Black Dog Tavern

566 Putnam Pike, Smithfield, RI 02828

American

License: Seats - 50 or More

Last inspected: Feb 16, 2026

100

Score

Low Risk

The inspection history at Black Dog Tavern is still short, with only two visits logged. Black Dog Tavern was last inspected on Feb 16, 2026. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.

Things are looking better: the most recent inspection turned up zero violations, compared to 11 violations previously.

Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing two times across the record.

The city-wide average for Smithfield sits at 78, putting Black Dog Tavern on the better side of that line. Taken together, the history is a positive one.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Feb 16, 2026

Reinspection for Opening

No violations found.

100

Feb 3, 2026

Opening

1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 8 minor violations.

View 11 violations

Sewage backflow not prevented

Inspector notes: The sink used for food preparation is lacking an air gap. It currently has an air break. A direct connection must not exist between the sewage system and a drain originating from equipment in which food is placed.

5-402.11

Equipment or utensils not clean

Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (robot coupe bowl, and ice bin at the bar) were observed with an accumulation of debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch.

4-601.11(A)

Consumer advisory not provided for raw or undercooked food

Inspector notes: The consumer advisory provided does not disclose all the foods on the menu that are raw or undercooked.

3-603.11

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: The dishwasher at the bar was not in good repair, not turned on during inspection due to leak.

4-501.11

Unnecessary items or litter present on premises

Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed outside the kitchen door. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions.

6-501.114

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The inside of the walk in cooler has an accumulation of dust and debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.

6-501.12

Floor and wall junctures not properly coved or sealed

Inspector notes: The floor and wall junctures in the toilet room/mop room/hot water tank room do not have coving. The floor and wall junctures must be coved and closed to no larger than 1/32nd of an inch.

6-201.13

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: Ceiling tiles in the back storage area is in poor repair, stained with previous water damage. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.

6-501.11

Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

Inspector notes: Establishment needs a designated area for employee belonging.

6-305.11

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: A wall, floor, and baseboards in the toilet room/mop room/hot water tank room are in poor repair, with holes in the wall and rotted baseboard. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.

6-501.11

Outer openings not protected against pests

Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the kitchen, is not tight-fitting. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight-fitting doors.

6-202.15

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Black Dog Tavern last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Black Dog Tavern on file is from Feb 16, 2026. The public record contains two inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Black Dog Tavern?

Across the inspection record, physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Black Dog Tavern.

How does Black Dog Tavern compare to other restaurants in Smithfield?

Black Dog Tavern most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Smithfield average of 78.

Has Black Dog Tavern's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Black Dog Tavern have turned up fewer violations than earlier ones, with the latest finding around zero violations compared to about 11 previously.

What does a low risk rating mean?

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

Nearby Restaurants

Cedar Spill

566 Putnam Pike

Score: 74 — Medium Risk

Newport Creamery Store 12

Score: 100 — Low Risk

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→ All locations in Smithfield → American restaurants in Rhode Island → American restaurants in Smithfield