La Catrina Tacos and Tequilas

127 Dorrance St, Providence, RI 02903

Mexican / Latin

License: Seats - Less than 50

Last inspected: Sep 4, 2025

Score

Medium Risk

There aren't many inspections to draw from yet: just two so far. The latest inspection on file is from Sep 4, 2025. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.

Things are looking better: the most recent inspection turned up five violations, compared to nine violations previously.

The pattern that stands out is consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food, which has been cited two times.

The city-wide average sits at 80, which La Catrina Tacos and Tequilas's 67 doesn't quite reach. The record is unremarkable in either direction.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Sep 4, 2025

Re-Inspection

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

View 5 violations

Backflow prevention device does not meet design standard

Inspector notes: The pre-flush spray hose at the 3-bay sink is hanging below the flood rim. A plumbing system shall be installed to prevent backflow of a liquid or gas contaminant into the water supply by providing an air gap or installing an approved backflow prevention device.

5-202.14

Consumer advisory not provided for raw or undercooked food

Inspector notes: The consumer advisory provided does not disclose the foods on the menu that are raw or undercooked. PIC stated they are working to have necessary pages reprinted.

3-603.11

Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: A dish scrubber and discarded paper towel were observed in the kitchen hand-washing sink, a pitcher was observed hanging on the sink. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing. PIC took pitcher to be cleaned and sanitized and discarded the paper towel and scrubber.

6-301.13

Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Rice was observed cooling in the storage area. PIC had staff relocate pan.

3-305.11

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Refrigerator door gaskets were observed in poor repair. PIC stated parts have been ordered.

4-501.11

Aug 25, 2025

Routine

4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations. 5 corrected on site.

View 9 violations

Backflow prevention air gap not adequate

5-202.13

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 food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Ice machine was taken out of service to be cleaned and sanitized. Ice disposed.

4-602.11

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

Inspector notes: Chicken and salsa were observed held at 127 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; steam table temperature was adjusted.

3-501.16(A)

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

Inspector notes: Salsa was observed held at 45 degrees Fahrenheit on ice in the guac station. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. PIC added ice and water to unit to maintain temperature.

3-501.16(A)

Consumer advisory not provided for raw or undercooked food

Inspector notes: The consumer advisory provided does not disclose the foods on the menu that are raw or undercooked.

3-603.11

Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, & display (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Establishment was using an unapproved area for food preparation (storeroom, under waste lines). PIC had staff move to a protected table near the ware washing area.

3-305.14

In-use utensils stored improperly between uses (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Bowls are being used as scoops in containers of sauce and rice. Utensils used to dispense non-time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods such as sugar and flour must be stored in the food item with their handles above the top of the food within the container. PIC removed bowls and informed staff to cease practice.

3-304.12

Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination

Inspector notes: Cases of food/beverage were observed stored on the floor in the storage areas. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.

3-305.11

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

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

4-501.11

Frequently Asked Questions

When was La Catrina Tacos and Tequilas last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at La Catrina Tacos and Tequilas on file is from Sep 4, 2025. The public record contains two inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at La Catrina Tacos and Tequilas?

Across the inspection record, consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food has been cited two times, more than any other issue at La Catrina Tacos and Tequilas.

How does La Catrina Tacos and Tequilas compare to other restaurants in Providence?

La Catrina Tacos and Tequilas most recently scored 67 out of 100, which is lower than the Providence average of 80.

Has La Catrina Tacos and Tequilas's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at La Catrina Tacos and Tequilas have turned up fewer violations than earlier ones, with the latest finding around five violations compared to about nine previously.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at La Catrina Tacos and Tequilas means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

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