Harborside Cafe

Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI 02905

School / Childcare

License: Food Service (Non-Profit)

Last inspected: Sep 29, 2025

Score

Medium Risk

The health department has logged three inspections at Harborside Cafe, the earliest from 2023. The most recent visit was on Sep 29, 2025. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.

Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near four violations per visit.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean”, showing up two times.

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

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Sep 29, 2025

Routine

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

View 4 violations

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Chowder, noodles, etc. were observed held at 116 and 117 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be maintained at 135 degrees Fahrenheit or above except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. Foods were reheated during inspection.

3-501.16(A)

Food label missing or inaccurate

Inspector notes: Several food items (soups, prepared foods, desserts, etc.) on display and for self-service observed lacking an ingredient list. PIC informed.

3-602.11

Equipment or utensils not clean

Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the hood/ventilation unit and vent (dishwashing room) have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.

4-601.11(B)

Unnecessary items or litter present on premises

Inspector notes: The walk-in freezer has an accumulation of ice and food debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.

6-501.114

Nov 7, 2024

Routine

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

View 4 violations

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned and sanitized (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: The lactic acid concentration in the sanitizing solution of the 3-bay sink was (0) parts per million (ppm). According to the manufacturer's use directions, the concentration of the lactic acid must be (704-1875) ppm.

4-501.114

Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (immersion blender) were observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Moved to warewashing area to be washed and sanitized.

4-601.11(A)

Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the (ice machine) have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.

4-602.13

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The walls behind soda line(back storage) and floors drains under counters 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

Dec 7, 2023

Routine

1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.

View 6 violations

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (such as raw beef short ribs) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (such as red wine sauce) 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: cleaned and sanitized

Inspector notes: The food-contact surfaces of equipment and utensils were not sanitized. The required utensil surface temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit was not achieved during the sanitizing cycle of the dishwasher as evidenced by the failure of the thermolabel (temperature indicator) affixed to the surface of a utensil to turn black. Service called during inspection. Proof of repair to be sent to inspector.

4-501.112

Improper cooling methods used (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Red wine sauce was observed cooling covered. Container was opened to allow proper air flow during time of inspection.

3-501.15

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: Vent by the pot washer was observed with an accumulation of dust. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.

6-501.12

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Water filter near soda syrups observed leaking. System to be maintained in good repair and proper adjustment.

4-501.11

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Refrigerator door gaskets for 3 door lowboy were observed in poor repair.

4-501.11

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Harborside Cafe last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Harborside Cafe on file is from Sep 29, 2025. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Harborside Cafe?

Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Harborside Cafe.

How does Harborside Cafe compare to other restaurants in Providence?

Harborside Cafe most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Providence average of 80.

Has Harborside Cafe's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Harborside Cafe have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Harborside Cafe means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

How often is Harborside Cafe inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Harborside Cafe is inspected around two times per year on average.

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