El Norteno Tacos Bar
Last inspected: Mar 19, 2026
100
Score
Public records show five inspections at El Norteno Tacos Bar stretching back to 2024. The latest inspection on file is from Mar 19, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around zero violations, down from roughly four violations earlier in the record.
The pattern that stands out is “plumbing fixture installation”, which has been cited three times.
The city-wide average for Houston sits at 88, putting El Norteno Tacos Bar on the better side of that line. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 19, 2026
Routine
No violations found.
100
Feb 21, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Feb 4, 2025
Reinspection (002)
9 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 9 violations
Special requirements. shellstock tags. the date when the last shellstock from the container are sold or served not recorded on the tag or label.
20-21.01(b)(03)b
Cross contamination. except as specified in subitem c of this item, food not protected from cross contamination by separating raw animal foods during storage, preparation, holding and display from: raw ready to eat foods including other raw animal food such as fish for sushi or molluscan shellfish or other raw ready to eat food such as vegetables; cooked ready to eat foods. frozen, commercially processed and packaged raw animal food may be stored or displayed with or above frozen, commercially processed and packaged, ready to eat food.
(corrected on site)
20-21.02(b)(01)
Cross contamination. except when combined as ingredients, raw animal foods such as fish, beef, lamb, pork, and poultry not separated from each other during storage, preparation, holding, and display by: using separate equipment for each type of food; preparing each type of food at different times or in separate areas; and arranging each type of food in equipment so that cross contamination of one type with another is prevented.
(corrected on site)
20-21.02(b)(02)
Refrigerated storage. cold storage of foods. time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food not maintained at 41°f (5°c) in cold storage.
(corrected on site)
20-21.03(b)(09)
Refrigerated storage. date marking of ready to eat foods. time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) / ready to eat food opened / prepared / packaged and held refrigerated for more than 24 hours not clearly marked to indicate “time food is opened / prepared” and “disposition date”.
(corrected on site)
20-21.03(b)(10)b
Cooking time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) foods. consumer advisory (disclosure). when animal food such as beef / eggs / fish / lamb / milk / pork / poultry / shellfish are served or sold raw / undercooked / without otherwise being processed to eliminate pathogens either in ready to eat form or as an ingredient in another ready to eat food (except as specified in items (03) and (08) of this subsection) not including a description of the animal-derived foods, such as \"oysters on the half shell (raw oysters)\", \"raw-egg caesar salad\", and \"hamburgers (can be cooked to order) / identification of the animal-derived foods in a menu or other listing by asterisking them to a footnote that states that the items are served raw or undercooked or contain (or may contain) raw or undercooked ingredients.
20-21.04(c)(06)
Plumbing fixture installation. plumbing fixtures, including compartment type utensil-and-food sinks, hand-washing sinks and mop or utility sinks, not installed to preclude splashes from running down mounting surfaces behind and adjacent to the fixture. acceptable installation methods include a liquid tight seal between fixture and mounting surface, insertion into a precut counter, table or cabinet with a perimeter seal or any other effective method. all materials used shall be safe, smooth, impervious and easily cleanable.
20-21.10(m)
Materials; general. single-service and single-use articles not made from clean, sanitary, safe materials. materials that are used in the construction of utensils and food-contact surfaces of equipment and single-service and single-use articles allowing the migration of deleterious substances, or imparting odors, color, or taste to, or contributing to the contamination of food under normal use conditions.
20-21.10(a)
Openings. outside openings not protected against the entrance of insects by filling or closing holes and other gaps along floors / walls / ceilings / tight-fitting, self-closing doors, kept closed / closed windows / screening / properly designed and installed air curtains to control flying insects / other means.
20-21.21(b)
64
Aug 21, 2024
Reinspection (002)
23 minor violations. 10 corrected on site.
View 23 violations
Condemnation and disposition of contaminated food. tagged food / equipment used/not held pursuant pending disposition.
