Providence Oyster Bar

283 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI 02903

Seafood

License: Caterer or Commissary

Last inspected: Apr 9, 2026

Score

Low Risk

The inspection history at Providence Oyster Bar is still short, with only two visits logged. Providence Oyster Bar was last inspected on Apr 9, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.

The latest visit found four violations, down from 11 violations the time before.

Required records available comes up most often, recorded two times in the inspection record.

Providence Oyster Bar's latest score is in line with the Providence average of 80. Overall, the inspection record reads well.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Apr 9, 2026

Routine

1 major violation. 3 minor violations.

View 4 violations

Required records available; molluscan shellfish identification, parasite destruction

Inspector notes: Molluscan shellfish tags must be maintained for 90 days in chronological order and the date when the last shellfish was used from the bag must be noted on the shellfish tag. PIC informed.

3-203.12

Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the beer/keg coolers have an accumulation of food residue and other debris.

4-602.13

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: The (basement) floor and (stairwell) wall and steps are in poor repair. Inspector observed openings and wall buckling. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.

6-501.11

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.

2-102.12(A)

Aug 4, 2023

Routine

4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.

View 11 violations

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

Inspector notes: Fresh clams were observed held at 46 degrees Fahrenheit at cookline. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling.

3-501.16(A)

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

Inspector notes: Butter Cream Sauce was observed held at 88 degrees Fahrenheit at room temperature. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be maintained at 135 degrees Fahrenheit or above except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. Sauce was reheated during time of inspection.

3-501.16(A)

Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat food (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: An employee was observed touching ready to eat food toasted buns for lobster rolls with bare hands. Food employees must not touch exposed, ready-to-eat food with their bare hands and shall use suitable utensils such as deli tissue, spatulas, single use gloves, or dispensing equipment.

3-301.11

Plumbing system not maintained in good repair

Inspector notes: Faucet at 3 bay sink was observed leaking. Plumbing systems to be maintained in good repair and proper adjustment.

5-205.15

Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Shellfish tag was observed in trash barrel. PIC was able to obtain tag from trash barrel. Shellfish tags must be maintained and filed for inspector review for 90 days in chronological order and the date when the last shellfish was used from the bag must be noted on the shellfish tag.

3-203.12

Person in charge not controlling unsafe operations

Inspector notes: The Person in charge did not assure compliance with critical code requirements.

2-103.11

Food contaminated by miscellaneous source

Inspector notes: No effective partition observed between 3 bay sink and prep surface in kitchen back of house. Food shall be protected from contamination during preparation and storage.

3-307.11

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Handsink in kitchen and 3 bay sink was observed with space between equipment and wall. Residue and moisture were observed at between posterior of backsplash and wall.

4-501.11

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Lowboy refrigerator door gaskets were observed in poor repair.

4-501.11

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The following areas have an accumulation of soil residue and food debris: 1. Walk-In Freezer, ice accumulation 2. FRP by cookline prep unit The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.

6-501.12

Light bulbs not shatter-resistant or protected

Inspector notes: Protective shielding is not provided for the lights in the basement storage area. Light bulbs must be shielded, coated, or otherwise shatter-resistant in areas where there is exposed food; clean equipment, utensils, and linens; or unwrapped single-service and single-use articles.

6-202.11

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Providence Oyster Bar last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Providence Oyster Bar on file is from Apr 9, 2026. The public record contains two inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Providence Oyster Bar?

Across the inspection record, required records available has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Providence Oyster Bar.

How does Providence Oyster Bar compare to other restaurants in Providence?

Providence Oyster Bar most recently scored 78 out of 100, which is about the same as the Providence average of 80.

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

Yes. Recent inspections at Providence Oyster Bar have turned up fewer violations than earlier ones, with the latest finding around four violations compared to about 11 previously.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Providence 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.

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