Empire Cafe

1732 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098
Café / Breakfast
Last inspected: Jan 15, 2026
82
Score
Low Risk

Inspectors have visited Empire Cafe five times, with records going back to 2024. On Jan 15, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.

Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near four violations each time.

When inspectors have written things up, “plumbing fixture installation” has been the most frequent reason, cited two times.

Restaurants in Houston average 88, so Empire Cafe trails the local norm. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.

5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 15, 2026
Complaint (003)
4 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
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. (corrected on site)
20-21.01(a)
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
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)
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]
82
Sep 10, 2025
Complaint (003)
No violations found.
100
Jun 5, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
6 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
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)
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. (corrected on site)
20-21.11(c)(02)
Prohibited storage area. food equipment / utensils / laundered linens / single-service and single-use articles shall not be stored in locker rooms / toilet rooms / vestibules / garbage rooms / mechanical rooms / under sewer lines that are not shielded to intercept potential drips / under open stairwells / under other sources of contamination is prohibited except that laundered linens and single-service and single-use articles that are packaged or in a facility such as a cabinet may be stored in a locker room.
20-21.14(d)
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)
Containers. in containers designed with drains, drain plugs not in place at all times, except during cleaning.
20-21.20(a)(03)
\"no smoking\" signs or the international \"no smoking\" symbol not clearly and conspicuously posted in a public place where smoking is prohibited
21-244(a)
74
Jan 16, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
3 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
General. raw / prepared food removed from original containers / packages being stored in unclean containers / being stored in uncovered containers.. (corrected on site)
20-21.03(a)(01)
Chemicals. machines (single-tank, stationary-rack, door-type machines and spray-type glass washers) using chemicals for sanitization not provided with wash water greater than 120°f (49°c). (corrected on site)
20-21.13(g)(01)
Storage. cleaned and sanitized utensils and movable equipment not stored at least six inches above the floor in a clean, dry location in a way that protects them from contamination by splash, dust, and other means. (corrected on site)
20-21.14(b)(01)
86
Mar 18, 2024
Routine Inspection (001)
3 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Hair restraint. while handling food or utensils, food employees not wearing effective hair restraints and clothing that covers body hair to prevent the contamination of food or food-contact surfaces. an effective hair restraint means any cap / hat / hair net made of fabric / cord / plastic / paper that effectively covers and holds hair in place. the use of effective hair restraints also applies to any exposed scalp or facial hair where there is the potential for contamination of food or food-contact surfaces. an effective hair restraint shall also be used in the partial or complete absence of scalp hair to preclude touching of the scalp and returning to food handling without hand-washing. facial hair restraints are not be required when facial hair is well-groomed and trimmed. (corrected on site)
20-21.08(f)
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)
86

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Empire Cafe last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Empire Cafe on file is from Jan 15, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Empire Cafe?

Across the inspection record, “plumbing fixture installation” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Empire Cafe.

How does Empire Cafe compare to other restaurants in Houston?

Empire Cafe most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is lower than the Houston average of 88.

Has Empire Cafe's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Empire Cafe have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Empire Cafe 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 Empire Cafe inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Empire Cafe is inspected around three times per year on average.