(corrected on site)
20-02
Applicability of article; compliance; penalty for violation; variances, etc. permit holder / person in charge of the food establishment / mobile food unit not in compliance in accordance with provisions of article ii concerning food storage / food preparation / food display / training of employees in basic food safety principles including allergy awareness / not ensuring that food and conditional employees are informed of their responsibility to report information regarding health and activities as they relate to diseases that are transmissible through food / not ensuring written procedures and plans are developed by the food establishment are maintained / implemented.
(corrected on site)
20-19(d)
8-304.11(k) the permit holder shall notify customers that a copy of the most recent establishment inspection report is available upon request by posting a sign or placard in a location in the food establishment that is conspicuous to customers or by another method acceptable to the regulatory authority.
20-20(c)
Special requirements. shellstock tags. the identity of the source of shellstock that are sold or served not maintained by retaining shellstock tags or labels for 90 calendar days from the date that is recorded on the tag or label, as specified under item (03)b of this subsection by using an approved record keeping system that keeps the tags or labels in chronological order correlated to the date that is recorded on the tag or label, as specified under item (03)b of this subsection.
20-21.01(b)(03)c[01]
Special requirements. fish. records, creation and retention. except as specified in subsection (b)(08)a of this section and part [02] of this subitem, raw, raw-marinated, partially cooked, or marinated-partially cooked fish served / sold in ready to eat form, the person in charge failed to record the freezing temperature and time to which the fish were subjected / failed to retain and have accessible the records of the food establishment for 90 calendar days beyond the time of service or sale of the fish. if the fish are frozen by a supplier, a written agreement or statement from the supplier stipulating that the fish supplied are frozen to a temperature and for a time specified under section 20-21.03(b)(08) of this code, may substitute for the records specified under part [01] of this subitem.
(corrected on site)
20-21.01(b)(08)b[01]
General. the internal temperature of time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food not maintained at 41°f (05°c) or below or 135°f (57°c) or above at all times, except as otherwise provided in this article or unless a packaged product is so labeled as exempted and approved by the appropriate state or federal health authority.
(corrected on site)
20-21.02(a)(01)
Refrigerated storage. date marking of ready to eat foods. time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) / ready to eat food opened / prepared / packaged and held refrigerated for more than 24 hours not clearly marked to indicate “time food is opened / prepared” and “disposition date”.
20-21.03(b)(10)b
General. container of food not stored in the manner that protects food from splash and other contamination.
(corrected on site)
20-21.03(a)(02)
Thawing time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food. reduced oxygen packaged fish that bears a label indicating that it is to be kept frozen until time of use not removed from the reduced oxygen environment prior to thawing under refrigeration as specified in item (01) of this subsection, or prior to, or immediately upon completion of thawing using procedures specified in item (02) of this subsection.
(corrected on site)
20-21.04(j)
Cooking time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) foods. consumer advisory (disclosure). when animal food such as beef / eggs / fish / lamb / milk / pork / poultry / shellfish are served or sold raw / undercooked / without otherwise being processed to eliminate pathogens either in ready to eat form or as an ingredient in another ready to eat food (except as specified in items (03) and (08) of this subsection) not including a description of the animal-derived foods, such as \"oysters on the half shell (raw oysters)\", \"raw-egg caesar salad\", and \"hamburgers (can be cooked to order) / identification of the animal-derived foods in a menu or other listing by asterisking them to a footnote that states that the items are served raw or undercooked or contain (or may contain) raw or undercooked ingredients.
20-21.04(c)(06)
General. contamination event. food establishment without written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events.
(corrected on site)
20-21.07(a)(03)
Plumbing fixture installation. plumbing fixtures, including compartment type utensil-and-food sinks, hand-washing sinks and mop or utility sinks, not installed to preclude splashes from running down mounting surfaces behind and adjacent to the fixture. acceptable installation methods include a liquid tight seal between fixture and mounting surface, insertion into a precut counter, table or cabinet with a perimeter seal or any other effective method. all materials used shall be safe, smooth, impervious and easily cleanable.
