El Mariachi
Last inspected: Apr 17, 2026
100
Score
Public records show six inspections at El Mariachi stretching back to 2023. El Mariachi was last inspected on Apr 17, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
The latest visit found four violations, down from eight violations the time before.
Proper cold holding temperatures accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing four times across the record.
Restaurants in East Providence average 79, so El Mariachi is doing better than most peers. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
6
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 17, 2026
Environmental Complaint
No violations found.
100
Jan 20, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 4 minor violations. 5 corrected on site.
View 9 violations
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
Inspector notes: Walk-in cooler was observed held at 44 degrees Fahrenheit. Foods in this unit observed with temperature of 43 degrees F. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. Service call placed and service is scheduled for today.
3-501.16(A)
Food thawed using improper method
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: ROP mussels were observed thawing in prep unit #1 still in the package. Temperature observed at 35 degrees F. ROP products must be removed from packaging while thawing in order to introduce oxygen and minimize risk of foodborne illness.
3-501.13
Thermometers provided & accurate
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Accurate thermometers are lacking in refrigeration unit(s), including the walk-in cooler. All cold holding equipment used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must have at least one accurate thermometer inside the unit that is located to allow easy viewing of the temperature display.
4-203.12
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Knife sharpener and knife were observed in the hand-washing sink. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing.
5-205.11
Equipment or utensils not clean
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (can opener) were observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch.
4-601.11(A)
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Utensil observed stored in stagnant water between uses. Ice scoop observed stored on the top of the ice machine. Utensils must be stored in/on a clean, dry location.
3-304.12
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the condenser fan guards and shelving in the walk-in cooler have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
4-602.13
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: The ceiling in the dry storage area is not covered with tiles that are smooth, durable, and easily cleanable. Proper ceiling must be installed.
6-201.16
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: Hot hold door gasket observed in poor repair, split away from the door.
4-501.11
47
Jan 15, 2025
Re-Inspection
3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of mice is not controlled as evidenced by droppings observed around the perimeter of the storage area and areas of the kitchen. No food products or food equipment observed to be contaminated. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests must be controlled by routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests, using acceptable methods to control pests, eliminating harborage conditions, and routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies. Owner/operator is increasing pest control to control this issue. Pest control report is to be emailed to inspector.
6-501.111
Consumer advisory not provided for raw or undercooked food
Inspector notes: Foods are served raw or undercooked to the customer's request. A written consumer advisory (on the menu, table tent, or placard) is not provided on the lunch menu to inform the consumer of the significantly increased risk associated with certain vulnerable consumers eating such food in a raw or undercooked form.
3-603.11
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: Thermometer is lacking in the grill cold drawers. Cold holding equipment used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must have at least one thermometer that is located to allow easy viewing of the temperature display. Thermometer must be placed in this unit.
4-203.12
Cutting surfaces scratched, scored, or no longer cleanable
Inspector notes: The cutting boards are 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. New cutting boards have been ordered.
4-501.12
70
Jan 7, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 7 major violations. 4 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 13 violations
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
Inspector notes: Grill cold drawers observed with an ambient temperature of 44 degrees Fahrenheit. Food products in this unit observed with temperatures 42 - 44 degrees F. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. TCS foods were moved to properly functioning refrigeration units. No TCS foods are to be stored in these drawers until they are serviced and maintaining consistent temperature at/below 41 degrees F.
3-501.16(A)
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: The chlorine sanitizer concentration for the sanitizing cycle of the kitchen dishwasher was 0 parts per million (ppm). Chlorine sanitizing solutions must be between 50-100 ppm. Service call placed. 3-bay sink is to be used to sanitize until the dishwasher has been serviced and is at the correct chlorine concentration for sanitizing.
4-501.114
Person in charge lacks food safety knowledge
Inspector notes: Management's plan for assessing, monitoring, and controlling foodborne disease hazards is inadequate.
2-102.11
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Knife sharpeners were observed in the hand-washing sink. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing.
5-205.11
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (can opener, ice machine) were observed with an accumulation of food, debris, and black residue (ice machine). The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Can opener moved to the 3-bay sink to be washed, rinsed, and sanitized. Service call placed for the ice machine. Bagged ice is being used until the ice machine is properly cleaned and sanitized.
