El Quetzal Taqueria and Bakery

3700 Hillcroft, Houston, TX 77057
Mexican / Latin
Last inspected: Dec 17, 2025
78
Score
Low Risk

El Quetzal Taqueria And Bakery, located at 3700 Hillcroft in Houston, TX, underwent a low-risk inspection on December 17, 2025, with a score of 78. This inspection identified five minor violations, including issues with refrigerated storage temperature measurement, food container storage height, and the materials used for multi-use equipment and utensils. Across seven scored inspections, the facility has historically received mostly medium-risk classifications.

7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 17, 2025
Reinspection (002)
5 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 5 violations
Refrigerated storage. refrigeration facilities. the sensor of a temperature measuring device shall be located to measure the air temperature or a simulated product temperature in the warmest part of the mechanically refrigerated unit and designed to be easily readable. (corrected on site)
20-21.03(b)(01)
General. container of food not stored a minimum of 6 inches above the floor.
20-21.03(a)(02)
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)
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.
20-21.14(b)(01)
Floors. floors and floor coverings of all food preparation, food storage, utensil-washing areas, walk-in refrigerating units, dressing rooms, locker rooms, and toilet rooms shall be nonabsorbent. (corrected on site)
20-21.22(a)
78
Aug 4, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
12 minor violations. 5 corrected on site.
View 12 violations
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
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)
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)
Reuse of tableware. reuse of soiled tableware including single-service articles by self-service consumers returning to the service area for additional food or by food employees providing second portions or refills to the consumer is prohibited. beverage cups and glasses are exempt from this requirement if refilling is a contamination-free process; provided consumers shall not be allowed to refill beverage tableware except by using self-service automatic beverage dispensing equipment. the person in charge or the food service manager shall ensure that consumers are notified that clean tableware is to be used when they return to self-service areas such as salad bars and buffets. consumer self-service operations such as buffets and salad bars shall be monitored by food employees trained in safe operating procedures. a card / sign / other effective means of notification shall be displayed to notify consumers that clean tableware is to be used upon return to self-service areas such as salad bars and buffets.
20-21.05(j)
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)
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.
20-21.11(a)(08)c[04]
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)
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)
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)
Signs clearly stating that smoking is prohibited within not conspicuously posted at every entrance to a public place.
21-244(b)
55
Jan 14, 2025
Reinspection (002)
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors. floors and floor coverings of all food preparation, food storage, utensil-washing areas, walk-in refrigerating units, dressing rooms, locker rooms, and toilet rooms shall be maintained in good repair.
20-21.22(a)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not kept clean.
20-21.23(a)
90
Jan 13, 2025
Reinspection (002)
11 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 11 violations
Applicability of article; compliance; penalty for violation; variances, etc. operating a food service / processing establishment not conforming to requirements of article ii.
20-19(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)
General. container of food not stored a minimum of 6 inches above the floor. (corrected on site)
20-21.03(a)(02)
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. refrigeration facilities. the sensor of a temperature measuring device shall be located to measure the air temperature or a simulated product temperature in the warmest part of the mechanically refrigerated unit and designed to be easily readable. (corrected on site)
20-21.03(b)(01)
Bulk food display, service. the sale of unpackaged food that is displayed and sold in bulk from a self-service container is authorized, provided that the self-service container has a tight-fitting lid that is securely attached to the container and kept closed except during service or refill; the container, lid and any other utensil are constructed of nontoxic materials that provide for easy cleaning and proper repair; a utensil equipped with a handle is provided and used for dispensing of food; and a conspicuous sign instructing the customer on the proper dispensing procedure is posted in the immediate display area.
20-21.05(i)(01)
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)
Single-service articles. single-service and single-use articles not handled / displayed / dispensed in a manner that prevents contamination of surfaces that may come in contact with food or with the mouth of the user.
20-21.14(c)(02)
Water under pressure. hot water is at least 105°f (41°c)but less than 110°f (43°c). minimum acceptable temperature is 110°f (43°c) except as specified in section 20-21.12(d)(02) and 20-21.19(b) of this code. hot water generation and distribution systems shall be sufficient to meet the peak hot water demand throughout the food establishment.
20-21.15(c)
Storage. outside storage areas / enclosures not constructed of durable and cleanable material / not large enough to store the garbage / recyclables / returnables / refuse containers that accumulate / not kept clean.
20-21.20(b)(03)
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)
58
Aug 4, 2024
Reinspection (002)
15 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 15 violations
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. (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. using shipping containers / milk / produce crates as storage racks / support shelves.
20-21.03(a)(02)c
General. bulk food removed from original container not stored in a container identifying the food by common name.
20-21.03(a)(06)
Dispensing utensils. no suitable dispensing utensils provided for employees / consumers during pauses in food preparation / dispensing. (corrected on site)
20-21.05(f)
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)
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)
Toilet fixtures. easily cleanable receptacles not provided for waste materials.
20-21.18(d)
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)
Storage. outside storage areas / enclosures not constructed of durable and cleanable material / not large enough to store the garbage / recyclables / returnables / refuse containers that accumulate / not kept clean.
20-21.20(b)(03)
Removing dead or trapped birds / insects / rodents / other pests. dead or trapped birds / insects / rodents / other pests not removed from control devices and the premises at a frequency that prevents the accumulation or attraction of pests and minimizes exposure to decomposing remains.
20-21.21(d)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not maintained in good repair.
20-21.23(a)
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)
Food establishment failed to maintain on premises a certificate of completion of the food handler course for each food employee.
20-53(g)
Signs clearly stating that smoking is prohibited within not conspicuously posted at every entrance to a public place.
21-244(b)
47
Jun 30, 2024
Routine Inspection (001)
17 minor violations. 6 corrected on site.
View 17 violations
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. (corrected on site)
20-21.02(a)(01)
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.
20-21.02(b)(01)
Refrigerated storage. date marking of ready to eat foods. time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) and ready to eat food stored at 41°f (5°c) for more than seven days. (corrected on site)
20-21.03(b)(10)b
General. container of food not stored a minimum of 6 inches above the floor.
20-21.03(a)(02)
General. using shipping containers / milk / produce crates as storage racks / support shelves.
20-21.03(a)(02)c
General. bulk food removed from original container not stored in a container identifying the food by common name.
20-21.03(a)(06)
Dispensing utensils. no suitable dispensing utensils provided for employees / consumers during pauses in food preparation / dispensing. (corrected on site)
20-21.05(f)
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)
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)
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)
Toilet fixtures. toilet room not provided with at least one covered waste receptacle.
20-21.18(d)
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)
Removing dead or trapped birds / insects / rodents / other pests. dead or trapped birds / insects / rodents / other pests not removed from control devices and the premises at a frequency that prevents the accumulation or attraction of pests and minimizes exposure to decomposing remains.
20-21.21(d)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not maintained in good repair.
20-21.23(a)
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)
Food establishment failed to maintain on premises a certificate of completion of the food handler course for each food employee. (corrected on site)
20-53(g)
Signs clearly stating that smoking is prohibited within not conspicuously posted at every entrance to a public place.
21-244(b)
43
Feb 6, 2024
Routine Inspection (001)
6 minor violations.
View 6 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)
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.
20-21.02(b)(01)
General. raw / prepared food removed from original containers / packages being stored in unclean containers / being stored in uncovered containers..
20-21.03(a)(01)
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)
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)
Food employee failed to successfully complete a food handler training course within 60 days of employment.
20-53(f)
74