Mesa Cafe and Grill

100 Rolfe Street, Cranston, RI 02910
Mexican / Latin
License: Seats - 50 or More
Last inspected: Feb 4, 2026
52
Score
High Risk

Mesa Cafe and Grill has been inspected three times since 2023. The most recent report on file is from Feb 4, 2026. Diners may want to take note: high risk reflects issues that a health inspector considered important.

Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits.

When inspectors have written things up, toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used has been the most frequent reason, cited two times.

Mesa Cafe and Grill's latest score of 52 falls below the Cranston average of 88. This restaurant has more on its record than most do.

3
Inspections
2
Critical latest
2
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 4, 2026
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 7 violations
Toxic materials not stored separately from food (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: (Bleach) was stored with food, equipment, utensils, or single service items. Chemicals must be stored to prevent the contamination of clean equipment, utensils linens, and/or single service by spacing or partitioning and locating them in an area that is not above food, equipment utensils, linens, and single service articles. Bottle relocated.
7-201.11
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (beef) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (potatoes) in the walk-in refrigerator And raw beef patty above deli turkey in the prep unit. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage.
3-302.11
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the kitchen was lacking paper towels. Paper towel dispenser set up at the time of inspection.
6-301.12
Working containers of toxic materials not identified
Inspector notes: Working containers used for storing chemicals taken from bulk supplies were not marked with the common name of the chemical.
7-102.11
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Knives were observed stored between prep units. Knives relocated.
3-304.12
Food storage containers not labeled with contents
Inspector notes: Working containers of dry ingredients are not labeled with the common name of the food. Working containers holding food or food ingredients that are removed from their original packages, such as flour, herbs, salt, sugar, and spices must be labeled with the common name of the food.
3-302.12
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: The establishment does not employ a full-time, on-site manager certified in food safety with RIDOH. Application provided.
2-102.12(A)
52
Jul 29, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 2 minor violations. 6 corrected on site.
View 9 violations
Chemical sanitizer does not meet required criteria (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Chlorine sanitizer solution was observed in excess of 200 parts per million (ppm). A chlorine sanitizer solution applied to food contact surfaces must be between 50-100 ppm. Bottle drained and tested at adequate ppm.
7-204.11
Toxic materials not stored separately from food (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: (Bleach) was stored with food, equipment, utensils, or single service items. Chemicals must be stored to prevent the contamination of clean equipment, utensils linens, and/or single service by spacing or partitioning and locating them in an area that is not above food, equipment utensils, linens, and single service articles.
7-201.11
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. The menu currently has the majority of items asterisked. New menu to be printed with only the items that can be undercooked (eggs, burgers, etc.) labeled.
3-603.11
Working containers of toxic materials not identified (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Working containers used for storing chemicals taken from bulk supplies were not marked with the common name of the chemical.
7-102.11
Person in charge not present
Inspector notes: No person certified in food safety was present as needed at the time of inspection. Per PIC, PIC is currently working on getting certified.
2-101.11
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the kitchen was lacking paper towels.
6-301.12
Equipment or utensils not clean (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. 3-bay sink set up properly. 3-bay sink handout provided.
4-601.11(A)
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: The establishment does not employ a full-time, on-site manager certified in food safety with RIDOH. Application printed.
2-102.12
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Knife was observed stored between prep unit and table. Knife was removed. In use utensils shall be stored on a sanitary surface.
3-304.12
41
Aug 11, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation. 3 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
Chemical sanitizer does not meet required criteria
Inspector notes: Quaternary ammonium sanitizer solution was in excess of 400 parts per million (ppm). A quaternary ammonia sanitizer solution applied to food contact surfaces must be applied at the strength as indicated on the manufacturers' label.
7-204.11
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (such as eggs) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (such as spinach) in the 3 door flip top prep unit. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage.
3-302.11
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 spray bottles.
4-302.14
No written procedures for vomiting or diarrheal events (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The establishment does not have a written procedure for cleaning vomit and diarrhea.
2-501.11
Improper cooling methods used (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Ranchera, tomatillo and potatoes were placed hot in the refrigerator in containers greater than four inches deep. Items moved to shallow pans to properly cool.
3-501.15
Food contaminated by miscellaneous source
Inspector notes: Condensation from the fan of the walk-in refrigerator observed to be dripping on tomatillos. Tomatillos observed with the leaves intact. Produce to be washed before used for food prep. Food to not be stored under fan until condensation is dripped.
3-307.11
52

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Mesa Cafe and Grill last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Mesa Cafe and Grill on file is from Feb 4, 2026. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Mesa Cafe and Grill?

Across the inspection record, toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Mesa Cafe and Grill.

How does Mesa Cafe and Grill compare to other restaurants in Cranston?

Mesa Cafe and Grill most recently scored 52 out of 100, which is lower than the Cranston average of 88.

Has Mesa Cafe and Grill's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Recent inspections at Mesa Cafe and Grill have produced about the same number of violations as earlier ones, holding around seven per visit.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Mesa Cafe and Grill 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 Mesa Cafe and Grill inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Mesa Cafe and Grill is inspected roughly once per year on average.