Pooch's Pour House

42-46 High Street, Westerly, RI 02891
Bar / Pub
License: Seats - 50 or More
Last inspected: Mar 25, 2026
61
Score
Medium Risk

Public records show five inspections at Pooch's Pour House stretching back to 2023. On Mar 25, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.

Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around two violations to closer to five violations per visit.

Across the inspection history, “toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded two times.

Compared to other Westerly restaurants (averaging 88), there's room to close the gap. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.

5
Inspections
1
Critical latest
3
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 25, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation. 4 corrected on site.
View 5 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.
7-204.11
No soap available at handwashing sink (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Soap was not available at the hand-washing sink in the kitchen. Hand-washing sinks must be provided with a supply of hand cleaning liquid, powder, or bar soap.
6-301.11
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.
4-601.11(A)
Ready-to-eat food not date marked (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Cheese was observed not marked with the date of preparation. Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods prepared in the establishment and held for more than 24 hours must be marked with the date of preparation.
3-501.17
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The ice scoop is stored on an unclean surface (top of the ice machine) between uses. During pauses in food preparation, utensils must be stored on a clean surface or in a clean, protected location.
3-304.12
61
Mar 12, 2025
Routine
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 corrected on site.
View 4 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.
4-501.114
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)in the 3-bay sink. A chlorine sanitizer solution applied to food contact surfaces must be between 50-100 ppm.
7-204.11
Sewage backflow not prevented
Inspector notes: The ice well in the downstairs bar is lacking an air gap. A direct connection must not exist between the sewage system and a drain originating from equipment in which food is placed.
5-402.11
Ready-to-eat food not date marked (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Food was observed not marked with the date of preparation. Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods prepared in the establishment and held for more than 24 hours must be marked with the date of preparation.
3-501.17
58
Aug 24, 2023
Re-Inspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
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. Email inspector proof of enrollment in a food safety course.
2-102.12
95
Aug 3, 2023
Environmental Complaint
5 critical violations. 8 major violations. 3 minor violations. 9 corrected on site.
View 16 violations
Hands clean & properly washed (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The quaternary ammonium concentration in the sanitizing solution of the upstairs 3-bay sink was 0 parts per million (ppm). According to the manufacturer's use directions, the concentration of the quaternary ammonium must be 200-400 ppm. Sanitizer bottle was empty during time of inspection. An employee refilled the sanitizer during time of inspection.
4-501.114
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked animal foods
Inspector notes: The condensate from the two prep unit in the upstairs kitchen are draining into a container. Condensate drainage and other nonsewage liquids must drain into a drain.
5-402.13
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (such as chicken, eggs, and beef) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (such as butter and vegetables) in the walk-in refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as butter and vegetables during storage.
3-302.11
Hands not washed when required (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The dishwasher failed to wash his/her hands between loading soiled and unloading clean dishes from the 3-bay sink. Food employees must clean their hands after handling soiled equipment or utensils.
2-301.14
Hands not washed when required (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Employees were observed changing gloves without washing their hands. Food employees must wash their hands before putting on gloves.
2-301.14
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned and sanitized
Inspector notes: The facility is lacking thermo labels or similar internal temperature indicating device for the dish machine at the bar.
4-204.115
Person in charge not present
Inspector notes: Menus are lacking an allergy statement notifying customers of their obligation to notify staff if they have a food allergy.
2-101.11
No soap available at handwashing sink (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Soap was not available at the hand-washing sink in the upstairs kitchen. Hand-washing sinks must be provided with a supply of hand cleaning liquid, powder, or bar soap.
6-301.11
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the downstairs kitchen was lacking paper towels.
6-301.12
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Pan lids were observed in the hand-washing sink in the upstairs kitchen. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing.
5-205.11
Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (can opener) were observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch.
4-601.11(A)
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.
3-603.11
Sanitizer test kit not available
Inspector notes: The facility is lacking test strips to measure the concentration of the quaternary ammonium (Sink and Surface test strips) sanitizing solution for the upstairs 3-bay sink.
4-302.14
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
Inspector notes: Food was observed stored on the floor in the dry storage area, walk-in cooler, and walk-in freezer. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.
3-305.11
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. Establishment must enroll employees in a food safety course. Please email proof of enrollment.
2-102.12
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Food was observed uncovered and cheese was placed directly on the rack inside the prep unit. Food must be covered to prevent contamination from the premises.
3-305.11
18
Apr 18, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Person in charge not controlling unsafe operations
2-103.11
Consumer advisory not provided for raw or undercooked food
3-603.11
Physical facilities not in good repair
6-501.11
78

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Pooch's Pour House last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Pooch's Pour House on file is from Mar 25, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Pooch's Pour House?

Across the inspection record, “toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Pooch's Pour House.

How does Pooch's Pour House compare to other restaurants in Westerly?

Pooch's Pour House most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the Westerly average of 88.

Has Pooch's Pour House's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Pooch's Pour House have averaged around five violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Pooch's Pour House 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 Pooch's Pour House inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Pooch's Pour House is inspected around two times per year on average.