El Centro

901 Commerce St, Houston, TX 77002
Mexican / Latin
Last inspected: Jan 8, 2026
50
Score
High Risk

El Centro appears in inspection records three times, starting in 2025. El Centro was last inspected on Jan 8, 2026. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.

Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around five violations to closer to 14 violations per visit.

“Hand-washing signage” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing two times across the record.

Compared to other Houston restaurants (averaging 88), there's room to close the gap. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.

3
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
14
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 8, 2026
Routine Inspection (001)
14 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 14 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)
Cleaning frequency. nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment not cleaned as often as is necessary to keep the equipment free of accumulation of dust, dirt, food particles, and other debris.
20-21.11(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. (corrected on site)
20-21.11(a)(08)c[04]
Toilet room. toilet room not provided with tight-fitting / self-closing / solid doors, which shall be closed except during cleaning or maintenance except that this requirement does not apply to a toilet room that is located outside a food establishment and does not open directly into the food establishment such as a toilet room that is provided by the management of a shopping mall or stadium-type facilities.
20-21.18(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.
20-21.19(g)
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.
20-21.19(c)
Hand-washing sink installation. hand-washing sink used for purpose other than hand-washing as specified in section 20-21.08(b) of this code.
20-21.19(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)
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)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not maintained in good repair.
20-21.23(a)
General. food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with operations of the establishment not kept free of litter and items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment, such as equipment that is nonfunctional or no longer in use.
20-21.28(a)(01)
Food establishment construction / remodeling / alterations begun before submitting properly prepared plans / specifications for approval.
20-25(a)
\"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)
Person in control of an area where smoking is prohibited failed to request a person known to be smoking to extinguish the burning tobacco product.
21-247(b)
50
Dec 18, 2025
Complaint (003)
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
General. bulk food removed from original container not stored in a container identifying the food by common name.
20-21.03(a)(06)
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)
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)
Labeling of materials. working containers used for storing poisonous / toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers taken from bulk supplies not clearly / individually identified with the common name of the material.
20-21.27(b)
General. food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with operations of the establishment not kept free of litter and items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment, such as equipment that is nonfunctional or no longer in use.
20-21.28(a)(01)
Person in control of an area where smoking is prohibited failed to request a person known to be smoking to extinguish the burning tobacco product.
21-247(b)
70
Jul 30, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
General. automatic detergent dispensers / wetting agent dispensers / liquid sanitizer injectors, if any, not properly installed / maintained. (corrected on site)
20-21.13(a)
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)
Utility line installation. exposed utility service lines and pipes not installed in a way that does not obstruct or prevent cleaning of the floor. (corrected on site)
20-21.22(g)
86

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Centro last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Centro on file is from Jan 8, 2026. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Centro?

Across the inspection record, “hand-washing signage” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at El Centro.

How does El Centro compare to other restaurants in Houston?

El Centro most recently scored 50 out of 100, which is lower than the Houston average of 88.

Has El Centro's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at El Centro have averaged around 14 violations per visit, up from roughly five earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at El Centro means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.