Legal Sea Foods

175 Hillside Rd, Cranston, RI 02920

Seafood

License: Seats - 50 or More

Last inspected: Jun 18, 2025

Score

Medium Risk

Public records show three inspections at Legal Sea Foods stretching back to 2023. The most recent visit was on Jun 18, 2025. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.

Each of the recent inspections has turned up roughly the same number of issues.

Proper cooling methods used comes up most often, recorded two times in the inspection record.

Legal Sea Foods's latest score of 70 falls below the Cranston average of 88. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Jun 18, 2025

Routine

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

View 4 violations

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

Inspector notes: Various foods were observed held at 44-50 degrees Fahrenheit in the pantry prep unit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. Per PIC, foods were placed in the unit under 4 hours prior to inspection. Foods moved to walk-in cooler to properly cool.

3-501.16(A)

Improper cooling methods used (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Crab and lobster were observed cooling in a deep pan and wrapped in plastic then placed in the prep unit. Foods were removed from unit and placed on a sheet pan to be cooled in the walk-in cooler.

3-501.15

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: The pantry prep unit was observed in poor repair (maintaining ambient temperature between 48-50 degrees Fahrenheit). Equipment to not be used until it can be replaced/repaired/serviced. Proof of repairs to be sent to inspector.

4-501.11

Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the hood system and the ceiling vents have an accumulation of dust.

4-602.13

Apr 11, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations. 3 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 seafood) was observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (such as lemons/cucumbers in the prep units) 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. Establishment has service request sent in for repairs. Establishment to use the dishwasher for washing and rinsing ONLY. All equipment and utensils to be sanitized in the 3-bay sink.

4-501.112

Improper cooling methods used

Inspector notes: Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Rice was placed hot in the refrigerator in containers and covered.

3-501.15

Food thawed using improper method (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Reduced oxygen packaged seafood labeled "KEEP FROZEN" (lobster) was observed to be thawing in the walk-in cooler at 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Packages were opened the thaw properly.

3-501.13

Equipment or utensils not clean

Inspector notes: The following non-food contact surfaces were observed with: 1) The ice machine was observed with biofilm build 2) The knife rack observed with an accumulation of food debris 3) The hood ventilation system observed with an accumulation of dust

4-601.11(B)

Employee eating, drinking, or using tobacco in food area (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: An open employees' beverage container was observed stored in a food preparation area (bar and server station). Employees shall not drink from open beverage containers in order to prevent contamination of their hands, the container, and exposed food.

2-401.11

Apr 3, 2023

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Employee eating, drinking, or using tobacco in food area

2-401.11

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Legal Sea Foods last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Legal Sea Foods on file is from Jun 18, 2025. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Legal Sea Foods?

Across the inspection record, proper cooling methods used has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Legal Sea Foods.

How does Legal Sea Foods compare to other restaurants in Cranston?

Legal Sea Foods most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Cranston average of 88.

Has Legal Sea Foods's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Recent inspections at Legal Sea Foods have produced about the same number of violations as earlier ones, holding around four per visit.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Legal Sea Foods 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 Legal Sea Foods inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Legal Sea Foods is inspected roughly once per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

145 Hillside Road

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Feed the Cheeks

155 Hillside Road

Score: 82 — Low Risk

Tavern in the Square Restaurant and Bar

115 Hillside Rd

Score: 82 — Low Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Cranston → Seafood restaurants in Rhode Island → Seafood restaurants in Cranston