Hillside Cafe

8 Memorial Boulevard West, Newport, RI 02840

Bar / Pub

License: Seats - Less than 50

Last inspected: Sep 30, 2025

Score

Medium Risk

The inspection history at Hillside Cafe is still short, with only two visits logged. On Sep 30, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.

The trend has been moving in the right direction: seven violations last time, four this time.

When inspectors have written things up, food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable has been the most frequent reason, cited two times.

Compared to other Newport restaurants (averaging 84), there's room to close the gap. The record is unremarkable in either direction.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Sep 30, 2025

Routine

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

View 4 violations

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

Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (such as pork and shell eggs) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (such as produce and prepared foods) in the 1-door reach-in refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage. Food items were rearranged during the time of inspection and guidance was provided.

3-302.11

Food thawed using improper method (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Salmon and mahi filet were observed thawed in their original intact reduced oxygen packaging (ROP). Seafood items packaged in ROP packaging shall be completely removed from their original packaging prior to thawing to allow the reintroduction of oxygen into the food item. Food items were observed held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit and were voluntarily disposed of during the time of inspection. Guidance document was provided during the time of the inspection.

3-501.13

Cutting surfaces scratched, scored, or no longer cleanable

Inspector notes: The cutting boards in the kitchen are very scratched and scored. Cutting blocks and boards that are subject to scratching and scoring shall be resurfaced if they can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized, or discarded if they are not capable of being resurfaced.

4-501.12

Equipment or utensils not clean

Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the ice machine 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)

Sep 19, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.

View 7 violations

Plumbing system not maintained in good repair

Inspector notes: Plumbing in the basement storage area was observed to be leaking into a refuse receptacle. Improper repair or maintenance of any portion of the plumbing system may result in potential health hazards such as cross connections, backflow, or leakage. Improper repair or maintenance may result in the creation of obnoxious odors or nuisances, and may result in contamination of food, equipment, and single-service or single-use articles.

5-205.15

Sanitizer test kit not available

Inspector notes: The facility is lacking test strips to measure the concentration of the quaternary ammonium sanitizing solution for the 3-bay sink in the kitchen.

4-302.14

Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained, & used; test strips

Inspector notes: The facility is lacking thermo labels or similar internal temperature indicating device for the dish machine in the kitchen.

4-204.115

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

Light bulbs not shatter-resistant or protected

Inspector notes: Protective shielding is not provided for the lights in the kitchen area. Light bulbs must be shielded, coated, or otherwise shatter-resistant in areas where there is exposed food; clean equipment, utensils, and linens; or unwrapped single-service and single-use articles.

6-202.11

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

Cutting surfaces scratched, scored, or no longer cleanable

4-501.12

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Hillside Cafe last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Hillside Cafe on file is from Sep 30, 2025. The public record contains two inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Hillside Cafe?

Across the inspection record, food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Hillside Cafe.

How does Hillside Cafe compare to other restaurants in Newport?

Hillside Cafe most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Newport average of 84.

Has Hillside Cafe's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Hillside Cafe have turned up fewer violations than earlier ones, with the latest finding around four violations compared to about seven previously.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

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

Nearby Restaurants

Empire Tea and Coffee

24 Memorial Blvd West

Score: 78 — Low Risk

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