Minas Cafe
Last inspected: Mar 18, 2026
52
Score
The health department has logged five inspections at Minas Cafe, the earliest from 2023. Inspectors last stopped by on Mar 18, 2026. A high risk tier suggests the facility had a rough recent inspection, with multiple violations on record.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around seven violations per visit lately, up from roughly four violations before.
“Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible” comes up most often, recorded two times in the inspection record.
The city-wide average sits at 79, which Minas Cafe's 52 doesn't quite reach. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.
5
Inspections
1
Critical latest
4
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 18, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 2 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 7 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw beef was observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (cabbage) in the walk-in refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from (below) raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage.
3-302.11
No soap available at handwashing sink
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Soap was not available at one of the hand-washing sinks in the kitchen. Hand-washing sinks must be provided with a supply of hand cleaning liquid, powder, or bar soap. A sponge was observed in another kitchen hand-washing sink. Hand-washing sinks must only be used for hand-washing.
6-301.11
Consumer advisory not provided for raw or undercooked food
Inspector notes: Foods are served raw or undercooked to the customer's request. A written consumer advisory is not provided (on the printed menu) to the consumer informing them of the significantly increased risk associated with certain vulnerable consumers eating such food in a raw or undercooked form.
3-603.11
Working containers of toxic materials not identified
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: A couple of spray bottles used for storing chemicals taken from bulk supplies were not marked with the common name of the chemical.
7-102.11
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: Thermometer is lacking in the walk-in cooler. All cold holding equipment used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must have at least one thermometer inside the unit that is located to allow easy viewing of the temperature display.
4-203.12
Employee eating, drinking, or using tobacco in food area
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: An open employees' beverage container (coffee mug) was observed stored in a food preparation area. Employees shall not drink from open beverage containers in order to prevent contamination of their hands, the container, and exposed food.
2-401.11
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. No employee certified in food safety management was on-site during inspection. Establishment does have an active FMC.
2-102.12(A)
52
Feb 18, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
Food-contact surfaces; cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: The chlorine sanitizer concentration for the sanitizing cycle of the dishwasher was 0 parts per million (ppm). Chlorine sanitizing solutions must be between 50-100 ppm. Service began at the time of inspection. 3-bay sink must be used to sanitize dishes/cookware until dishwasher is reaching the correct chlorine concentration.
4-501.114
Food thawed using improper method
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Lamb was observed thawing on the counter. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must be thawed in one of the following manners: under refrigeration (41 degrees Fahrenheit or less); completely submerged under running water; as part of the cooking process; or in the microwave if cooked immediately after thawing.
3-501.13
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: Thermometers are lacking in the refrigeration unit(s). Cold holding equipment used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must have at least one thermometer that is located to allow easy viewing of the temperature display.
4-203.12
No soap available at handwashing sink
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Soap and paper towels were not available at the hand-washing sink in the bar. Hand-washing sinks must be provided with a supply of soap and paper towels at all times.
6-301.11
64
Jan 31, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
Inspector notes: Salad products located at the cold buffet observed with temperatures 44 - 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. Products had been placed in the buffet unit less than 2 hours prior to inspection. Ice placed under the containers and unit is to be serviced to achieve/maintain consistent temperatures at/below 41 degrees F.
3-501.16(A)
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair
Inspector notes: Faucets at the 3-bay sink and the mop sink observed to be leaking. Plumbing must be maintained in good repair.
5-205.15
Working containers of toxic materials not identified
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Spray bottles used for storing chemicals taken from bulk supplies were not marked with the common name of the chemical.
7-102.11
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: Doors to the outside, located at the side of the building and at receiving, are not tight-fitting. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight-fitting doors.
6-202.15
64
Apr 11, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Mar 27, 2023
Routine
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned and sanitized
16
Proper cold holding temperatures
22
Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used
28
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned and sanitized
16
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
10
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
1
Non-food contact surfaces clean
49
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
33
Food properly labeled; original container
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
38
37
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Minas Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Minas Cafe on file is from Mar 18, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Minas Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Minas Cafe.
How does Minas Cafe compare to other restaurants in East Providence?
Minas Cafe most recently scored 52 out of 100, which is lower than the East Providence average of 79.
Has Minas Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Minas Cafe have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Minas Cafe 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 Minas Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Minas Cafe is inspected around two times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants