When explaining the problem with the points system to the judge, the file Michael chose was for a man in Snerling, Indiana, and the tomato was purchased at "Food and Stuff". This is a direct reference to another Michael Schur project, Parks and Recreation (2009).
The green slug like character that appears in the IHOP is called a "Niednagel". This is named after David Niednagel, the much loved Visual Effects Producer on the show who is credited by the cast and crew for much of the show's visual effects.
As Team Cockroach walks across the void to the IHOP, numerous other pathways can be seen behind them, each leading to a different door. Visual Effects Producer David Niednagel revealed that he included several notable doors as Easter Eggs, including Boo's closet door from Monsters, Inc. (2001), a subspace door from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010), and the front door to his own house.
After coming back from Earth, the Judge realizes how complicated it was and mentions that she discovered she is black. In real life, Maya Rudolph is part black. Her mother was singer Minnie Riperton who sang the song "Loving You".
Tahani describes the bizarre environment of the IHOP as resembling a "Diane von Furstenberg pattern from Spring 2013." The patterns of von Furstenberg's fabrics tend to be extremely and sometimes absurdly busy. The reference is that, while the wealthy might buy von Furstenberg designs (which are high-profile and expensive), the truly elite such as Tahani would buy more sedate and more sophisticated clothing.