Drift Cafe

190 A Thames St, Newport, RI 02840

License: Seats - Less than 50

Last inspected: Feb 17, 2026

Score

Medium Risk

Public records currently show only two inspections for Drift Cafe. On Feb 17, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.

The trend has not been favorable, with the count rising from two to three between inspections.

No bare hand contact with RTE food comes up most often, recorded one time in the inspection record.

The city-wide average sits at 84, which Drift Cafe's 70 doesn't quite reach. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Feb 17, 2026

Routine

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

View 3 violations

Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat food (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: An employee was observed touching ready to eat food (gluten-free toast for an egg sandwich) with bare hands. Food employees must not touch exposed, ready-to-eat food with their bare hands and shall use suitable utensils such as deli tissue, spatulas, single use gloves, or dispensing equipment. Food items were disposed of during the time of inspection.

3-301.11

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (such as shell eggs) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (such as prepared chicken and roasted veggies) in the 1-door reach-in refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage. Food items were rearranged during the time of inspection.

3-302.11

Equipment or utensils not clean

Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the ice machine have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Non-food contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to prevent the accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.

4-601.11(B)

Jan 21, 2025

Routine

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

View 2 violations

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

Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the kitchen was blocked by kitchen utensils in a pan. A hand-washing sink shall be accessible at all times for employee use. Pan of utensils were removed from sink basin and moved onto prep unit cutting board.

5-205.11

In-use utensils stored improperly between uses (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Various utensils were observed stored in a pan of stagnant water between uses. Utensils were removed from pan of water during time of inspection. Utensils must be kept on a dry clean surface, in water of 135 DF or more, or water with sufficient flow to flush away any source of contamination.

3-304.12

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Drift Cafe last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Drift Cafe on file is from Feb 17, 2026. The public record contains two inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Drift Cafe?

Across the inspection record, no bare hand contact with RTE food has been cited one time, more than any other issue at Drift Cafe.

How does Drift Cafe compare to other restaurants in Newport?

Drift Cafe most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Newport average of 84.

Has Drift Cafe's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Drift Cafe have flagged more violations than earlier ones, ticking from about two per visit to around three more recently.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Drift Cafe 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

Lucia Italian Restaurant

186 B - 190B Thames Street

Score: 78 — Low Risk

Buskers

178 Thames Street

Score: 61 — Medium Risk

Jd Convenience / Shivam

202 Thames Street

Score: 95 — Low Risk

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