Staten Island, NY — El Patron Restaurant & Lounge, located at 520 Bay Street, received a Grade B following a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection conducted on March 25, 2026. The restaurant recorded a score of 27, placing it at the uppermost boundary of the B range, which spans 14 to 27 points. DOHMH released the inspection data on March 31, 2026.

Inspectors cited two critical violations and one non-critical violation during the visit.

What Inspectors Found

The March inspection identified the following violations:

Inspectors documented a critical violation under Code 04H, finding that raw, cooked, or prepared food was adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with the restaurant's HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plan. This category of violation relates directly to food safety controls designed to prevent harmful contamination at key stages of food handling.

A second critical violation was recorded under Code 06F, noting that wiping cloths were not stored clean and dry, or kept in a sanitizing solution, between uses. Improper storage of wiping cloths can contribute to cross-contamination of food contact surfaces.

A non-critical violation under Code 20-06 was also cited, as the restaurant's current letter grade card or Grade Pending card was not posted in a location visible to the public, as required.

Food Safety Context

Under NYC Health Code Article 81, food service establishments are required to maintain conditions that prevent contamination and ensure safe food handling at all times. The FDA Food Code, which guides local health regulations, establishes HACCP-based protocols as a foundational element of food safety management. Code 04H violations are considered critical because they represent conditions with direct potential to cause foodborne illness if not corrected.

A score of 27 represents the highest possible score within the Grade B band. Had inspectors recorded one additional point, the restaurant would have received a Grade C. This proximity to the grade threshold underscores the significance of the violations documented during this cycle.

Inspection History

El Patron Restaurant & Lounge has been inspected multiple times in recent years. Its prior recorded scores are:

  • June 17, 2025: Score 20 (Grade B)
  • November 30, 2023: Score 13 (Grade A)
  • August 28, 2023: Score 18 (Grade B)
  • October 19, 2022: Score 7 (Grade A)

The restaurant's history shows variability across inspection cycles, including two prior Grade A results. The current score of 27 represents the highest recorded score in the available inspection history.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

DOHMH assigns letter grades to restaurants based on their inspection scores:

  • A: 0–13 points (lowest violation severity)
  • B: 14–27 points
  • C: 28 or more points

Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations. Restaurants may request a re-inspection before a grade is posted publicly.

Consumers can look up inspection records for any permitted food service establishment in New York City through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database at nyc.gov/health. Inspection reports are public record and updated as new inspections are completed.

More About This Restaurant

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