The Middle of Nowhere Diner

222 Nooseneck Hill Rd, Exeter, RI 02822

Café / Breakfast

License: Seats - Less than 50

Last inspected: Mar 3, 2026

100

Score

Low Risk

Public records show four inspections at The Middle of Nowhere Diner stretching back to 2023. The latest inspection on file is from Mar 3, 2026. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.

Compared to the prior visit, the count dropped from five violations to zero.

The pattern that stands out is proper cold holding temperatures, which has been cited two times.

Restaurants in Exeter average 89, so The Middle of Nowhere Diner is doing better than most peers. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Mar 3, 2026

Re-Inspection

No violations found.

100

Feb 9, 2026

Routine

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

View 4 violations

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

Inspector notes: Juice and dressings were observed held at 46 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)

Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (ice machine) was observed with an accumulation of black residue. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch.

4-601.11(A)

Outdoor refuse receptacles lack tight-fitting lids

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.

5-501.15

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Refrigerator located in the front area was not in good repair, ambient observed at 45F. PIC took until out of service at time of inspection.

4-501.11

Jun 26, 2024

Environmental Complaint

1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.

View 6 violations

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

Inspector notes: Milk 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. Inspector determined that placing several containers of hot coffee in refrigeration unit may raise ambient temperature of unit and affect other foods within it. PIC moved all TCS foods to walk-in cooler at time of inspection.

3-501.16(A)

Food thawed using improper method (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Reduced oxygen packaged (ROP) fish was observed thawing in sealed bags. Fish must be removed from its ROP state when thawing to allow for adequate oxygen transfer rate. All fish was at 32 degrees Fahrenheit at time of inspection and did not need to be disposed. All fish was removed from ROP state at time of inspection.

3-501.13

Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate

Inspector notes: The presence of flies is not controlled as evidenced by large flies observed in dining, prep, and storage areas. A large amount of flies were observed in dumpster area as well. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests must be controlled by routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests, using acceptable methods to control pests, eliminating harborage conditions, and routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies.

6-501.111

Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

Inspector notes: The drain plugs for the outside dumpsters are missing. Drains in receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables must have drain plugs in place.

5-501.114

Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the deli sliver have an accumulation of food debris.

4-602.13

Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: The outside dumpsters were not covered. Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be kept covered.

5-501.113

Jul 20, 2023

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Floors, walls, or ceilings not easily cleanable

Inspector notes: The: 1.floors and walls in the warewashing area 2.ceiling throughout kitchen area 3.shelves in kitchen and front counter area has an accumulation of soil residue and food debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.

6-201.11

Frequently Asked Questions

When was The Middle of Nowhere Diner last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at The Middle of Nowhere Diner on file is from Mar 3, 2026. The public record contains four inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at The Middle of Nowhere Diner?

Across the inspection record, proper cold holding temperatures has been cited two times, more than any other issue at The Middle of Nowhere Diner.

How does The Middle of Nowhere Diner compare to other restaurants in Exeter?

The Middle of Nowhere Diner most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Exeter average of 89.

Has The Middle of Nowhere Diner's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at The Middle of Nowhere Diner have turned up fewer violations than earlier ones, with the latest finding around zero violations compared to about five previously.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at The Middle of Nowhere Diner means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

How often is The Middle of Nowhere Diner inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, The Middle of Nowhere Diner is inspected around two times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Next to Nowhere Creamery

230 Nooseneck Hill Rd

Score: 82 — Low Risk

Exeter Wine and Spirits

254 Nooseneck Hill Road

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Dunkin Donuts

260 Nooseneck Hill Rd

Score: 100 — Low Risk

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