Smokehouse Cafe

31 Scotts Wharf, Newport, RI 02840

American

License: Caterer or Commissary

Last inspected: Jun 3, 2025

Score

Medium Risk

With just two inspections in the record, there isn't enough history to establish a clear pattern. The most recent visit was on Jun 3, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.

Recent visits have flagged additional issues, ticking from two violations up to four.

Across the inspection history, food separated and protected is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded one time.

Restaurants in Newport average 84, so Smokehouse Cafe trails the local norm. The record is unremarkable in either direction.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Jun 3, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.

View 4 violations

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (such as beef patties) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (such as cooked chicken wings) in the walk-in refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage. Raw beef patties were moved to alternate location during time of inspection.

3-302.11

Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink was blocked by a strainer in the sink basin at the bar. A hand-washing sink shall be accessible at all times for employee use. Strainer was removed from sink basin during time of inspection.

5-204.11

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

Inspector notes: A knife was stored on an unclean surface (between prep unit and table) between uses. During pauses in food preparation, utensils must be stored on a clean surface or in a clean, protected location. Utensil was cleaned and sanitized during time of inspection.

3-304.12

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Refrigerator door gaskets were observed in poor repair on the 2-door low boy by the salad prep unit. Refrigerator door gaskets shall be maintained in good repair.

4-501.11

Aug 16, 2023

Routine

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

View 2 violations

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

Inspector notes: Cooked Shrimp was observed held above 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. Establishment voluntarily disposed of shrimp at time of inspection. Temperature of cold hold unit was at 40 degrees.

3-501.16(A)

Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (knife) at Salad Station was observed with an accumulation of food debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Knife was taken to dish area for cleaning and sanitizing.

4-601.11(A)

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Smokehouse Cafe last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Smokehouse Cafe on file is from Jun 3, 2025. The public record contains two inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Smokehouse Cafe?

Across the inspection record, food separated and protected has been cited one time, more than any other issue at Smokehouse Cafe.

How does Smokehouse Cafe compare to other restaurants in Newport?

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

Has Smokehouse Cafe's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Smokehouse Cafe have flagged more violations than earlier ones, ticking from about two per visit to around four more recently.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Smokehouse 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

Score: 70 — Medium Risk

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