Midtown Oyster Bar

345 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840

Seafood

License: Seats - 50 or More

Last inspected: Sep 26, 2025

100

Score

Low Risk

Going back to 2023, Midtown Oyster Bar has five inspections in the public record. On Sep 26, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.

Compared to the prior visit, the count dropped from two violations to zero.

Proper cold holding temperatures comes up most often, recorded one time in the inspection record.

Midtown Oyster Bar's latest score of 100 sits above the Newport average of 84. Taken together, the history is a positive one.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Sep 26, 2025

Re-Inspection

No violations found.

100

Aug 13, 2025

Re-Inspection

No violations found.

100

Jul 30, 2025

Routine

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

View 5 violations

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

Inspector notes: The prep unit and 2-door low boy in the cold kitchen and the prep unit in front of the fryolator and the prep unit in front of the cooktop were observed held at ambient temperature of 47 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. Food items within the units were evaluated and were voluntarily disposed of during the time of inspection.

3-501.16(A)

Time used as public health control not properly documented

Inspector notes: Establishment was observed using time as a public health control for sushi rice. Establishment does not have prior approval to use TPHC for sushi rice and shall submit processes and batch logs for approval by RIDOH Center for Food Protection. Guidance provided during the time of inspection.

3-501.19

Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the cold kitchen was lacking paper towels. Paper towels were provided during the time of the inspection.

5-205.11

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

Inspector notes: Utensils were observed stored in stagnant water between uses. Utensils between uses shall be stored in one of the following manners: on a dry clean surface, in water maintained at 135 degrees Fahrenheit or more, or in water with sufficient velocity to flush particulates to the drain. Utensils were cleaned and sanitized during the time of inspection and moved to a dry clean surface.

3-304.12

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: The cold kitchen prep unit, 2-door low boy, and the prep units in the hot kitchen were observed held at an ambient temperature of 41 degrees Fahrenheit or more and were not in good repair. Establishment is not to store TCS food items within the unit until an ambient of 41 degrees Fahrenheit or less is maintained. Service was called and arrived during the time of inspection.

4-501.11

Apr 3, 2024

Re-Inspection

No violations found.

100

May 31, 2023

Routine

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

View 3 violations

Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (slicer) was observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Sliced was cleaned and sanitized during inspection.

4-601.11(A)

Food thawed using improper method (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Tuna in Reduced Oxygen packaging was observed thawing without oxygen being introduced. Tuna was observed at 38 degrees. Chef cut holes in packaging during inspection to reintroduce oxygen.

3-501.13

Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The non-food contacts surfaces of the celling's near dish area and fry station area. have an accumulation of dust, dirt, residue, and other debris. Areas and high dusting need to be cleaned on a more frequent basis.

4-602.13

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Midtown Oyster Bar last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Midtown Oyster Bar on file is from Sep 26, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Midtown Oyster Bar?

Across the inspection record, proper cold holding temperatures has been cited one time, more than any other issue at Midtown Oyster Bar.

How does Midtown Oyster Bar compare to other restaurants in Newport?

Midtown Oyster Bar most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Newport average of 84.

Has Midtown Oyster Bar's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Midtown Oyster Bar have turned up fewer violations than earlier ones, with the latest finding around zero violations compared to about two previously.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Midtown Oyster Bar means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

How often is Midtown Oyster Bar inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Midtown Oyster Bar is inspected around two times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Blondies

345 Thames St

Score: 100 — Low Risk

The Red Parrot

348 Thames Street

Score: 37 — High Risk

Coffee Grinder

337 Thames St Unit 4 And 5

Score: 86 — Low Risk

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