

Food Safety Context

Critical violations under NYC Health Code Article 81 represent conditions with a direct or significant potential to contribute to foodborne illness. Evidence of rodent activity — Code 04L — is among the violations that can prompt a DOHMH inspector to recommend immediate corrective action. Establishments are expected to address critical violations before a re-inspection or may face additional enforcement action.

Improper wiping cloth storage, while sometimes overlooked, is a recognized transmission pathway for pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli. The FDA Food Code Section 3-304.14 specifically addresses this practice.

Inspection History

Don Julio Bar & Restaurant's prior inspection record shows a notably different outcome:

  • August 20, 2024: Score 11 (Grade A)

The jump from a score of 11 to 25 represents a significant increase across inspection cycles. DOHMH inspects most restaurants at least once per year, and scores can fluctuate based on conditions present at the time of each visit.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City issues letter grades to restaurants based on inspection scores under the following scale:

  • A: 0–13 points (lowest number of violations)
  • B: 14–27 points
  • C: 28 or more points

A score of 25 falls within the B range but reflects a level of violations that, in prior inspections, has sometimes preceded a grade decline. Restaurants receiving a B or C grade may request a re-inspection, at which point a new grade is issued based on the second score.

Consumers can view full inspection records, including violation details and grade history, through the DOHMH Restaurant Inspection Results database at nyc.gov/health.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Don Julio Bar & Restaurant including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.