River Bar

37 Main Street, Westerly, RI 02891

Seafood

License: Seats - 50 or More

Last inspected: Aug 22, 2025

Score

Low Risk

River Bar has been inspected three times since 2024. On Aug 22, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.

The most recent inspection cleaned up several issues, finishing with two violations after six on the prior visit.

The pattern that stands out is food-contact surfaces, which has been cited two times.

River Bar scores about where you'd expect for a Westerly restaurant. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Aug 22, 2025

Re-Inspection

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

View 2 violations

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)

Garbage & refuse properly disposed: facilities maintained

Inspector notes: The dumpster area has an accumulation of litter, leaf litter, and debris. The dumpster area must be maintained clean to prevent harborage for pests.

5-501.115

Aug 14, 2025

Routine

2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations. 6 corrected on site.

View 10 violations

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

Inspector notes: Milk was observed held at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. See disposal.

3-501.16(A)

Toxic materials not stored separately from food (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: (Sanitizer) was stored with food, equipment, utensils, or single service items. Chemicals must be stored to prevent the contamination of clean equipment, utensils linens, and/or single service by spacing or partitioning and locating them in an area that is not above food, equipment utensils, linens, and single service articles.

7-201.11

Ready-to-eat food not date marked (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Sauces 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

No hand drying provision at handwashing sink (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the ware washing area was lacking paper towels.

6-301.12

Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)

4-601.11(A)

Handwashing sign not posted

Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the restrooms were lacking signage.

6-301.14

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

Inspector notes: Utensils at the bar were observed stored in stagnant water between uses.

3-304.12

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Low boy located in the coffee area was not in good repair, ambient observed at 51F. PIC took unit out of service at time of inspection.

4-501.11

Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the following have an accumulation of: 1) Walk-in freezer (frost buildup) 2) Kitchen shelving (soil residue and other debris) 3) Fan (dust and other debris)

4-602.13

Garbage & refuse properly disposed: facilities maintained

Inspector notes: The dumpster area has an accumulation of litter, leaf litter, and debris. The dumpster area must be maintained clean to prevent harborage for pests.

5-501.115

May 14, 2024

Opening

1 critical violation.

View 1 violation

Sewage backflow not prevented

Inspector notes: The ice machine, server ice well, and bar ice well are 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

Frequently Asked Questions

When was River Bar last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at River Bar on file is from Aug 22, 2025. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at River Bar?

Across the inspection record, food-contact surfaces has been cited two times, more than any other issue at River Bar.

How does River Bar compare to other restaurants in Westerly?

River Bar most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is about the same as the Westerly average of 88.

Has River Bar's inspection record improved over time?

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

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at River 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.

Nearby Restaurants

Westerly Community Ice Rink

63 Main St

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Knead Doughnuts

16 Broad St

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Pizza Place

43 Broad Street

Score: 100 — Low Risk

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→ All locations in Westerly → Seafood restaurants in Rhode Island → Seafood restaurants in Westerly