Refresqueria Tropical

12603 Market, Houston, TX 77015

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Nov 6, 2025

Score

Low Risk

Refresqueria Tropical has been inspected four times since 2024. Inspectors last stopped by on Nov 6, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.

Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around two violations lately and about four violations before that.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “refrigerated storage”, showing up two times.

Compared to the broader Houston restaurant scene, this is about average. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Nov 6, 2025

Routine Inspection (001)

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

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)

Mar 5, 2025

Routine Inspection (001)

5 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.

View 5 violations

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

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)

Hand-washing sink installation. hand-washing sink not accessible to employees at all times. (corrected on site)

20-21.19(a)

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)

\"no smoking\" signs or the international \"no smoking\" symbol not clearly and conspicuously posted in a public place where smoking is prohibited

21-244(a)

Nov 19, 2024

Routine Inspection (001)

4 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.

View 4 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)

20-21.03(b)(10)b

Food employee failed to successfully complete a food handler training course within 60 days of employment.

20-53(f)

\"no smoking\" signs or the international \"no smoking\" symbol not clearly and conspicuously posted in a public place where smoking is prohibited (corrected on site)

21-244(a)

Jan 3, 2024

Routine Inspection (001)

4 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.

View 4 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. bulk food removed from original container not stored in a container identifying the food by common name. (corrected on site)

20-21.03(a)(06)

Wiping cloths. moist cloths used for cleaning nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment such as counters, dining table tops and shelves 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)(03)

Prohibited storage area. food equipment / utensils / laundered linens / single-service and single-use articles shall not be stored in locker rooms / toilet rooms / vestibules / garbage rooms / mechanical rooms / under sewer lines that are not shielded to intercept potential drips / under open stairwells / under other sources of contamination is prohibited except that laundered linens and single-service and single-use articles that are packaged or in a facility such as a cabinet may be stored in a locker room. (corrected on site)

20-21.14(d)

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Refresqueria Tropical last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Refresqueria Tropical on file is from Nov 6, 2025. The public record contains four inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Refresqueria Tropical?

Across the inspection record, “refrigerated storage” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Refresqueria Tropical.

How does Refresqueria Tropical compare to other restaurants in Houston?

Refresqueria Tropical most recently scored 90 out of 100, which is about the same as the Houston average of 88.

Has Refresqueria Tropical's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Refresqueria Tropical have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Refresqueria Tropical means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

How often is Refresqueria Tropical inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Refresqueria Tropical is inspected around two times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Panda Express

13415 East Fwy

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Ahsan's Food Mart

13020 Market

Score: 55 — Medium Risk

Local Donuts & Breakfast

1421 Federal

Score: 74 — Medium Risk

Explore More

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