La Esquina Market
Last inspected: Jan 23, 2025
35
Score
Public records show three inspections at La Esquina Market stretching back to 2023. The latest inspection on file is from Jan 23, 2025. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well.
The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around six violations to closer to 12 violations.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged three times.
That's lower than the typical Providence restaurant, which scores around 80. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.
3
Inspections
3
Critical latest
3
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 23, 2025
Routine
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 12 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (shelled eggs) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (sauces) in the prep unit. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage.
3-302.11
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair
Inspector notes: At time of inspection, plumbing in basement was in poor repair. Plumbing systems to be maintained in good repair and proper adjustment. Plumber was contacted prior to inspection.
5-205.15
Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Staff failed to sanitize equipment and utensils after washing and rinsing them. After being cleaned, equipment and utensils must be sanitized in the 3-bay-sink or dishwasher.
4-602.11
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located at the front entrance, is not tight-fitting. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight-fitting doors. PIC informed.
6-501.111
Employee handling animals improperly
Inspector notes: Live cat observed within facility. Live animals may not be allowed on the premises of a food establishment. PIC informed.
2-403.11
Equipment or utensils not clean
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (knives) were observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch.
4-601.11(A)
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: Freezer door gaskets were observed torn and in poor repair. PIC informed.
4-501.11
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: Glass located on steam table was not in good repair, observed cracked glass. PIC informed.
4-501.11
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the following have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. 1. Steam table 2. Fryers 3. Flat top grill 4. Stove 5. Refrigeration shelving 6. Fans (Walk-in cooler) 7. Grease trap 8. Hoods
4-602.13
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: At time of inspection, grey water was observed in basement. Per interview with PIC, plumping had a leak. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.12
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
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed in the basement area. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions. PIC informed.
6-501.114
35
May 22, 2023
Re-Inspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors, walls, or ceilings not easily cleanable
Inspector notes: The floors and walls in the walk in cooler area has an accumulation of soil residue and food debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-201.11
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed in the outside dumpster area. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions.
6-501.114
90
May 15, 2023
Re-Inspection
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 9 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (shelled eggs) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods cheese in the prep unit. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage.
3-302.11
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Various cheeses and sliced tomatoes was observed held at 46-49 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling.Disposed
3-501.16(A)
Ready-to-eat food not date marked
Inspector notes: Various meats, stews and rice was observed not marked with the date of preparation. Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods prepared in the establishment and held for more than 24 hours must be marked with the date of preparation.
3-501.17
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of rodents and roaches is not controlled as evidenced by rodent droppings(under serving line shelves) and roaches on glue traps, and shelving. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests must be controlled by routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests, using acceptable methods to control pests, eliminating harborage conditions, and routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies.
6-501.111
Person in charge not present
Inspector notes: Management's plan for assessing, monitoring, and controlling foodborne disease hazards is inadequate.
2-101.11
Floors, walls, or ceilings not easily cleanable
Inspector notes: The floors and walls in the walk in cooler have an accumulation of soil residue and/or food debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-201.11
Floors, walls, or ceilings not easily cleanable
Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed in the outside dumpster area. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions.
6-201.11
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
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the: 1.Shelves under hot hold unit 2.Shelves in retail area 3.Food and beverage shelves in the walk in cooler 4.Shelves under the stove have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, roach carcass and other debris.
4-601.11(B)
45
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Esquina Market last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Esquina Market on file is from Jan 23, 2025. The public record contains three inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Esquina Market?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at La Esquina Market.
How does La Esquina Market compare to other restaurants in Providence?
La Esquina Market most recently scored 35 out of 100, which is lower than the Providence average of 80.
Has La Esquina Market's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at La Esquina Market have averaged around 12 violations per visit, up from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at La Esquina Market means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is La Esquina Market inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, La Esquina Market is inspected around two times per year on average.
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