Taqueria El Nopalito #4
Last inspected: Aug 22, 2025
82
Score
The health department has logged five inspections at Taqueria El Nopalito #4, the earliest from 2024. On Aug 22, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around 12 violations to closer to four violations per visit.
The pattern that stands out is “refrigerated storage”, which has been cited two times.
That's lower than the typical Houston restaurant, which scores around 88. The record reflects steady performance over time.
5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 22, 2025
Reinspection (002)
4 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
Materials; general. all equipment and utensils not maintained in good repair.
20-21.10(a)
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.
(corrected on site)
20-21.11(a)(02)
Containers. in containers designed with drains, drain plugs not in place at all times, except during cleaning.
20-21.20(a)(03)
Floor junctures. when allowed in this subsection, the juncture between walls and floors presenting an open seam of more than one-thirty-second of an inch.
20-21.22(f)
82
Aug 8, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
17 minor violations. 7 corrected on site.
View 17 violations
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)
Refrigerated storage. disposition of ready to eat foods. not discarding time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) , ready to eat food where either temperature or time combination has exceeded.
(corrected on site)
20-21.03(b)(11)
Dispensing utensils. no suitable dispensing utensils provided for employees / consumers during pauses in food preparation / dispensing.
(corrected on site)
20-21.05(f)
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)
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.
(corrected on site)
20-21.11(a)(06)
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.
(corrected on site)
20-21.11(a)(02)
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)
Toilet room. toilet room opening directly into room in which food is prepared / utensils are washed.
(corrected on site)
20-21.18(c)
Hand-washing sink supplies. supply of hand-cleansing liquid / powder / bar soap not available at each hand-washing sink or group of two adjacent hand-washing sinks.
(corrected on site)
20-21.19(c)
Containers. in containers designed with drains, drain plugs not 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)
Controlling pests, generally. the presence of insects, rodents, and other pests shall be controlled to eliminate their presence within the physical facility and its contents and on the contiguous land or property under the control of the permit holder by routinely inspecting the premises for the evidence of pests.\r\n
20-21.21(a)(02)
Floor junctures. when allowed in this subsection, the juncture between walls and floors presenting an open seam of more than one-thirty-second of an inch.
20-21.22(f)
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)
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)
43
Feb 7, 2025
Reinspection (002)
6 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
General. the internal temperature of time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food not maintained at 41°f (05°c) or below or 135°f (57°c) or above at all times, except as otherwise provided in this article or unless a packaged product is so labeled as exempted and approved by the appropriate state or federal health authority.
(corrected on site)
20-21.02(a)(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)
Refrigerated storage. refrigeration facilities. each mechanically refrigerated facility storing time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food shall be provided with numerically scaled indicating thermometer, accurate to 3°f if scaled in fahrenheit only. . recording thermometers, accurate to 3°f if scaled in fahrenheit only, may be used in lieu of indicating thermometers. thermometers that are scaled in celsius or dually scaled in celsius and fahrenheit shall be designed to be easily readable and accurate to ±(1.05°c) in the intended range of use.
20-21.03(b)(01)
Containers. in containers designed with drains, drain plugs not in place at all times, except during cleaning.
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)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not maintained in good repair.
20-21.23(a)
74
May 31, 2024
Reinspection (002)
15 minor violations. 5 corrected on site.
View 15 violations
Condemnation and disposition of contaminated food. tagged food / equipment used/not held pursuant pending disposition.
(corrected on site)
20-02
Dispensing utensils. no suitable dispensing utensils provided for employees / consumers during pauses in food preparation / dispensing.
(corrected on site)
20-21.05(f)
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)
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.
(corrected on site)
20-21.11(a)(06)
Storage. cleaned and sanitized utensils and movable equipment not stored at least six inches above the floor in a clean, dry location in a way that protects them from contamination by splash, dust, and other means.
(corrected on site)
20-21.14(b)(01)
Toilet room. toilet room not provided with tight-fitting / self-closing / solid doors, which shall be closed except during cleaning or maintenance except that this requirement does not apply to a toilet room that is located outside a food establishment and does not open directly into the food establishment such as a toilet room that is provided by the management of a shopping mall or stadium-type facilities.
20-21.18(c)
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)
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.
(corrected on site)
20-21.21(d)
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 constructed of smooth durable materials such as sealed concrete, terrazzo, ceramic tile, vinyl, plastic, or tight wood impregnated with vinyl or plastic.
20-21.22(a)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not maintained in good repair.
20-21.23(a)
Cleaning physical facilities. utility facilities. in new / extensively remodeled establishments and in those establishments not required to have a two- or three-compartment utensil-washing sink, at least one utility sink or curbed cleaning facility with a floor drain shall be provided and used for cleaning and for the disposal of mop water or similar liquid wastes.
20-21.23(i)(02)
Cleaning equipment storage. after use, mops not placed in a position that allows them to air-dry without soiling walls / equipment / supplies.
20-21.28(e)
General. food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with operations of the establishment not kept free of litter and items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment, such as equipment that is nonfunctional or no longer in use.
20-21.28(a)(01)
47
Jan 25, 2024
Routine Inspection (001)
15 minor violations. 7 corrected on site.
View 15 violations
Condemnation and disposition of contaminated food. tagged food / equipment used/not held pursuant pending disposition.
(corrected on site)
20-02
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)
Refrigerated storage. refrigeration facilities. the sensor of a temperature measuring device shall be located to measure the air temperature or a simulated product temperature in the warmest part of the mechanically refrigerated unit and designed to be easily readable.
(corrected on site)
20-21.03(b)(01)
Dispensing utensils. no suitable dispensing utensils provided for employees / consumers during pauses in food preparation / dispensing.
(corrected on site)
20-21.05(f)
Materials; general. single-service and single-use articles. single-service articles / single-use articles reused.
(corrected on site)
20-21.10(a)(05)
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)
Storage. utensils and equipment not air-dried before being stored / not stored in a self-draining position. utensils and equipment may not be cloth-dried except that utensils that have been air-dried may be polished with cloths that are maintained clean and dry.
(corrected on site)
20-21.14(b)(02)
Toilet room. toilet room not provided with tight-fitting / self-closing / solid doors, which shall be closed except during cleaning or maintenance except that this requirement does not apply to a toilet room that is located outside a food establishment and does not open directly into the food establishment such as a toilet room that is provided by the management of a shopping mall or stadium-type facilities.
20-21.18(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.
(corrected on site)
20-21.20(a)(03)
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.
(corrected on site)
20-21.21(d)
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)
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 constructed of smooth durable materials such as sealed concrete, terrazzo, ceramic tile, vinyl, plastic, or tight wood impregnated with vinyl or plastic.
20-21.22(a)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not maintained in good repair.
20-21.23(a)
General. food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with operations of the establishment not kept free of litter and items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment, such as equipment that is nonfunctional or no longer in use.
20-21.28(a)(01)
47
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taqueria El Nopalito #4 last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taqueria El Nopalito #4 on file is from Aug 22, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taqueria El Nopalito #4?
Across the inspection record, “refrigerated storage” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Taqueria El Nopalito #4.
How does Taqueria El Nopalito #4 compare to other restaurants in Houston?
Taqueria El Nopalito #4 most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is lower than the Houston average of 88.
Has Taqueria El Nopalito #4's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Taqueria El Nopalito #4 have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly 12 earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Taqueria El Nopalito #4 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 Taqueria El Nopalito #4 inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taqueria El Nopalito #4 is inspected around three times per year on average.
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