Aroma Joes

257 Thayer St, Providence, RI 02906

Café / Breakfast

License: Seats - Less than 50

Last inspected: Nov 24, 2025

Score

Medium Risk

Aroma Joes has only two inspections on file, a thin record to work from. The latest inspection on file is from Nov 24, 2025. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.

Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around seven violations lately compared to roughly four violations before.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “non-food contact surfaces clean”, showing up two times.

The city-wide average sits at 80, which Aroma Joes' 55 doesn't quite reach. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Nov 24, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.

View 7 violations

Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency

Inspector notes: Per interview of staff, blender bowls and equipment used for beverages are only washed, rinsed, and sanitized at the end of the day. The surfaces of equipment that contacts time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must be washed, rinsed, and sanitized at least every four hours.

4-602.11

Sanitizer test kit not available

Inspector notes: The facility is lacking test strips to measure the concentration of the quaternary ammonia sanitizing solution for the 3 bay sink.

4-302.14

Equipment or utensils not clean

Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of the ice machine were observed with an accumulation of soil residue and biofilm. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Ice machine was taken out of service to be cleaned and sanitized.

4-601.11(A)

Person in charge not controlling unsafe operations (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Menu does not contain an allergen statement. English Food Allergies What You Need to Know

2-103.11

Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the 3 door refrigerator, and display case have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.

4-602.13

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The floor in the walk in freezer has an accumulation of soil residue and/or debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.

6-501.12

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: The ceiling near the ice machine is in poor repair, with a piece hanging down. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.

6-501.11

Dec 27, 2023

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.

View 4 violations

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Half & Half was observed held at 54 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. PIC disposed of half & half.

3-501.16(A)

Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly

Inspector notes: Per PIC, blender cups are rinsed in the hand sink. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing.

5-205.11

Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the portable fan has an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. PIC removed from the area to be cleaned.

4-602.13

Cleaned equipment or utensils stored improperly

Inspector notes: Single service items are not being stored properly in their original protective package and/or are stored on a surface that is not clean in the front service area.

4-903.11(A)

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Aroma Joes last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Aroma Joes on file is from Nov 24, 2025. The public record contains two inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Aroma Joes?

Across the inspection record, “non-food contact surfaces clean” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Aroma Joes.

How does Aroma Joes compare to other restaurants in Providence?

Aroma Joes most recently scored 55 out of 100, which is lower than the Providence average of 80.

Has Aroma Joes' inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Aroma Joes have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Aroma Joes means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

Nearby Restaurants

Caliente Mexican Grill

267 Thayer St

Score: 61 — Medium Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Providence → Café / Breakfast restaurants in Rhode Island → Café / Breakfast restaurants in Providence