El Refu Bar & Restaurant
Last inspected: Dec 9, 2025
74
Score
Public records show seven inspections at El Refu Bar & Restaurant stretching back to 2024. On Dec 9, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around seven violations each.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “refrigerated storage”, showing up four times.
Compared to other Houston restaurants (averaging 88), there's room to close the gap. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 9, 2025
Reinspection (002)
6 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
Special requirements. shellstock tags. the identity of the source of shellstock that are sold or served not maintained by retaining shellstock tags or labels for 90 calendar days from the date that is recorded on the tag or label, as specified under item (03)b of this subsection when shellstock are removed from their tagged or labeled container (as specified in item (02) of this subsection) by preserving the source identification by using a record keeping system as specified under item (03)c[01] of this subsection; and ensuring that shellstock from one tagged or labeled container are not commingled with shellstock from another container with different shellfish certification numbers / different harvest dates / different growing areas as identified on the tag or label before being ordered by the consumer.
20-21.01(b)(03)c[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)
General. packaged / unpackaged food stored in contact with water / un-drained ice.
20-21.03(a)(05)
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)
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)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not maintained in good repair.
20-21.23(a)
74
Jul 22, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
7 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 7 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)
General. packaged / unpackaged food stored in contact with water / un-drained ice.
20-21.03(a)(05)
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)
Materials; general. all equipment and utensils not maintained in good repair.
20-21.10(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.
20-21.20(a)(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)
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.
(corrected on site)
20-21.27(b)
70
Apr 8, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
9 minor violations.
View 9 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.
20-21.03(b)(02)a
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)
General. packaged / unpackaged food stored in contact with water / un-drained ice.
20-21.03(a)(05)
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.
20-21.03(b)(10)b
Materials; general. cutting or piercing parts of can openers not kept sharp to minimize the creation of metal fragments that can contaminate food when the container is opened.
20-21.10(a)
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.
20-21.11(a)(08)c[04]
Cleaning frequency. food-contact surfaces of grills, griddles, and similar cooking devices and the cavities and door seals of microwave ovens not cleaned at least once a day; except that this shall not apply to hot oil cooking and hot oil filtering equipment if it is cleaned as specified in subsection (f) of this section. the food-contact surfaces of all cooking equipment shall be kept free of crusted grease deposits and other accumulated soil.
20-21.11(a)(06)
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)
64
Oct 8, 2024
Reinspection (002)
9 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 9 violations
General. packaged / unpackaged food stored in contact with water / un-drained ice.
20-21.03(a)(05)
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
Reheating for hot holding. steam tables / bainmaries / warmers / similar hot food holding facilities may not be used for the rapid reheating of time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) foods. prohibited hot food holding facility used for rapid reheating of time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food.
20-21.04(f)(02)
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. 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. kitchenware and food-contact surfaces of equipment not washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use and following any interruption of operations during which time contamination may have occurred.
20-21.11(a)(02)
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]
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)
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)
64
Feb 29, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Feb 28, 2024
Reinspection (002)
12 minor violations.
View 12 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)
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.
20-21.01(a)
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.
20-21.02(a)(01)
General. packaged / unpackaged food stored in contact with water / un-drained ice.
20-21.03(a)(05)
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
Ice dispensing. between uses, ice transfer receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination.
20-21.05(e)
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)
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.
20-21.11(c)(02)
Toilet fixtures. toilet room not provided with at least one covered waste receptacle.
20-21.18(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)
55
Jan 17, 2024
Routine Inspection (001)
9 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 9 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)
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)
Cross contamination. except when combined as ingredients, raw animal foods such as fish, beef, lamb, pork, and poultry not separated from each other during storage, preparation, holding, and display by: using separate equipment for each type of food; preparing each type of food at different times or in separate areas; and arranging each type of food in equipment so that cross contamination of one type with another is prevented.
(corrected on site)
20-21.02(b)(02)
General. packaged / unpackaged food stored in contact with water / un-drained ice.
20-21.03(a)(05)
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
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 fixtures. toilet room not provided with at least one covered waste receptacle.
20-21.18(d)
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)
64
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Refu Bar & Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Refu Bar & Restaurant on file is from Dec 9, 2025. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Refu Bar & Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “refrigerated storage” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at El Refu Bar & Restaurant.
How does El Refu Bar & Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Houston?
El Refu Bar & Restaurant most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is lower than the Houston average of 88.
Has El Refu Bar & Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Refu Bar & Restaurant have averaged around seven violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at El Refu Bar & Restaurant 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 El Refu Bar & Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Refu Bar & Restaurant is inspected around four times per year on average.
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