Caliente Mexican Grill

267 Thayer St, Providence, RI 02906

Mexican / Latin

License: Seats - Less than 50

Last inspected: Dec 30, 2025

Score

Medium Risk

With just two inspections in the record, there isn't enough history to establish a clear pattern. The newest entry in the record is dated Dec 30, 2025. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.

Compared to the prior visit, inspectors found more to write up: five violations versus two before.

The most common issue across all inspections has been proper cooling time and temperature, showing up one time.

By comparison, the average Providence facility scores 80, putting Caliente Mexican Grill on the weaker side. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Dec 30, 2025

Routine

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

View 5 violations

Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time

Inspector notes: Beef, which was prepared in advance, was not cooled to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in 2 hours. Beef was reheated and placed in a more shallow pan to cool.

3-501.14

Expired or improperly marked ready-to-eat food not discarded (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Beans observed marked with a date exceeding 7 days. Disposed.

3-501.18

Improper cooling methods used

Inspector notes: Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Beef was placed hot in the freezer in container greater than four inches deep.

3-501.15

Insect control devices improperly placed or designed (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Fly paper observed hanging from the ceiling in the basement in a food preparation area.

6-202.13

Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the utensil drawer in the basement food prep area, the area beneath the grill, and the pan used to store packaged tortillas on the serving line have an accumulation of food residue, and other debris.

4-602.13

Mar 25, 2025

Re-Inspection

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Garbage & refuse properly disposed: facilities maintained

Inspector notes: The shared oil recycling container outside is located on gravel. The outdoor storage surface for refuse, recyclables, and returnables must be constructed of nonabsorbent material such as concrete or asphalt and must be smooth, durable, and sloped to drain. Owner stated there is a meeting today to request their own smaller oil recycling bin.

5-501.11

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: The floor in the basement is in poor repair. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.

6-501.11

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Caliente Mexican Grill last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Caliente Mexican Grill on file is from Dec 30, 2025. The public record contains two inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Caliente Mexican Grill?

Across the inspection record, proper cooling time and temperature has been cited one time, more than any other issue at Caliente Mexican Grill.

How does Caliente Mexican Grill compare to other restaurants in Providence?

Caliente Mexican Grill most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the Providence average of 80.

Has Caliente Mexican Grill's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Caliente Mexican Grill have flagged more violations than earlier ones, ticking from about two per visit to around five more recently.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Caliente Mexican Grill 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

Score: 50 — High Risk

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