Empire Tea and Coffee

251 Thames St, Bristol, RI 02809

Café / Breakfast

License: Seats - Less than 50

Last inspected: Oct 15, 2025

Score

Low Risk

With just two inspections in the record, there isn't enough history to establish a clear pattern. Empire Tea and Coffee was last inspected on Oct 15, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.

The most recent inspection cleaned up several issues, finishing with two violations after three on the prior visit.

The most common issue across all inspections has been sewage & waste water properly disposed, showing up one time.

Empire Tea and Coffee's latest score of 82 falls below the Bristol average of 85. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Oct 15, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

Sewage backflow not prevented

Inspector notes: The sink used for food preparation (dump sink) 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.

5-402.11

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Refrigerator door gaskets were observed in poor repair on the 2-door reach-in freezer. Refrigerator door gaskets shall be maintained in good repair.

4-501.11

Sep 25, 2024

Routine

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

View 3 violations

Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (ice machine #2) were observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Ice machine was turned off during inspection to be cleaned.

4-601.11(A)

Outer openings not protected against pests

Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the front of location closest to the street, is not tight-fitting. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight-fitting doors.

6-202.15

Equipment or utensils not clean

Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the prep unit gaskets and bottom compartment and ice machine #1 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)

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Empire Tea and Coffee last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Empire Tea and Coffee on file is from Oct 15, 2025. The public record contains two inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Empire Tea and Coffee?

Across the inspection record, sewage & waste water properly disposed has been cited one time, more than any other issue at Empire Tea and Coffee.

How does Empire Tea and Coffee compare to other restaurants in Bristol?

Empire Tea and Coffee most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is lower than the Bristol average of 85.

Has Empire Tea and Coffee's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Empire Tea and Coffee have turned up fewer violations than earlier ones, with the latest finding around two violations compared to about three previously.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Empire Tea and Coffee means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

Nearby Restaurants

Thames Waterside Bar and Grill

251 Thames Street

Score: 64 — Medium Risk

Dewolf Tavern

259 Thames St

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Amare Sweets & Treats

259 Thames Street

Score: 82 — Low Risk

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