Celebrity Hot Spot La Esquina Shut Down — Again Updated August 17, 2010 7:34pm

The Department of Health shut down La Esquina Monday, but the restaurant indicated plans to reopen Tuesday night. (DNAinfo/Tara Kyle)

By Tara Kyle

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

NoLIta — The Department of Health closed down taco hot spot La Esquina after a Monday restaurant inspection, marking the celeb-frequented eatery’s second shutdown since May.

La Esquina's "critical" violations included inadequate refrigeration and holding large amounts of food above maximum temperatures, according to the Department of Health.

In total, the restaurant racked up 64 violation points — well above the 28 necessary to earn a "C" letter grade under the department's new system.

Signage at the restaurant’s 106 Kenmare Street storefront indicated La Esquina hopes to reopen at dinnertime Tuesday following “mechanical repairs to the kitchen.” Workers on site at the restaurant Tuesday afternoon declined to comment.

La Esquina's Kenmare Street entrance is a fixture of NoLIta nightlife. (DNAinfo/Tara Kyle)

In order for La Esquina to reopen, they must correct those violations and pass a re-opening inspection, according to the Department of Health.

Last May, structural conditions “imminently perilous to life,” led the Department of Buildings to close La Esquina for about a week.

La Esquina’s “secret” underground passageway and cellar level restaurant have helped it earn big name fans including George Clooney, Kate Hudson and Julia Roberts.

But “combustible ceilings and inadequate egress” in those same area’s provoked the Department of Building’s spring shutdown.

La Esquina’s management could not be reached for comment.