El Paso Restaurant
Last inspected: Jan 29, 2026
82
Score
Public records show seven inspections at El Paso Restaurant stretching back to 2023. The most recent visit was on Jan 29, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
The latest visit found five violations, down from seven violations the time before.
Looking across the full record, food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable is the recurring theme, flagged four times.
Compared to the broader Central Falls restaurant scene, this is about average. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
7
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 29, 2026
Re-Inspection
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair
Inspector notes: 3 bay sink at bar is leaking when in use. Equipment to be adjusted.
5-205.15
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: Refrigerator gaskets at 3 door prep unit (by entrance) and 2 door prep unit (by stove) were not in good repair.
4-501.11
82
Jan 15, 2026
Routine
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 11 violations
Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Salsa Ranchera and Consommé which were prepared in advance, were not cooled to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in 2 hours and then to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. Food was prepared yesterday and was observed between 74-88 degrees Fahrenheit. Food was voluntarily disposed of.
3-501.14
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Various foods were observed held at 46-52 degrees Fahrenheit in walk-in cooler. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. Time temperature abused foods were voluntarily disposed of. See disposal.
3-501.16(A)
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair
Inspector notes: 3 bay sink at bar is leaking when in use. Equipment to be adjusted.
5-205.15
Person in charge not controlling unsafe operations
Inspector notes: The Person in charge did not assure compliance with critical code requirements. Management's plan for assessing, monitoring, and controlling foodborne disease hazards is inadequate.
2-103.11
Improper cooling methods used
Inspector notes: Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Salsas and Consommé were placed hot in the refrigerator and walk-in freezer in containers greater than four inches deep. Proper cooling methods reviewed. Foods must be 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below before placing into large containers for storage.
3-501.15
Food thawed using improper method
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Vacuumed packaged tilapia was observed at 47 degrees Fahrenheit with the packaging still intact. Reduced oxygen packaged fish/ vacuumed packaged fish products must be removed completely from packaging prior to thawing. Fish was voluntarily disposed of.
3-501.13
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Various containers of food were observed stored on the floor in the walk-in cooler. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.
3-305.11
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: Kitchen dishwashing machine was out of service prior to inspection. Equipment to be in good repair and proper adjustment. Establishment to use 3 bay sink to manually wash, rinse and sanitize all dishes.
4-501.11
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: The walk-in cooler was observed at ranging ambient temperatures of 46-50 degrees Fahrenheit during time of inspection. Walk-in cooler to be properly adjusted. No foods that require refrigeration for food safety to be placed in walk-in cooler. Establishment is limited to cook/serve processes at this time until walk-in cooler can maintain an internal food temperature of 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
4-501.11
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: Refrigerator gaskets at 3 door prep unit (by entrance) and 2 door prep unit (by stove) were not in good repair.
4-501.11
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The kitchen hoods above grill and flattop area have an accumulation of soil residue. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.12
37
Jan 9, 2025
Re-Inspection
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Consumer advisory not provided for raw or undercooked food
Inspector notes: Consumer advisory provided does not disclose foods on the menu that are raw or undercooked.
3-603.11
90
Dec 26, 2024
Re-Inspection
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Consumer advisory not provided for raw or undercooked food
Inspector notes: Consumer advisory provided does not disclose foods on the menu that are raw or undercooked.
3-603.11
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: No food or single service items are permitted to be stored in exterior storage unit until approval granted by RIDOH CFP. The presence of rodents in exterior storage unit is not controlled as evidenced by rodent droppings observed on shelving and gnawed food. Gnawed food was voluntarily disposed of.
6-501.111
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Establishment does not have an individual with a Rhode Island Food Safety Manager license. Establishment submitted application via mail.
2-102.12
78
Dec 17, 2024
Routine
3 critical violations. 7 major violations. 7 minor violations. 6 corrected on site.
View 17 violations
Cleaned equipment or utensils stored improperly
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: 1. Utensils in the to go area are displayed with the lip surface up. Utensils are to be stored so that only the handles are touched by employees and consumers if consumer self-service is provided. 2. Rice scoop was observed stored with rice in hot holding unit with handle touching rice. PIC informed to cease practice.
4-903.11(A)
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw fish, pork and beef were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods such as salsas and lettuce in the walk-in refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage.
3-302.11
Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of the can opener was observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Equipment was cleaned and sanitized during time of inspection.
4-602.11
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: -The hand-washing sink in the kitchen was blocked by a dolly of dish racks. A hand-washing sink shall be accessible at all times for employee use. -Soap, paper towels and notification signage were not available at the hand-washing sink at the bar. Hand-washing sinks must be provided with a supply of hand cleaning liquid, powder, or bar soap; a hand drying method and notification signage.
5-205.11
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
Inspector notes: Cooked onions and salsas were observed held at 47-48 degrees Fahrenheit in cookline prep unit. Per PIC, foods were recently prepared. Foods must be cooled and/chilled prior to placing in cold holding unit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling.
3-501.16(A)
Working containers of toxic materials not identified
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Working containers used for storing chemicals taken from bulk supplies were not marked with the common name of the chemical.
7-102.11
Consumer advisory not provided for raw or undercooked food
Inspector notes: The consumer advisory provided does not disclose the foods on the menu that are raw or undercooked.
3-603.11
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of rodents in the exterior storage truck is not controlled as evidenced by rodent droppings observed on floor. 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. PIC to work with pest control to eliminate issue. No food to be stored in exterior truck until approval granted by RIDOH CFP.
6-501.111
Person in charge not controlling unsafe operations
Inspector notes: The Person in charge did not assure compliance with critical code requirements.
2-103.11
No written procedures for vomiting or diarrheal events
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The establishment does not have a written procedure for cleaning vomit and diarrhea. RIDOH CFP food safety booklet provided to establishment during time of inspection.
2-501.11
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Establishment does not have an individual with a Rhode Island Food Safety Manager license. Establishment has multiple people with food safety certificate. Establishment must register a Rhode Island Food Safety Manager. Application provided during time of inspection.
2-102.12
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
Inspector notes: Various foods were observed stored on the floor in the walk-in cooler, walk-in freezer and storage truck. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor. PIC informed.
3-305.11
Food contaminated by miscellaneous source
Inspector notes: Mop sink in kitchen requires a partition to prevent contamination of pan storage rack stored next to mop sink.
3-307.11
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked animal foods
Inspector notes: Condensate for ice machine was observed draining into handwashing sink basin in the kitchen. Condensate drainage must be discharged in a suitable manner.
5-403.12
Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used
Inspector notes: The receptacle in the toilet rooms are lacking a cover. A toilet room shall be provided with a covered receptacle for sanitary products.
5-501.17
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: Refuse area was observed with an accumulation of litter and organic matter. Area to be maintained cleaned to prevent attractants for pests.
5-501.115
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: Posterior wall of mop sink was observed leaking water onto floor in front of walk-in freezer. Physical facilities to be properly adjusted and in good repair.
6-501.11
22
Apr 13, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair
5-205.15
86
Mar 29, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 11 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Proper cooling time and temperatures
20
Food in good condition, safe, and unadulterated
13
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
56
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
33
Food properly labeled; original container
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
53
43
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Paso Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Paso Restaurant on file is from Jan 29, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Paso Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable has been cited four times, more than any other issue at El Paso Restaurant.
How does El Paso Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Central Falls?
El Paso Restaurant most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is about the same as the Central Falls average of 82.
Has El Paso Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at El Paso Restaurant have turned up fewer violations than earlier ones, with the latest finding around five violations compared to about seven previously.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at El Paso Restaurant 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 Paso Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Paso Restaurant is inspected around two times per year on average.
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