Queens, NY — El Patio Lounge, an American restaurant located at 218-21 Jamaica Avenue in Queens, received a score of 46 on a health inspection conducted on February 19, 2026, according to data released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on February 23, 2026. The score places the establishment in Grade C territory, a significant decline from its previous Grade A rating.
What Inspectors Found
During the February 19 inspection, DOHMH inspectors cited El Patio Lounge for a non-critical violation related to equipment and surface maintenance. Specifically, the restaurant was cited under violation code 10F for non-food contact surfaces or equipment that were 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.
While no critical violations were documented during this inspection cycle, the single non-critical violation contributed to the overall score of 46 points. It is worth noting that the DOHMH scoring system is cumulative, and the total score reflects the sum of all point values assigned during the inspection. A score of 46 indicates that additional conditions observed during the inspection contributed to the elevated total beyond what a single non-critical violation would typically produce.
The action recorded by DOHMH states that violations were cited in the noted area, and the restaurant remained open following the inspection.
Food Safety Context
New York City's restaurant inspection program, governed by NYC Health Code Article 81, requires all food service establishments to maintain sanitary conditions across all surfaces and equipment. The violation cited at El Patio Lounge pertains to the maintenance and cleanliness standards for non-food contact surfaces, which, while not directly involved in food preparation, can contribute to unsanitary conditions if not properly maintained.
The FDA Food Code establishes that all equipment and surfaces in food establishments must be designed, constructed, and maintained to be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable. Non-food contact surfaces that are difficult to access for cleaning can harbor debris, pests, and bacteria, potentially creating conditions that affect the overall sanitary environment of the establishment.
Under DOHMH regulations, restaurants that receive a score of 28 or higher on an initial inspection are typically scheduled for a re-inspection, during which the establishment has the opportunity to correct cited violations and potentially achieve a lower score.
Inspection History
El Patio Lounge's prior inspection record shows a notable contrast with the current results:
- October 12, 2024: Score 12 (Grade A)
The previous inspection, conducted approximately 16 months before the February 2026 visit, resulted in a Grade A score of 12 points, indicating the restaurant had maintained conditions well within acceptable standards at that time. The jump from 12 to 46 points represents a substantial change in inspection outcomes.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on the total violation points recorded during inspections. The grading scale is 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 Grade C score of 46 places El Patio Lounge well above the 28-point threshold. Restaurants receiving a Grade B or C on an initial inspection are entitled to a re-inspection, and the final grade posted is typically based on the better of the two scores.
Restaurants that disagree with their inspection results may request an adjudicatory hearing through the DOHMH Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings.
Public Resources
Consumers can verify restaurant inspection scores and violation histories through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, which is publicly accessible online. The NYC 311 service also provides information about restaurant grades and the inspection process. All inspection data referenced in this report is derived from public records made available by the City of New York.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for El Patio Lounge including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.