Queens, NY — El Perro, a Latin American restaurant located at 80-26 Northern Boulevard in Jackson Heights, received a Grade B score of 23 points during a health inspection conducted on March 3, 2026. The score places the restaurant in the upper range of the Grade B category, just four points below the 28-point threshold that triggers a Grade C.
The inspection identified two non-critical violations. No critical violations were documented during the visit. The inspection data was released by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 6, 2026.
What Inspectors Found
Inspectors cited El Perro for two non-critical violations during the March 3 inspection:
The first violation, coded 20-04, noted that required safety signage was not posted. This includes the "Choking first aid" poster, the "Alcohol and Pregnancy" warning sign, and signage related to resuscitation equipment such as exhaled air resuscitation masks for both adults and pediatric patients, as well as latex gloves. Restaurants serving food in New York City are required to maintain these postings in visible locations.
The second violation, coded 10B, identified issues with plumbing and drainage infrastructure. Inspectors documented that anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention devices were not provided where required, and that equipment or flooring was not properly drained. The citation also noted improper disposal of condensation or liquid waste.
While neither violation was classified as critical — meaning no conditions were found that could directly contribute to foodborne illness — the combined point total of 23 represents a notable decline from the restaurant's prior performance.
Food Safety Context
Under NYC Health Code Article 81, all food service establishments are subject to unannounced inspections by DOHMH. Violations are assigned point values based on severity, with the total score determining the restaurant's letter grade. Back-flow prevention devices, as cited in the second violation, are required under plumbing codes to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the clean water supply, a standard also referenced in the FDA Food Code.
Missing safety signage, while not directly related to food handling, reflects compliance gaps with posting requirements mandated by New York City regulations for all establishments serving food and alcohol.
Inspection History
El Perro's inspection record shows a significant shift from its recent performance:
- Oct 3, 2024: Score 12, Grade A
- Apr 27, 2023: Score 6, Grade A
- Feb 17, 2023: Score 52
The restaurant had maintained Grade A status across its two most recent inspections prior to March 2026, with scores of 12 and 6 points respectively. The February 2023 inspection resulted in a score of 52 points, which falls in the Grade C range, indicating the restaurant has experienced scoring fluctuations in the past. The current score of 23 represents the first Grade B result since at least 2023.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on inspection scores under the DOHMH grading system:
- Grade A: 0–13 points
- Grade B: 14–27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations. El Perro's score of 23 places it in the upper portion of the Grade B range. Restaurants receiving a Grade B may request a re-inspection or contest the results through an administrative tribunal hearing.
Consumers can view the full inspection details for El Perro and all New York City restaurants through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database or by visiting NYCRestaurantInspections.com.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for El Perro including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.