Esther's Cajun Restaurant
Last inspected: Nov 18, 2025
74
Score
Esther's Cajun Restaurant appears in inspection records seven times, starting in 2024. The most recent report on file is from Nov 18, 2025. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around six violations each.
The pattern that stands out is “special requirements”, which has been cited three times.
By comparison, the average Houston facility scores 88, putting Esther's Cajun Restaurant on the weaker side. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 18, 2025
Reinspection (002)
6 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
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. container of food not stored a minimum of 6 inches above the floor.
20-21.03(a)(02)
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.
20-21.04(j)
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)
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)
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)
74
Oct 21, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
11 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 11 violations
All dishwashing machines. dishwashing machine not thoroughly cleaned at least once a day or more often when necessary to maintain them in a satisfactory operating condition.
20-21.13(i)
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)
Refrigerated storage. rapid cooling temperatures. time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food not cooled from 135°f (57°c) to 70°f (21°c) within 2 hours.
(corrected on site)
20-21.03(b)(02)a
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]
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)
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)
Insect control devices, design and installation. devices used to trap insects by adherence may not be installed above exposed food / clean equipment / utensils / linens and unwrapped single-service articles.
(corrected on site)
20-21.21(c)(02)
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)
Cleaning equipment storage. after use, mops not placed in a position that allows them to air-dry without soiling walls / equipment / supplies.
(corrected on site)
20-21.28(e)
58
Jun 13, 2025
Reinspection (002)
5 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 5 violations
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.
20-21.01(b)(06)
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
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)
Using chemicals for sanitization. when using chemicals for sanitization, a test kit or other device that accurately measures the concentration of the solution in parts per million or milligrams per liter not provided and used.
20-21.12(g)
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)
78
Mar 13, 2025
Complaint (003)
7 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 7 violations
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.
20-21.01(b)(06)
General. bulk food removed from original container not stored in a container identifying the food by common name.
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)
Hand-washing sink maintenance. hand-washing sink / soap dispenser / hand-drying device/ related fixtures not kept clean / not in good repair.
20-21.19(d)
Containers. in containers designed with drains, drain plugs not in place at all times, except during cleaning.
20-21.20(a)(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)
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)
70
Jul 16, 2024
Complaint (003)
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
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.
20-21.01(b)(06)
Temperature measuring device, food. no temperature measuring device provided to assure attainment / maintenance of proper internal / holding refrigerated temperature of time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food.
20-21.04(i)
Using chemicals for sanitization. when using chemicals for sanitization, a test kit or other device that accurately measures the concentration of the solution in parts per million or milligrams per liter not provided and used.
20-21.12(g)
Storage. garbage and refuse containers / dumpsters / compactor systems / waste handling units for returnables and recyclables located outside not stored on or above a smooth durable surface of nonabsorbent material, such as sealed concrete or machine-laid asphalt, that is kept clean / maintained in good repair / sloped to drain.
20-21.20(b)(03)
82
May 28, 2024
Routine Inspection (001)
6 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
General. container of food not stored in the manner that protects food from splash and other contamination.
(corrected on site)
20-21.03(a)(02)
Hand-washing sink supplies. when disposable towels are used, easily cleanable waste receptacles not conveniently located near the hand-washing facilities.
20-21.19(c)
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. effective measures intended to eliminate the presence of rodents, flies, cockroaches, and other insects on the premises not utilized.
20-21.21(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)
74
Jan 11, 2024
Routine Inspection (001)
4 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
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)
Controlling pests, generally. premises not kept in such condition as to prevent the harborage or feeding of insects or rodents.
20-21.21(a)
Insect control devices, design and installation. devices used to trap insects by adherence may not be installed above exposed food / clean equipment / utensils / linens and unwrapped single-service articles.
20-21.21(c)(02)
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)
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Esther's Cajun Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Esther's Cajun Restaurant on file is from Nov 18, 2025. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Esther's Cajun Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “special requirements” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Esther's Cajun Restaurant.
How does Esther's Cajun Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Houston?
Esther's Cajun Restaurant most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is lower than the Houston average of 88.
Has Esther's Cajun Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Esther's Cajun Restaurant have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Esther's Cajun 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 Esther's Cajun Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Esther's Cajun Restaurant is inspected around four times per year on average.
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