New York City, NY - Health department officials identified compliance problems at El Meson II Restaurant during an inspection on 08/04/2025.
The dining establishment functions from 3517 Broadway Manhattan Ny in Morningside Heights, a well-trafficked section of New York City recognized for its restaurant culture.
Inspectors documented: "06d. Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred. (critical: critical). 02g. Cold TCS food item held." This finding indicates a need for compliance with established food safety protocols.
Among the findings were infractions involving temperature control, a key component of food safety protocols.
Industry experts consistently emphasize the critical importance of proper temperature control protocols. The USDA Safe Temperature Standards clearly states that Maintaining proper food temperatures is the most effective method for preventing bacterial growth and foodborne illness.
The inspection found infractions involving pest control, a fundamental aspect of food service operations.
Industry experts consistently emphasize the critical importance of proper pest control protocols. The FDA Food Code Standards clearly states that Federal food safety regulations require all food service establishments to maintain comprehensive pest exclusion programs.
Among the findings were infractions involving sanitation, a key component of food safety protocols.
Industry best practices require establishments to maintain rigorous cleaning schedules and equipment maintenance According to FDA Sanitation Standards, Federal regulators use FDA sanitation guidelines as the benchmark for evaluating food service establishment compliance. This regulatory framework ensures that food service establishments meet rigorous safety standards.
Beyond regulatory requirements, such infractions may affect the restaurant's standing and customer relationships. Local food safety organizations monitor inspection results to provide information to the public.
Health department officials will conduct a comprehensive re-inspection to ensure that all violations have been properly addressed. The establishment must demonstrate full compliance before the matter can be considered resolved.
Regular health inspections serve as critical safeguards for public health in New York City's dining landscape. Transparency in reporting inspection findings ensures that community members can make informed decisions about their dining options.
| BBL | 1020910032 |
| ACTION | Establishment Closed by DOHMH. Violations were cited in the following area(s) and those requiring immediate action were addressed. |
| INSPECTION TYPE | Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection |
| Census Tract | 022900 |
| ZIPCODE | 10031 |
| Council District | 07 |
| RECORD DATE | 08/15/2025 |
| BORO | Manhattan |
| CUISINE DESCRIPTION | Latin American |
| Community Board | 109 |
| CAMIS | 50143599 |
| PHONE | 9293219679 |
| INSPECTION DATE | 08/04/2025 |
| NTA | MN04 |
| BIN | 1062369 |
| DBA | EL MESON II RESTAURANT |
| Latitude | 40.82585628426 |
| SCORE | 110 |
| STREET | BROADWAY |
| BUILDING | 3517 |
| Longitude | -73.95087348124 |
| VIOLATION CODES | 06D; 02G; 04F; 05A; 04N; 06C; 04K; 04M; 08A; 10B |
| ALL VIOLATIONS | 06D: Food contact surface not properly washed; rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred. || 02G: Cold TCS food item held above 41 °F; smoked or processed fish held above 38 °F; intact raw eggs held above 45 °F; or reduced oxygen packaged (ROP) TCS foods held above required temperatures except during active necessary preparation. || 04F: Food preparation area; food storage area; or other area used by employees or patrons; contaminated by sewage or liquid waste. || 05A: Sewage disposal system is not provided; improper; inadequate or unapproved. || 04N: Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage associated with (FRSA) flies or other nuisance pests in establishment’s food and/or non-food areas. FRSA flies include house flies; blow flies; bottle flies; flesh flies; drain flies; Phorid flies and fruit flies. || 06C: Food; supplies; or equipment not protected from potential source of contamination during storage; preparation; transportation; display; service or from customer’s refillable; reusable container. Condiments not in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor. || 04K: Evidence of rats or live rats in establishment's food or non-food areas. || 04M: Live roaches in facility's food or non-food area. || 08A: Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents; insects or other pests. || 10B: Anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device not provided where required; equipment or floor not properly drained; sewage disposal system in disrepair or not functioning properly. Condensation or liquid waste improperly disposed of. |
This inspection was conducted on August 4, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were found: 06D: Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred. | 02G: Cold TCS food item held above 41 °F; smoked or processed fish held above 38 °F; intact raw eggs held above 45 °F; or reduced oxygen packaged (ROP) TCS foods held above required temperatures except during active necessary preparation. | 04F: Food preparation area, food storage area, or other area used by employees or patrons, contaminated by sewage or liquid waste. | 05A: Sewage disposal system is not provided, improper, inadequate or unapproved. | 04N: Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage associated with (FRSA) flies or other nuisance pests in establishment’s food and/or non-food areas. FRSA flies include house flies, blow flies, bottle flies, flesh flies, drain flies, Phorid flies and fruit flies. | 06C: Food, supplies, or equipment not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, service or from customer’s refillable, reusable container. Condiments not in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor. | 04K: Evidence of rats or live rats in establishment's food or non-food areas. | 04M: Live roaches in facility's food or non-food area. | 08A: Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests. | 10B: Anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device not provided where required; equipment or floor not properly drained; sewage disposal system in disrepair or not functioning properly. Condensation or liquid waste improperly disposed of..
Health code violations can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Common concerns include improper food temperatures (which can allow bacteria growth), inadequate handwashing facilities (which can spread germs), pest activity (which can contaminate food), and cross-contamination risks. These violations are monitored by health departments to ensure public safety and prevent foodborne illness outbreaks.
All inspection data for this report is sourced directly from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene . View the original data source .
Food safety standards referenced in this report are based on:
Important Note: This article is based on official inspection reports at the time of inspection. Current conditions may differ. Always check the most recent inspection results before dining. Establishments have the opportunity to correct violations and request re-inspection.
