Surf Cantina

15 Canal St, Westerly, RI 02891

Bar / Pub

License: Seats - 50 or More

Last inspected: Apr 7, 2026

Score

High Risk

Across the available record, Surf Cantina has three inspections on file, the first dated 2024. Surf Cantina was last inspected on Apr 7, 2026. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.

The most recent inspection turned up seven violations, more than the five found previously.

The most common issue across all inspections has been food-contact surfaces, showing up three times.

That's lower than the typical Westerly restaurant, which scores around 88. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Apr 7, 2026

Routine

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

View 7 violations

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature

Inspector notes: Heavy Cream was observed held at 45 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)

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

Inspector notes: An employee was observed touching ready to eat food lettuce 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. See disposal.

3-301.11

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

Inspector notes: Beans were observed held at 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be maintained at 135 degrees Fahrenheit or above except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. PIC reheated at time of inspection.

3-501.16(A)

Food-contact surfaces; cleaned & sanitized

Inspector notes: The food-contact surfaces of equipment and utensils were not sanitized. The required utensil surface temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit was not achieved during the sanitizing cycle of the dishwasher as evidenced by the failure of the thermolabel (temperature indicator) affixed to the surface of a utensil to turn black. Establishment to sanitize in 3 bay sink until serviced.

4-501.112

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

Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink at the bar was lacking paper towels.

6-301.12

Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the dishwasher (top) have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.

4-602.13

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Bar cooler was not in good repair, ambient observed at 45F. PIC took unit out of service at time of inspection. TCS foods not to be stored in unit until serviced.

4-501.11

Feb 7, 2025

Routine

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

View 3 violations

Sewage backflow not prevented

Inspector notes: The ice machine and prep sink 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

Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (ice machine) were observed with an accumulation of biofilm. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Ice was voluntarily disposed of (see attached disposal form). Ice machine was taken out of service and must not be used until it is repaired.

4-601.11(A)

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)

May 30, 2024

Routine

4 major violations. 3 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.

View 7 violations

Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained, & used; test strips

Inspector notes: The facility is lacking thermo labels or similar internal temperature indicating device for the dish machine at the kitchen and bar.

4-204.115

Sanitizer test kit not available

Inspector notes: The facility is lacking test strips to measure the concentration of the quaternary ammonium sanitizing solution for the 3-bay sink.

4-302.14

Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (fry basket) 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

Outer openings not protected against pests

Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the back room, is not tight-fitting. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight-fitting doors.

6-202.15

Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

Inspector notes: The door to the employee toilet room is not self-closing.

6-501.19

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The floor in the fry area, bar, and behind equipment has an accumulation of soil residue and food debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.

6-501.12

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Surf Cantina last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Surf Cantina on file is from Apr 7, 2026. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Surf Cantina?

Across the inspection record, food-contact surfaces has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Surf Cantina.

How does Surf Cantina compare to other restaurants in Westerly?

Surf Cantina most recently scored 47 out of 100, which is lower than the Westerly average of 88.

Has Surf Cantina's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Surf Cantina have flagged more violations than earlier ones, ticking from about five per visit to around seven more recently.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Surf Cantina means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.

How often is Surf Cantina inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Surf Cantina is inspected around two times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

The Junction

1 Railroad Ave.

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Thong Thai Restaurant

15 Railroad Ave

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Ocean Community United Theatre

5 Canal St

Score: 74 — Medium Risk

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→ All locations in Westerly → Bar / Pub restaurants in Rhode Island → Bar / Pub restaurants in Westerly