Maria's Tacos

5131 Ella, Houston, TX 77018
Mexican / Latin
Last inspected: Oct 13, 2025
74
Score
Medium Risk

Public records show three inspections at Maria's Tacos stretching back to 2024. The latest inspection on file is from Oct 13, 2025. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.

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

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.

3
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 13, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
6 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
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. (corrected on site)
20-20(c)
General. raw / prepared food removed from original containers / packages being stored in unclean containers / being stored in uncovered containers..
20-21.03(a)(01)
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 sink supplies. prohibited common towels used. (corrected on site)
20-21.19(c)
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)
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
Feb 23, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
2 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 2 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)
Toilet fixtures. toilet room not provided with at least one covered waste receptacle. (corrected on site)
20-21.18(d)
90
Mar 9, 2024
Routine Inspection (001)
5 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 5 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)
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)
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)
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 kept clean.
20-21.23(a)
78

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Maria's Tacos last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Maria's Tacos on file is from Oct 13, 2025. The public record contains three inspections in total.

How does Maria's Tacos compare to other restaurants in Houston?

Maria's Tacos most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is lower than the Houston average of 88.

Has Maria's Tacos' inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Maria's Tacos 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 Maria's Tacos 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 Maria's Tacos inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Maria's Tacos is inspected around two times per year on average.