[Editor’s note: The report mentioned here is from inspections conducted on February 12 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishment.]
During an inspection on February 12, the Los Angeles health department conducted a routine inspection at Lab 88. The restaurant flagged several health violations, including vermin and plumbing issues, which led to its temporary closure.
Lab 88
- When: February 12, 2026
- Where: 10602 Lower Azusa Rd, El Monte, CA 91731
Lab 88 is a Korean beer bar and lounge in the Los Angeles area. According to the report, the restaurant was found to be in several violations, which were:
- Food contact surfaces were observed to be neither clean nor properly sanitized.
- The food was not in good condition, potentially adulterated.
- Vermin were present in the facility, the inspection report stated.
- Toxic substances were not properly identified, stored, or used.
- Non-food contact surfaces were observed to be unclean, according to the inspection report.
- Equipment or utensils were observed to be unapproved, improperly installed, in disrepair, or lacking adequate capacity.
- The report noted that there was inadequate ventilation and/or lighting. The designated areas were not properly used.
- Plumbing fixtures were observed to be deficient, including issues with drainage or backflow prevention.
- Floors, walls, and ceilings were not properly cleaned or maintained, the report noted.
- Food subject to impoundment, voluntary condemnation and disposal (VC&D), or sampling due to violation(s).
- The permit was found to be suspended, the report said. The facility was operating without a valid permit.
More information on the report is available online.
Follow-up Inspection
The restaurant will remain closed until the violations are corrected and it passes a follow-up inspection. Once the restaurant clears the reinspection, it can reopen.