20-21.10(m)
Materials; general. single-service and single-use articles not made from clean, sanitary, safe materials. materials that are used in the construction of utensils and food-contact surfaces of equipment and single-service and single-use articles allowing the migration of deleterious substances, or imparting odors, color, or taste to, or contributing to the contamination of food under normal use conditions.
20-21.10(a)
Using chemicals for sanitization. when using chemicals for sanitization, a test kit or other device that accurately measures the concentration of the solution in parts per million or milligrams per liter not provided and used.
20-21.12(g)
Backflow. an air gap between the water supply inlet and the flood level rim of the plumbing fixture / equipment / or nonfood equipment not at least twice the diameter of the water supply inlet and may not be less than 25 mm (1 inch). a backflow or backsiphonage prevention device installed on a water supply system shall meet american society of sanitary engineering (asse) standards for construction, installation, maintenance, inspection, and testing for that specific application and type of device. a backflow prevention device shall be located so that it can be serviced and maintained. a hose shall not be attached to a faucet unless a backflow prevention device is installed.
20-21.17(c)
Hand-washing sink installation. hand-washing sink not accessible to employees at all times.
20-21.19(a)
Hand-washing sink supplies. hand-washing sink or group of adjacent hand-washing sinks not provided with individual, disposable towels / a continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel / a hand-drying device providing heated air or a hand-drying device that employs an air-knife system that delivers high velocity, pressurized air at ambient temperatures.
(corrected on site)
20-21.19(c)
Hand-washing signage. sign / icon / poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands not provided at all hand-washing sinks used by food employees / not clearly visible to food employees.
(corrected on site)
20-21.19(g)
Containers. containers stored outside the establishment / dumpsters / compactors / compactor systems / receptacles / waste handling units for refuse / recyclables / and returnables not provided with tight-fitting lids / doors / covers, not kept covered when not in actual use. in containers designed with drains, drain plugs shall be in place at all times, except during cleaning.
20-21.20(a)(03)
Openings. outside openings not protected against the entrance of insects by filling or closing holes and other gaps along floors / walls / ceilings / tight-fitting, self-closing doors, kept closed / closed windows / screening / properly designed and installed air curtains to control flying insects / other means.
20-21.21(b)
Attachments. light fixtures / vent covers / wall-mounted fans / similar equipment not including decorative items attached to walls and ceilings not easily cleanable / not maintained in good repair / not kept clean.
20-21.23(g)
Presence and use, restrictions, conditions of use. poisonous / toxic materials unnecessary for the operation / maintenance of the establishment / cleaning and sanitization of equipment and utensils / control of insects and rodents are prohibited in the food establishment; provided, this requirement does not apply to packaged poisonous / toxic materials that are for retail sale. restricted use pesticides specified in item (03)c of this subsection shall meet the requirements specified in 40 cfr 152, subpart i, classification of pesticides.
(corrected on site)
20-21.27(a)(01)
Food establishment failed to maintain on premises a certificate of completion of the food handler course for each food employee.
20-53(g)
32
Mar 22, 2024
Routine Inspection (001)
15 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 15 violations
Refrigerated storage. cold storage of foods. time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food not maintained at 41°f (5°c) in cold storage.
20-21.03(b)(09)
Cooking time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) foods. permit holder failed to inform consumers of the significantly increased risk of consuming foods by way of a disclosure and reminder, as specified in items (06) and (07) of this subsection by using brochures / deli case or menu advisories / label statements / table tents / placards / other effective written means when animal food such as beef / eggs / fish / lamb / milk / pork / poultry / shellfish is served or sold raw / undercooked / without otherwise being processed to eliminate pathogens either in ready to eat form or as an ingredient in another ready to eat food (except as specified in items (03) and (08) of this subsection).
20-21.04(c)(05)
Special requirements. shellstock tags. shellstock tags not attached to the container in which the shellstock are received until the container is empty except as specified under item (03)c[02] of this subsection.
