El Ranchero

5300 N Braeswood Sq, Houston, TX 77096

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Sep 16, 2025

Score

Medium Risk

El Ranchero has been inspected three times since 2024. The most recent report on file is from Sep 16, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.

The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around four violations to closer to six violations.

That's lower than the typical Houston restaurant, which scores around 88. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Sep 16, 2025

Routine Inspection (001)

6 minor violations.

View 6 violations

General. contamination event. food establishment without written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events.

20-21.07(a)(03)

Materials; general. all equipment and utensils not maintained in good repair.

20-21.10(a)

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)

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)

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 kept clean.

20-21.23(a)

Mar 21, 2025

Reinspection (002)

7 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.

View 7 violations

General. container of food not stored a minimum of 6 inches above the floor. (corrected on site)

20-21.03(a)(02)

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)

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)

Controlling pests, generally. the presence of insects, rodents, and other pests shall be controlled to eliminate their presence within the physical facility and its contents and on the contiguous land or property under the control of the permit holder by eliminating harborage conditions.\r\n

20-21.21(a)(04)

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)

Covering material installation. wall and ceiling covering materials not attached and sealed so as to be easily cleanable.

20-21.23(h)

Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not kept clean.

20-21.23(a)

Jul 29, 2024

Routine Inspection (001)

No violations found.

100

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Ranchero last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Ranchero on file is from Sep 16, 2025. The public record contains three inspections in total.

How does El Ranchero compare to other restaurants in Houston?

El Ranchero most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is lower than the Houston average of 88.

Has El Ranchero's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at El Ranchero have averaged around six violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at El Ranchero means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

Nearby Restaurants

Elrod Elementary School

6230 Dumfries

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Amigo

6665 S Braeswood Blvd

Score: 74 — Medium Risk

Akiko Sushi & Bar

728 Meyerland Plaza Mall

Score: 100 — Low Risk

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→ All locations in Houston → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Texas → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Houston