El Tapatio
Last inspected: Jan 29, 2026
100
Score
El Tapatio appears in inspection records four times, starting in 2023. El Tapatio was last inspected on Jan 29, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Compared to the prior visit, the count dropped from seven violations to zero.
Across the inspection history, food separated and protected is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded two times.
El Tapatio's latest score of 100 sits above the Cranston average of 88. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
4
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 29, 2026
Re-Inspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 15, 2026
Routine
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations. 5 corrected on site.
View 7 violations
Improper handwashing procedure
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: An employee was observed washing disposable gloves in hand sink. Employee changed gloves and washed hands.
2-301.12
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (beef) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods in the bottom of the prep unit. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage. Product was relocated.
3-302.11
Food-contact surfaces; cleaned & sanitized
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The chlorine sanitizer concentration for the sanitizing cycle of the dishwasher was 0 parts per million (ppm). Chlorine sanitizing solutions must be between 50-100 ppm. Chemical was replaced and tested @ 50 ppm.
4-501.114
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
Food thawed using improper method
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: ROP seafood was observed thawing with package in tact. Food was observed at 41 degrees in package. Food was disposed of. Proper thawing reviewed with PIC.
3-501.13
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the walk-in racks have an accumulation of dust, food residue, and other debris. The non-food contact surfaces of the ice machine have an accumulation of bio-film.
4-602.13
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: The soda dispenser was observed draining into the hand sink. The drainage must drain into a drain.
5-403.12
47
May 6, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations. 5 corrected on site.
View 7 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (beef) were observed stored behind ready-to-eat foods (vegetables) in the prep unit. Raw animal foods must be stored in a manner from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage to prevent contamination.
3-302.11
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the kitchen was lacking paper towels.
6-301.12
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
Food storage containers not labeled with contents
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Working containers of dry ingredients are not labeled with the common name of the food. Working containers holding food or food ingredients that are removed from their original packages, such as flour, herbs, salt, sugar, and spices must be labeled with the common name of the food.
3-302.12
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The grout and the tiles in the dishwashing area were observed in poor repair. Physical facility to get repaired.
6-501.11
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Utensils were stored between prep unit. Utensils were relocated to dish washer. Utensils to not be stored between the prep units.
3-304.12
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: The establishment does not employ a full-time, on-site manager certified in food safety with RIDOH. Application printed.
2-102.12
58
Oct 16, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 5 violations
Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (ice machine) were observed with an accumulation of biofilm. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch.PIC voluntarily disposed of ice.
4-602.11
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed in the upstairs storage area and outside back area. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions.
6-501.114
Wiping cloths used or stored improperly
(corrected on site)
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 dough mixer have an accumulation food residue, and other 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
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Tapatio last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Tapatio on file is from Jan 29, 2026. The public record contains four inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Tapatio?
Across the inspection record, food separated and protected has been cited two times, more than any other issue at El Tapatio.
How does El Tapatio compare to other restaurants in Cranston?
El Tapatio most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Cranston average of 88.
Has El Tapatio's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at El Tapatio have turned up fewer violations than earlier ones, with the latest finding around zero violations compared to about seven previously.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at El Tapatio 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 Tapatio inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Tapatio is inspected around two times per year on average.
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