High Tower Cafe #17
Last inspected: Dec 16, 2025
58
Score
Going back to 2024, High Tower Cafe #17 has six inspections in the public record. The newest entry in the record is dated Dec 16, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around four violations each, up from closer to two violations before.
Across the inspection history, “thawing time/temperature controlled for safety (TCS) food” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded two times.
High Tower Cafe #17's latest score of 58 falls below the Houston average of 88. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
6
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
11
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 16, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
11 minor violations. 8 corrected on site.
View 11 violations
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. manufactured food. all food manufactured, processed, or packaged in commercial food processing establishments or commissaries not labeled according to all applicable laws as defined in tfer 228.78 and 228.79.
(corrected on site)
20-21.01(b)(06)
Hot storage. time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food in hot storage not being held at 135°f (57°c) or above.
(corrected on site)
20-21.03(c)(02)
Refrigerated storage. rapid cooling temperatures. time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food not cooled from 135°f (21° c) to 41°f (5°c) or below within 6 hours.
(corrected on site)
20-21.03(b)(02)a
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)
Materials; general. sponges. sponges used in contact with cleaned and sanitized or in-use food-contact surfaces.
(corrected on site)
20-21.10(a)(07)
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.
20-21.11(a)(08)c[04]
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)
Hand-washing sink installation. sink used for food preparation / washing equipment / washing utensils used for hand-washing.
(corrected on site)
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)
Food establishment failed to maintain on premises a certificate of completion of the food handler course for each food employee.
20-53(g)
58
Apr 10, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jan 3, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
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
95
Jul 2, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Materials; general. multi-use equipment and utensils not designed, constructed and repaired with safe materials, including finishing materials / not corrosion-resistant and nonabsorbent / not smooth, easily cleanable and durable under conditions of normal use.
20-21.10(a)
95
Jun 12, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Materials; general. multi-use equipment and utensils not designed, constructed and repaired with safe materials, including finishing materials / not corrosion-resistant and nonabsorbent / not smooth, easily cleanable and durable under conditions of normal use.
20-21.10(a)
General. plumbing not sized / installed / maintained according to applicable laws.
20-21.17(a)
Utility line/duct installation. exposed utility service lines and pipes not installed in a way that does not obstruct or prevent cleaning of the walls and ceilings. utility service lines and pipes shall not be unnecessarily exposed on walls or ceilings in those areas listed in subsection (b) of this section. service lines behind counters used only for beverage preparation may be exposed on the inside counter walls if necessary for service and if kept to a minimum. if exposed in rooms or areas allowed in subsection (c) of this section, air conditioning / ventilation / heating ducts shall be of smooth rigid metal and designed with a circular cross-section.
20-21.23(f)
86
Feb 22, 2024
Routine Inspection (001)
2 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
General. bulk food removed from original container not stored in a container identifying the food by common name.
(corrected on site)
20-21.03(a)(06)
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)
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was High Tower Cafe #17 last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at High Tower Cafe #17 on file is from Dec 16, 2025. The public record contains six inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at High Tower Cafe #17?
Across the inspection record, “thawing time/temperature controlled for safety (TCS) food” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at High Tower Cafe #17.
How does High Tower Cafe #17 compare to other restaurants in Houston?
High Tower Cafe #17 most recently scored 58 out of 100, which is lower than the Houston average of 88.
Has High Tower Cafe #17's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at High Tower Cafe #17 have averaged around four violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at High Tower Cafe #17 means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is High Tower Cafe #17 inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, High Tower Cafe #17 is inspected around three times per year on average.
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