Newport Blues Cafe

286 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840

Bar / Pub

License: Seats - 50 or More

Last inspected: Apr 2, 2026

Score

Medium Risk

Newport Blues Cafe has only two inspections on file, a thin record to work from. The latest inspection on file is from Apr 2, 2026. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.

The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around zero violations to closer to three violations.

By comparison, the average Newport facility scores 84, putting Newport Blues Cafe on the weaker side. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Apr 2, 2026

Routine

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

View 3 violations

Food-contact surfaces; cleaned & sanitized (corrected on site)

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. Establishment called for service during the time of inspection. Establishment will use plastic cups and utensils if machine is not fixed prior to opening on Friday at 8:30pm.

4-501.114

Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly

Inspector notes: The small bar does not have a hand-washing sink that is conveniently located and/or readily accessible. Hand-washing sinks must be located to allow convenient use by employees in food preparation, food dispensing, and ware-washing areas. Establishment is to install a hand sink in bar area.

5-205.11

Equipment or utensils not clean

Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (ice machine) were observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Ice machine was turned off and emptied during the time of inspection.

4-601.11(A)

Mar 24, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Newport Blues Cafe last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Newport Blues Cafe on file is from Apr 2, 2026. The public record contains two inspections in total.

How does Newport Blues Cafe compare to other restaurants in Newport?

Newport Blues Cafe most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Newport average of 84.

Has Newport Blues Cafe's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Newport Blues Cafe have averaged around three violations per visit, up from roughly zero earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Newport Blues Cafe means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

Nearby Restaurants

Bar and Board

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Score: 43 — High Risk

One Pelham East

270 Thames Street

Score: 74 — Medium Risk

Smokehouse Cafe

31 Scotts Wharf

Score: 70 — Medium Risk

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