Brooklyn, NY — La Mesita, a Mexican restaurant located at 1513 Myrtle Avenue in Bushwick, received a score of 44 during a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection conducted on February 12, 2026. The score places the restaurant in Grade C territory, a significant decline from its previous Grade A rating.

The inspection data was released publicly by DOHMH on February 19, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

During the February 12 inspection, DOHMH inspectors identified one critical violation at the establishment:

Wiping cloths were not stored clean and dry, or in a properly prepared sanitizing solution, between uses (violation code 06F). This violation is classified as critical because improperly stored wiping cloths can become a vehicle for cross-contamination, transferring bacteria between surfaces, equipment, and food contact areas throughout the kitchen.

While only one critical violation was formally documented, the overall score of 44 indicates that additional point deductions were assessed during the inspection. Under the DOHMH scoring system, each violation carries a specific point value, and the cumulative total determines the restaurant's letter grade.

Food Safety Context

The improper storage of wiping cloths is addressed under multiple food safety regulatory frameworks. NYC Health Code Article 81 requires that food service establishments maintain sanitary conditions throughout all areas where food is prepared, stored, and served. The FDA Food Code further specifies that wiping cloths used for cleaning food contact surfaces must be stored in a sanitizing solution of appropriate concentration between uses.

Wiping cloths are considered a common source of bacterial cross-contamination in restaurant kitchens. When cloths are not stored in sanitizing solution or allowed to dry properly between uses, they can harbor and spread pathogens including Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. The FDA Food Code recommends that in-use wet wiping cloths be kept in a chemical sanitizer solution at the proper concentration — typically 50-100 ppm chlorine, 200 ppm quaternary ammonium, or 12.5-25 ppm iodine.

A score of 44 places La Mesita well above the 28-point threshold for a Grade C designation. This represents the restaurant's highest recorded score and its first time receiving a grade in the C range based on available inspection history.

Inspection History

La Mesita's prior inspection record shows fluctuating scores over the past four years:

  • November 23, 2024: Score 13 (Grade A)
  • January 29, 2024: Score 35
  • November 12, 2022: Score 12 (Grade A)
  • March 18, 2022: Score 24

The restaurant had achieved its most recent Grade A in November 2024 with a score of 13, making the jump to a 44 a notable shift. The January 2024 inspection had also resulted in an elevated score of 35, suggesting that the establishment has experienced periodic compliance challenges. However, the February 2026 score of 44 represents the highest point total in the restaurant's available inspection history.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system, administered by DOHMH, assigns letter grades based on the total points accumulated during an inspection. Points are assessed for each violation found, with more serious violations carrying higher point values:

  • 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 have the option to request a re-inspection. During the period between the initial inspection and the re-inspection, the restaurant may post a "Grade Pending" card rather than the letter grade. If the re-inspection results in a lower score, the improved grade is posted.

All New York City restaurant inspection results are public record and can be accessed through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database. Consumers can search for any restaurant's current grade, inspection history, and specific violations cited.

Residents seeking additional information about food safety standards in New York City can visit the DOHMH website or call 311. Inspection data referenced in this report reflects records available through the DOHMH open data portal as of the data release date of February 19, 2026.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for La Mesita including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.