Brooklyn, NY — El Mexicano Restaurant at 2102 East 15 Street was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following a routine inspection on March 5, 2026. The establishment received a score of 69 points, placing it in the C grade category, and was cited for three critical violations that prompted immediate closure.

According to inspection records released by DOHMH on March 9, 2026, inspectors documented evidence of mice in the establishment, inadequate handwashing facilities, and improper temperature control of hot food items. The restaurant was required to address violations requiring immediate action before being permitted to reopen.

What Inspectors Found

Health inspectors documented three critical violations during their March 5 visit to the Mexican restaurant. The violations identified pose direct risks to public health and food safety.

Inspectors found evidence of mice or live mice in the establishment's food or non-food areas, documented under violation code 04L. The presence of rodents in food service establishments creates contamination risks and indicates gaps in pest control measures and facility maintenance.

The inspection also revealed that the restaurant lacked proper handwashing facilities. Specifically, no handwashing station was available in or adjacent to the toilet room or within 25 feet of food preparation, food service, or ware washing areas. Where handwashing facilities existed, they were either not accessible, obstructed, or used for purposes other than handwashing. Additionally, inspectors noted the absence of hot and cold running water at adequate pressure, as well as missing soap or acceptable hand-drying devices.

Temperature control violations were also documented. Inspectors found that hot time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food items were not held at or above the required 140°F. TCS foods include items such as cooked meats, rice, beans, and other dishes that require specific temperature maintenance to prevent bacterial growth.

Food Safety Context

The violations cited at El Mexicano Restaurant represent breaches of NYC Health Code Article 81, which establishes minimum standards for food service establishment operations. These regulations align with the FDA Food Code, a national reference document that provides science-based guidance for preventing foodborne illness.

Handwashing facilities are considered a critical element of food safety infrastructure. The FDA Food Code requires accessible handwashing sinks with hot and cold running water, soap, and single-use towels within 25 feet of food preparation areas. Proper handwashing by food workers is the single most effective method for preventing the spread of pathogens that cause foodborne illness.

Temperature control violations pose direct health risks. Hot TCS foods must be maintained at 140°F or above to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Clostridium perfringens. When hot foods fall into the temperature danger zone between 41°F and 140°F, bacteria can multiply rapidly, potentially reaching dangerous levels within hours.

Rodent presence in food establishments creates multiple contamination pathways. Mice can carry pathogens in their fur and feces, contaminating food contact surfaces, stored ingredients, and prepared dishes. Their presence also indicates structural deficiencies or sanitation gaps that require immediate attention.

Inspection History

This represents the first documented inspection for El Mexicano Restaurant in the publicly available DOHMH database. The March 5, 2026 inspection resulted in the establishment's closure with a score of 69 points.

The absence of prior inspection records may indicate that this is a newly opened establishment or that previous inspection data predates the available public records. New restaurants typically receive an initial inspection within their first few months of operation.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City uses a letter grading system to communicate inspection results to the public. The grade a restaurant receives corresponds directly to its inspection score:

  • Grade A: 0 to 13 points (good)
  • Grade B: 14 to 27 points (fair)
  • Grade C: 28 or more points (requires improvement)

Lower scores indicate better compliance with health code requirements. Restaurants scoring 14 points or higher may request a re-inspection to improve their grade. Critical violations carry higher point values than general violations due to their direct connection to foodborne illness risk factors.

When a restaurant is closed by DOHMH, it must correct all violations requiring immediate action and pass a re-inspection before being permitted to resume operations. The closure remains in effect until inspectors verify compliance.

Public Health Resources

The DOHMH maintains a public database of restaurant inspection results at nyc.gov/health. Consumers can search for any food service establishment in New York City to review current grades, inspection scores, and violation details.

Residents who observe health code violations at food service establishments can report concerns to 311 or through the NYC 311 mobile application. The Department of Health investigates complaints and conducts inspections based on reported concerns.

For questions about foodborne illness or food safety, the DOHMH Food Safety and Community Sanitation division provides educational resources and accepts public inquiries through its website and helpline.

More About This Restaurant

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