Taqueria La Penita

12805 Cullen Blvd, Houston, TX 77047
Mexican / Latin
Last inspected: Sep 22, 2025
82
Score
Low Risk

Across the available record, Taqueria La Penita has four inspections on file, the first dated 2024. The newest entry in the record is dated Sep 22, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.

Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near three violations per visit.

“Temperature measuring device, food” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing two times across the record.

The city-wide average sits at 88, which Taqueria La Penita's 82 doesn't quite reach. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

4
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 22, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
4 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
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)
Time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food. except when time is used as a public health control as specified in section 20-21.02(a)(02) of this code, time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food shall be kept at an internal temperature of 41°f (05°c) or below or at a temperature of 135°f (57°c) or above during display and service, except that roasts cooked to a temperature and for a time specified in table 20-21.04-3 of this code or reheated as specified in table 20-21.04-01 of this code may be held for service at a temperature of 130°f (54°c) or above
20-21.05(a)
Hand-washing sink installation. hand-washing sink not accessible to employees at all times. (corrected on site)
20-21.19(a)
Special ventilation. filters not cleaned at sufficient frequency to prevent accumulation.
20-21.25(b)(03)
82
May 13, 2025
Routine Inspection (001)
5 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 5 violations
General. food in hermetically-sealed containers not prepared in a food processing establishment or under a variance or approved haccp plan.
20-21.01(a)
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)
Time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food. except when time is used as a public health control as specified in section 20-21.02(a)(02) of this code, time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food shall be kept at an internal temperature of 41°f (05°c) or below or at a temperature of 135°f (57°c) or above during display and service, except that roasts cooked to a temperature and for a time specified in table 20-21.04-3 of this code or reheated as specified in table 20-21.04-01 of this code may be held for service at a temperature of 130°f (54°c) or above
20-21.05(a)
Hand-washing sink installation. hand-washing sink not accessible to employees at all times. (corrected on site)
20-21.19(a)
Food employee failed to successfully complete a food handler training course within 60 days of employment.
20-53(f)
78
Jan 18, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Aug 6, 2024
Reinspection (002)
No violations found.
100

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Taqueria La Penita last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Taqueria La Penita on file is from Sep 22, 2025. The public record contains four inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Taqueria La Penita?

Across the inspection record, “temperature measuring device, food” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Taqueria La Penita.

How does Taqueria La Penita compare to other restaurants in Houston?

Taqueria La Penita most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is lower than the Houston average of 88.

Has Taqueria La Penita's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Taqueria La Penita have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

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