Taco Palenque

1202 Federal Rd, Houston, TX 77015
Mexican / Latin
Last inspected: Oct 30, 2025
78
Score
Low Risk

Inspectors have visited Taco Palenque five times, with records going back to 2024. The most recent report on file is from Oct 30, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.

The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around five violations, down from roughly 12 violations earlier in the record.

When inspectors have written things up, “refrigerated storage” has been the most frequent reason, cited two times.

Compared to other Houston restaurants (averaging 88), there's room to close the gap. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.

5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 30, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
5 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 5 violations
Applicability of article; compliance; penalty for violation; variances, etc. permit holder / person in charge not present at the food establishment / mobile food unit during all hours of operation. (corrected on site)
20-19(d)
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)
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)
Special ventilation. ventilation hood systems and devices not sufficient in number / capacity to prevent grease / condensation from collecting on walls and ceilings.
20-21.25(b)(03)
78
Apr 26, 2025
Reinspection (002)
5 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 5 violations
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. (corrected on site)
20-21.03(b)(10)b
Refrigerated storage. cold storage of foods. time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food not maintained at 41°f (5°c) in cold storage. (corrected on site)
20-21.03(b)(09)
Bulk food display, service. the sale of unpackaged food that is displayed and sold in bulk from a self-service container is authorized, provided that the self-service container has a tight-fitting lid that is securely attached to the container and kept closed except during service or refill; the container, lid and any other utensil are constructed of nontoxic materials that provide for easy cleaning and proper repair; a utensil equipped with a handle is provided and used for dispensing of food; and a conspicuous sign instructing the customer on the proper dispensing procedure is posted in the immediate display area. (corrected on site)
20-21.05(i)(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)
Containers. containers stored outside the establishment / dumpsters / compactors / compactor systems / receptacles / waste handling units for refuse / recyclables / and returnables not cleanable. (corrected on site)
20-21.20(a)(03)
78
Mar 12, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
18 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 18 violations
Hand-washing sink installation. hand-washing sink used for purpose other than hand-washing as specified in section 20-21.08(b) of this code.
20-21.19(a)
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)
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)
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. when time without temperature control is used as the public health control up to a maximum of four hours: food was not marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is four hours past the point in time when the food was removed from temperature control. (corrected on site)
20-21.02(a)(02)b[02]
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)
General. container of food not stored a minimum of 6 inches above the floor.
20-21.03(a)(02)
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
Cooking time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) foods. permit holder failed to inform consumers of the significantly increased risk of consuming foods by way of a disclosure and reminder, as specified in items (06) and (07) of this subsection by using brochures / deli case or menu advisories / label statements / table tents / placards / other effective written means when animal food such as beef / eggs / fish / lamb / milk / pork / poultry / shellfish is served or sold raw / undercooked / without otherwise being processed to eliminate pathogens either in ready to eat form or as an ingredient in another ready to eat food (except as specified in items (03) and (08) of this subsection).
20-21.04(c)(05)
Display equipment. except for nuts in shell and whole, raw fruits and vegetables that are intended for hulling, peeling or washing by the consumer before consumption, food on display shall be protected from consumer contamination by the use of packaging or by the use of easily cleanable counter / serving line / salad bar protector devices / display cases / other effective means. enough hot or cold food facilities shall be available to maintain the required temperature of time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food on display. a food dispensing utensil shall be available for each container displayed at a consumer self-service unit such as a buffet or salad bar.
20-21.05(h)
General. contamination event. food establishment without written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events. (corrected on site)
20-21.07(a)(03)
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. (corrected on site)
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)
Controlling pests, generally. premises not kept in such condition as to prevent the harborage or feeding of insects or rodents.
20-21.21(a)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not maintained in good repair.
20-21.23(a)
Attachments. decorative materials in other than consumer areas attached to walls and ceilings not easily cleanable / not maintained in good repair / not kept clean.
20-21.23(g)
\"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)
41
Sep 13, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Backflow. an air gap between the water supply inlet and the flood level rim of the plumbing fixture / equipment / or nonfood equipment not at least twice the diameter of the water supply inlet and may not be less than 25 mm (1 inch). a backflow or backsiphonage prevention device installed on a water supply system shall meet american society of sanitary engineering (asse) standards for construction, installation, maintenance, inspection, and testing for that specific application and type of device. a backflow prevention device shall be located so that it can be serviced and maintained. a hose shall not be attached to a faucet unless a backflow prevention device is installed.
20-21.17(c)
\"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)
90
Sep 12, 2024
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Materials; general. multi-use equipment and utensils not designed, constructed and repaired with safe materials, including finishing materials / not corrosion-resistant and nonabsorbent / not smooth, easily cleanable and durable under conditions of normal use.
20-21.10(a)
Sinks. sink compartments not designed with rounded internal angles and free of sharp corners or crevices.
20-21.11(b)
Backflow. an air gap between the water supply inlet and the flood level rim of the plumbing fixture / equipment / or nonfood equipment not at least twice the diameter of the water supply inlet and may not be less than 25 mm (1 inch). a backflow or backsiphonage prevention device installed on a water supply system shall meet american society of sanitary engineering (asse) standards for construction, installation, maintenance, inspection, and testing for that specific application and type of device. a backflow prevention device shall be located so that it can be serviced and maintained. a hose shall not be attached to a faucet unless a backflow prevention device is installed.
20-21.17(c)
Construction. walls, including nonsupporting partitions / wall coverings / ceilings, of walk-in refrigerating units / food preparation areas / food storage areas / food display areas / equipment-washing areas / utensil-washing areas not light-colored / smooth / nonabsorbent / easily cleanable except for ceilings over areas used only for beverage preparation and/or service. concrete or pumice blocks used for interior wall construction in these locations shall be finished and sealed to provide an easily cleanable surface except in dry storage areas.
20-21.23(b)
Utility line/duct installation. exposed utility service lines and pipes not installed in a way that does not obstruct or prevent cleaning of the walls and ceilings. utility service lines and pipes shall not be unnecessarily exposed on walls or ceilings in those areas listed in subsection (b) of this section. service lines behind counters used only for beverage preparation may be exposed on the inside counter walls if necessary for service and if kept to a minimum. if exposed in rooms or areas allowed in subsection (c) of this section, air conditioning / ventilation / heating ducts shall be of smooth rigid metal and designed with a circular cross-section.
20-21.23(f)
General. room not provided with sufficient ventilation to be free of excessive heat / steam / condensation / vapors / obnoxious odors / smoke / fumes.
20-21.25(a)
Food establishment construction / remodeling / alterations begun before submitting properly prepared plans / specifications for approval.
20-25(a)
70

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Taco Palenque last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Taco Palenque on file is from Oct 30, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Taco Palenque?

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

How does Taco Palenque compare to other restaurants in Houston?

Taco Palenque most recently scored 78 out of 100, which is lower than the Houston average of 88.

Has Taco Palenque's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Taco Palenque have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly 12 earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

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