Cafe Water Street

279 Water St, Warren, RI 02885

License: Seats - Less than 50

Last inspected: Apr 16, 2026

Score

Low Risk

Public records show three inspections at Cafe Water Street stretching back to 2024. Inspectors last stopped by on Apr 16, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.

Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around two violations compared to roughly four violations earlier on.

“Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible” comes up most often, recorded two times in the inspection record.

Compared to other Warren restaurants (averaging 90), there's room to close the gap. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Apr 16, 2026

Routine

1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 2 violations

Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: A tray of baked goods was observed cooling on the hand-washing sink. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing.

5-205.11

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: The establishment does not employ a full-time, on-site manager certified in food safety at all times when time temperature control for safety (TCS) food is being prepared, handled, and/or served. Establishment has an active FMC. Employee(s) - enough to cover all shifts of operation - must successfully complete an approved course in food safety management.

2-102.12(A)

Mar 25, 2025

Routine

2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.

View 7 violations

Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Staff failed to sanitize equipment and utensils after washing and rinsing them. After being cleaned, equipment and utensils must be sanitized in the 3-bay-sink or dishwasher. Inspector reviewed proper sanitizer (chlorine/bleach) set-up using the 3-bay sink.

4-602.11

Hands not washed when required

Inspector notes: Employees were observed putting on gloves without washing their hands. Food employees must wash their hands before putting on gloves.

2-301.14

Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Trays of baked cookies were observed on the hand-washing sink. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing.

5-205.11

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Refrigerator door gaskets of the prep unit and the 2-door glass lowboy unit were observed in poor repair, splitting away from the doors. Gaskets must be replaced.

4-501.11

Cutting surfaces scratched, scored, or no longer cleanable

Inspector notes: The cutting board of the prep unit observed to be very scratched and scored. Cutting blocks and boards that are subject to scratching and scoring shall be resurfaced if they can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized, or discarded if they are not capable of being resurfaced.

4-501.12

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: The establishment does not employ a full-time, on-site manager certified in food safety at all times when time temperature control for safety (TCS) food is being prepared, handled, and/or served. Employee(s) must register in, and successfully complete, an approved course in food safety management.

2-102.12(A)

Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the shelving for air drying have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Shelving must be cleaned.

4-602.13

Feb 1, 2024

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Refrigerator door gasket of the prep unit lowboy observed in poor repair.

4-501.11

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Cafe Water Street last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Cafe Water Street on file is from Apr 16, 2026. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Cafe Water Street?

Across the inspection record, “adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Cafe Water Street.

How does Cafe Water Street compare to other restaurants in Warren?

Cafe Water Street most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is lower than the Warren average of 90.

Has Cafe Water Street's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Cafe Water Street have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Cafe Water Street 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 Cafe Water Street inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Cafe Water Street is inspected roughly once per year on average.

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