4-601.11(A)
Consumer advisory not provided for raw or undercooked food
Inspector notes: Foods on the lunch menu are served raw or undercooked to the customer's request. A written consumer advisory (on the menu, table tent, or placard) is not provided to the consumer informing them of the significantly increased risk associated with certain vulnerable consumers eating such food in a raw or undercooked form.
3-603.11
Food thawed using improper method
Inspector notes: ROP fish observed in the grill cold drawers in original ROP packaging. ROP foods are to be removed from packaging when thawing to allow oxygen into product for food safety. Fish temperatures observed at 42 and 44 degrees F. Voluntary disposal during inspection.
3-501.13
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked animal foods
Inspector notes: Thermometer is lacking in the grill cold drawers. Cold holding equipment used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must have at least one thermometer that is located to allow easy viewing of the temperature display.
4-203.12
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of rodents is not controlled as evidenced by droppings observed in various locations in the kitchen and storage areas. No foods or food equipment observed to be contaminated. Establishment has active pest control. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests must be controlled by routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests, using acceptable methods to control pests, eliminating harborage conditions, and routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies. All areas of droppings are to be properly cleaned in order to inspect for new activity. Pest control is to be increased as needed.
6-501.111
Employee eating, drinking, or using tobacco in food area
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: An open employees' beverage container was observed stored in a food preparation area. Employees shall not drink from open beverage containers in order to prevent contamination of their hands, the container, and exposed food.
2-401.11
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Bag of onions observed stored on the floor of the stairs. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.
3-305.11
Cutting surfaces scratched, scored, or no longer cleanable
Inspector notes: The cutting boards are 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
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the walk-in cooler condenser fans and the gaskets of the grill cold drawers have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. These areas are to be cleaned.
4-601.11(B)
30
Jul 10, 2023
Re-Inspection
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
Inspector notes: Walk-in cooler was observed held at 43 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. Service call placed.
3-501.16(A)
86
Jun 13, 2023
Routine
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Expired or improperly marked ready-to-eat food not discarded
Inspector notes: Products in the walk-in observed to be date marked more than 7 days prior to inspection. Voluntary disposal during inspection.
3-501.18
Chemical sanitizer does not meet required criteria
Inspector notes: Chlorine sanitizer solution was observed in excess of 200 parts per million (ppm). A chlorine sanitizer solution applied to food contact surfaces must be between 50-100 ppm.
7-204.11
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
Inspector notes: Cook/grill cold hold drawers observed with ambient temperature of 52 degrees F. Various foods observed with temperatures between 48 and 52 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. Inspector thermometer calibrated during inspection. Voluntary disposal during inspection. Service call placed and drawers are not to be used until unit is serviced and maintaining consistent temperature at/below 41 degrees F.
3-501.16(A)
Person in charge lacks food safety knowledge
Inspector notes: Management's plan for assessing, monitoring, and controlling foodborne disease hazards is inadequate.
2-102.11
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly
Inspector notes: Knife and food debris observed in the hand-washing sink. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing. No paper towels available. Paper towels must always be available for proper handwashing.
5-205.11
Food thawed using improper method
Inspector notes: Various ROP fish observed thawing in the walk-in without a slit cut to let oxygen in for proper thawing. Temperature observed at 40 degrees F. Voluntary disposal during inspection.
3-501.13
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: Thermometer is lacking in the cook/grill cold hold drawers. All cold holding equipment used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must have at least one thermometer that is located to allow easy viewing of the temperature display.
4-203.12
Light bulbs not shatter-resistant or protected
Inspector notes: Light shields in the prep/cook areas are cracked and broken. Light bulbs must be shielded, coated, or otherwise shatter-resistant in areas where there is exposed food; clean equipment, utensils, and linens; or unwrapped single-service and single-use articles.
6-202.11
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
Inspector notes: Bags of onions were observed stored on the floor near the stairs. Bucket of fish observed stored on the floor in the walk-in freezer. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.
3-305.11
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed outside. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions.
6-501.114
37
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Mariachi last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Mariachi on file is from Apr 17, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Mariachi?
Across the inspection record, proper cold holding temperatures has been cited four times, more than any other issue at El Mariachi.
How does El Mariachi compare to other restaurants in East Providence?
El Mariachi most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the East Providence average of 79.
Has El Mariachi's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at El Mariachi have turned up fewer violations than earlier ones, with the latest finding around four violations compared to about eight previously.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at El Mariachi 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 El Mariachi inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Mariachi is inspected around two times per year on average.
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