(corrected on site)
20-21.01(b)(03)a
General. food not in sound condition / safe for human consumption / free from spoilage, filth, other contaminants. food prepared in or obtained from an unlicensed private home or other unlicensed food establishment is considered to be from an unapproved source and may not be used or offered for sale for human consumption in or from a food establishment.
20-21.01(a)
General. at all times, including while being stored, prepared, displayed, served, received, or transported, food not protected from potential contamination by all agents, including dust, insects, rodents, toxic materials, cross-contamination, damaged or spoiled products, distressed merchandise, recalled products, unclean equipment and utensils, unnecessary handling, coughs and sneezes, flooding, draining, and overhead leakage or overhead drippage from condensation.
20-21.02(a)(01)
Plumbing fixture installation. plumbing fixtures, including compartment type utensil-and-food sinks, hand-washing sinks and mop or utility sinks, not installed to preclude splashes from running down mounting surfaces behind and adjacent to the fixture. acceptable installation methods include a liquid tight seal between fixture and mounting surface, insertion into a precut counter, table or cabinet with a perimeter seal or any other effective method. all materials used shall be safe, smooth, impervious and easily cleanable.
20-21.10(m)
Materials; general. all equipment and utensils not maintained in good repair.
20-21.10(a)
Cleaning frequency. dry cleaning. surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting food that is not time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food not cleaned in equipment such as ice bins, beverage dispensing nozzles, enclosed components of equipment such as ice makers, cooking oil storage tanks and distribution lines, beverage and syrup dispensing lines or tubes, coffee bean grinders, and water vending equipment at a frequency specified by the manufacturer; or absent manufacturer specifications, at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold. this subsection does not apply when dry cleaning methods are used as specified in subitems a and b of this item.
(corrected on site)
20-21.11(a)(08)c[04]
Wiping cloths. moist cloths used for wiping food spills on kitchenware and food-contact surfaces of equipment not clean / not rinsed frequently in one of the sanitizing solutions permitted in section 20-21.12(e)(02) through (06) of this code / used for no other purpose. these cloths shall be stored in the sanitizing solution between uses.
20-21.11(c)(02)
Using chemicals for sanitization. when using chemicals for sanitization, a test kit or other device that accurately measures the concentration of the solution in parts per million or milligrams per liter not provided and used.
20-21.12(g)
Hand-washing signage. sign / icon / poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands not provided at all hand-washing sinks used by food employees / not clearly visible to food employees.
20-21.19(g)
Containers. containers stored outside the establishment / dumpsters / compactors / compactor systems / receptacles / waste handling units for refuse / recyclables / and returnables not provided with tight-fitting lids / doors / covers.
20-21.20(a)(03)
Construction. walls, including nonsupporting partitions / wall coverings / ceilings, of walk-in refrigerating units / food preparation areas / food storage areas / food display areas / equipment-washing areas / utensil-washing areas not light-colored / smooth / nonabsorbent / easily cleanable except for ceilings over areas used only for beverage preparation and/or service. concrete or pumice blocks used for interior wall construction in these locations shall be finished and sealed to provide an easily cleanable surface except in dry storage areas.
20-21.23(b)
Special ventilation. cooking equipment not provided with a ventilation hood / not installed in the manner required by all applicable laws. this subsection does not apply to microwave ovens / electric convection ovens of approved types / electric rice cookers / ovens of approved types.
20-21.25(b)(05)
Sanitation poster not conspicuously posted in area accessible to all employees / not conforming to all requirements.
20-26(c)
47
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Norteno Tacos Bar last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Norteno Tacos Bar on file is from Mar 19, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Norteno Tacos Bar?
Across the inspection record, “plumbing fixture installation” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at El Norteno Tacos Bar.
How does El Norteno Tacos Bar compare to other restaurants in Houston?
El Norteno Tacos Bar most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Houston average of 88.
Has El Norteno Tacos Bar's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at El Norteno Tacos Bar have averaged around zero violations per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at El Norteno Tacos Bar means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is El Norteno Tacos Bar inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Norteno Tacos Bar is inspected around three times per year on average.
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