El Sabor De Mi Tierra

616 Plainfield Street, Providence, RI 02909
License: Seats - 50 or More
Last inspected: Jun 25, 2025
61
Score
Medium Risk

Going back to 2024, El Sabor De Mi Tierra has three inspections in the public record. The latest inspection on file is from Jun 25, 2025. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.

The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around seven violations, down from roughly 12 violations earlier in the record.

Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded three times.

By comparison, the average Providence facility scores 80, putting El Sabor De Mi Tierra on the weaker side. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.

3
Inspections
0
Critical latest
3
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 25, 2025
Re-Inspection
3 major violations. 4 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 7 violations
Person in charge not controlling unsafe operations
Inspector notes: No person in charge was present as needed at the time of inspection.
2-103.11
Consumer advisory not provided for raw or undercooked food
Inspector notes: Ceviche is 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 label missing or inaccurate
Inspector notes: Desserts packaged in the food establishment are lacking labels. Food packaged in a food establishment must be labeled with the common name of the food, a list of ingredients, the quantity of the contents, and the business name/address.
3-602.11
Wiping cloths used or stored improperly (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Inspector observed linen/cloth being used to cover tortillas.
3-304.14
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The hoods in the kitchen area have a HEAVY accumulation of soil residue and grease buildup. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. PIC informed.
6-501.12
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed in the back kitchen area. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions.
6-501.114
Refuse receptacles not suitable or in poor condition
Inspector notes: The establishment is lacking a waste disposal unit. Per interview with PIC, will be delivered today. PIC to send inspector proof.
5-501.13
61
Jun 11, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 8 major violations. 10 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 20 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: The mop sink had equipment and unused items. PIC informed that mop sinks must be accessible.
5-402.13
Cleaned equipment or utensils stored improperly
Inspector notes: Single service items are not being stored properly in their original protective package and/or are stored on a surface that is not clean in the back kitchen area. Inspector observed droppings in single use items (back kitchen area). See disposal.
4-903.11(A)
Person in charge not controlling unsafe operations
Inspector notes: No person in charge was present as needed at the time of inspection.
2-103.11
Non-food contact surfaces clean (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: A spoon and rag were observed in the hand-washing sink. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing.
5-204.11
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (knives, bowls, plates, spatula) 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)
Consumer advisory not provided for raw or undercooked food
Inspector notes: Ceviche is 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
Working containers of toxic materials not identified
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
Improper cooling methods used (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. At time of inspection, chicken was cooling in prep area in a COVERED bowl.
3-501.15
Food label missing or inaccurate
Inspector notes: Desserts packaged in the food establishment are lacking labels. Food packaged in a food establishment must be labeled with the common name of the food, a list of ingredients, the quantity of the contents, and the business name/address.
3-602.11
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of rodents is not controlled as evidenced by large and small droppings. 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.
6-501.111
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The hoods in the kitchen area has an accumulation of grease and soil residue. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.12
Food contaminated by miscellaneous source
Inspector notes: Inspector observed linen/cloth being used to cover tortillas. PIC informed.
3-307.11
Wiping cloths used or stored improperly
Inspector notes: Wet wiping cloths are not stored in a chemical sanitizer between uses. Wet wiping cloths must be stored in a chemical sanitizer at the appropriate concentration.
3-304.14
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the following have an accumulation of: 1) Shelving throughout entire front kitchen (droppings & food residue) 2) Steam Table Ledge (droppings) 3) Ware washing shelving (debris)
4-602.13
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The floors and walls throughout the facility have an accumulation of soil residue and/or food debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.12
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed in the refuse area & back kitchen. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions.
6-501.114
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.
2-102.12(A)
Refuse not removed at sufficient frequency
Inspector notes: The refuse area has a HEAVY accumulation of trash, litter, and unused equipment. The dumpster area must be maintained clean to prevent harborage for pests.
5-502.11
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: The establishment is lacking a waste disposal unit. Per interview with PIC, will be delivered tomorrow.
5-501.110
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Chicken wings were observed held at 109 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be maintained at 135 degrees Fahrenheit or above except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. PIC reheated.
3-501.16(A)
20
May 28, 2024
Opening
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Sewage backflow not prevented
Inspector notes: The sink used for food preparation is lacking an air gap. A direct connection must not exist between the sewage system and a drain originating from equipment in which food is placed. Technician was on site for plumbing during inspection.
5-402.11
Handwashing sign not posted
Inspector notes: Bathroom handwashing sink is lacking signage. A sign or poster must be posted to notify food employees of handwashing.
6-301.14
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: Wood is used in the construction of platform for prep table in the back kitchen area. Non-food contact surfaces of equipment that are exposed to splash, spillage, or other food soiling or that require frequent cleaning must be constructed of a nonabsorbent and smooth material.
4-101.17
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed in the outside and back storage area. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions.
6-501.114
74

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Sabor De Mi Tierra last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Sabor De Mi Tierra on file is from Jun 25, 2025. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Sabor De Mi Tierra?

Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at El Sabor De Mi Tierra.

How does El Sabor De Mi Tierra compare to other restaurants in Providence?

El Sabor De Mi Tierra most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the Providence average of 80.

Has El Sabor De Mi Tierra's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at El Sabor De Mi Tierra have averaged around seven violations per visit, down from roughly 12 earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at El Sabor De Mi Tierra means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.