Bronx, NY — Estrellita Poblana, a Mexican restaurant located at 45 Westchester Square, received a score of 40 during a health inspection conducted on March 2, 2026, according to data released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 4, 2026. The score places the restaurant in Grade C territory, a significant decline from its recent history of Grade A results.
Inspectors documented one critical violation and one non-critical violation during the visit.
What Inspectors Found
The most serious finding involved improper cold food storage temperatures. Inspectors cited the restaurant under violation code 02G for holding cold time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food items above 41°F. This critical violation applies to foods that require refrigeration to prevent bacterial growth, including items such as dairy products, prepared meats, cut vegetables, and cooked foods held for later service. The regulation also covers smoked or processed fish held above 38°F, intact raw eggs held above 45°F, and reduced oxygen packaged TCS foods held above their required temperatures.
When cold TCS foods are stored above their mandated temperature thresholds, the risk of bacterial multiplication increases. Pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli can reach dangerous levels in foods held in the temperature danger zone for extended periods.
Inspectors also documented a non-critical violation under code 10F, citing 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 classified as non-critical, this type of violation can contribute to unsanitary conditions if left unaddressed.
Food Safety Context
NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes the regulatory framework for food service establishments in New York City. The code requires that all cold TCS foods be maintained at or below 41°F to inhibit bacterial growth, consistent with guidelines set forth in the FDA Food Code. These temperature requirements are among the most fundamental food safety controls in restaurant operations.
The DOHMH inspection scoring system assigns point values to each violation based on severity. Critical violations, such as improper food temperatures, carry higher point values because they represent conditions more likely to contribute to foodborne illness. A single inspection can result in a high score if critical violations are present, even when the overall number of violations is low.
The action recorded for this inspection noted that violations were cited in the identified areas. The restaurant was not closed as a result of this inspection.
Inspection History
Estrellita Poblana's recent inspection record shows a pattern of generally strong performance prior to this visit:
- November 26, 2024: Score 11 (Grade A)
- May 29, 2024: Score 22
- January 4, 2023: Score 8 (Grade A)
- January 27, 2022: Score 13 (Grade A)
The restaurant earned Grade A scores in three of its last four inspections, with scores ranging from 8 to 13 points. The May 2024 inspection resulted in a score of 22, which falls within Grade B range. The current score of 40 represents the highest point total in the restaurant's recent inspection history and marks its first result in Grade C territory during this period.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on their inspection scores. Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations:
- Grade A: 0–13 points
- Grade B: 14–27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection may request a re-inspection. The restaurant posts the grade from whichever inspection yields the better score. Establishments may also choose to post a "Grade Pending" card while awaiting adjudication through the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH).
A Grade C score does not necessarily indicate an imminent health risk but does reflect that inspectors documented conditions requiring correction. Restaurants typically have the opportunity to address cited violations and demonstrate compliance during subsequent inspections.
Consumers can look up inspection results for any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH's publicly available database or by visiting NYCRestaurantInspections.com for detailed inspection reports and history.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Estrellita Poblana including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.