Tienda Y Taqueria Puebla

1070 A Chalkstone Ave, Providence, RI 02908
Mexican / Latin
License: Seats - Less than 50
Last inspected: Sep 29, 2025
58
Score
Medium Risk

The health department has logged five inspections at Tienda Y Taqueria Puebla, the earliest from 2024. Tienda Y Taqueria Puebla was last inspected on Sep 29, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.

The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around eight violations to closer to five violations per visit over the last few inspections.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “food properly labeled”, showing up four times.

By comparison, the average Providence facility scores 80, putting Tienda Y Taqueria Puebla on the weaker side. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.

5
Inspections
2
Critical latest
2
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 29, 2025
Re-Inspection
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 5 violations
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair
Inspector notes: Leak observed under the produce open case cooler.
5-205.15
Food obtained from unapproved source (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Tamales were observed being sold from an unapproved source. PIC informed.Tamales were voluntarily disposed of.
3-201.11
Food label missing or inaccurate
Inspector notes: (Pastries and desserts ) packaged in the food establishment are lacking labels. Food packaged in a food establishment must be labeled with the common name of the food, a list of ingredients, the quantity of the contents, and the business name/address.
3-602.11
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (dough scraper) 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)
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
Inspector notes: Various food observed being stored in non food grade plastic bags.
3-305.11
58
Sep 15, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 10 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 15 violations
Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: (Tamales and pork ears), which was prepared in advance, was not cooled to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in 2 hours and then to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours.PIC voluntarily disposed of food product.
3-501.14
Person in charge not controlling unsafe operations
Inspector notes: Allergen statement is lacking on the menu.PIC informed.
2-103.11
Improper cooling methods used
Inspector notes: Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Per interview of (PIC ), ( Tamales and Pork Ears ) was placed hot in the refrigerator in containers greater than four inches deep.
3-501.15
Food label missing or inaccurate
Inspector notes: (Various food product and pastries) packaged in the food establishment are lacking labels. Food packaged in a food establishment must be labeled with the common name of the food, a list of ingredients, the quantity of the contents, and the business name/address.
3-602.11
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (dough mixer and vegetable chopper) 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)
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)
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: A bucket were observed in the hand-washing sink. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing.
6-301.13
Food contaminated by miscellaneous source
Inspector notes: Food product observed being stored in non food grade plastic bags.PIC informed of proper storage materials/containers
3-307.11
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
Inspector notes: (Various food product ) were observed stored on the floor in the (retail area ). Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.
3-305.11
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses
Inspector notes: Bowls are being used as scoops in containers of (prepared sauces and cooked meats ). Utensils used to dispense non-time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods such as sugar and flour must be stored in the food item with their handles above the top of the food within the container.
3-304.12
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The following non-food contact surfaces have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris: 1.hoods 2.walk in cooler fans and fan base 3.slicer (meat dept) 4.prep table bottom shelves(meat dept)
4-602.13
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, & display
Inspector notes: The outside back area observed with an heavy accumulation of trash buildup, litter, crates, and cardboard boxes. Per PIC, the area were dumpster are located are closed off during to paving of the driveway which the landlord initiated. Per PIC, the landlord does not know when paving will be completed.
5-501.115
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The (ceilings ) in the (retail) area is in poor repair.Observed water stains/damge to tiles. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-501.11
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The floors under the stairs in the back storage area have an accumulation of soil residue and/or food debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.12
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed in the (back outside) area. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions.
6-501.114
35
Apr 17, 2024
Re-Inspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
Inspector notes: Bottled beverages were observed stored on the floor in the back dining area. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.
3-305.11
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses
Inspector notes: Bowls are being used as scoops in containers of various food product. Utensils used to dispense non-time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods such as sugar and flour must be stored in the food item with their handles above the top of the food within the container.
3-304.12
90
Apr 2, 2024
Re-Inspection
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 7 violations
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Chicken was observed held at (48 ) degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling.PIC voluntarily disposed of food.
3-501.16(A)
Food label missing or inaccurate
Inspector notes: Various packaged (nuts, pork rinds, etc.) in the food establishment are lacking labels. Food packaged in a food establishment must be labeled with the common name of the food, a list of ingredients, the quantity of the contents, and the business name/address.
3-602.11
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: 2 dr Refrigerator located in the kitchen area was not in good repair (ambient temperature 45-46DF). Establishment not allowed to store any TCS food in unit until repaired or replaced.
4-501.11
Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the meat display, produce display, and 3 dr reach in coolers have an accumulation of food residue and other debris.
4-601.11(B)
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: The back outside area has an accumulation of food debris, crates, trash, litter, and clutter. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.114
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The fans covers, fan base, and pipes(on ceiling) in walk in cooler have an accumulation of soil residue and/or food debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.12
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The ceilings in the kitchen and bathroom area is in poor repair (observed missing tiles and holes). The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-501.11
61
Mar 19, 2024
Routine
3 critical violations. 5 major violations. 8 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 16 violations
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair
Inspector notes: The plumbing at the kitchen hand sink is in poor repair. Inspector observed leaks.
5-205.15
Food on display not protected from contamination
Inspector notes: Inspector observed open containers of salsa out for customer use.PIC informed that salsa is to be served individually or in closed container.
3-306.11
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (shelled eggs) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (tortilla) in the walk-in refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage.
3-302.11
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: Containers of beverages were observed being stored in bathroom. Employee instructed to relocated products.
3-305.12
Live animals present in food establishment
Inspector notes: Inspector observed a cat in (basement) food storage area. PIC informed to remove pet from premises.
6-501.115
Ready-to-eat food not date marked
Inspector notes: Prepared foods such as soups and beef 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
Improper cooling methods used
Inspector notes: Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Prepared rice and meat was observed cooling on the shelf covered with towel. PIC removed towels, portioned food product, and moved to refrigerator for active cooling.
3-501.15
Food label missing or inaccurate
Inspector notes: Various food products (nuts, pork rinds, etc.) packaged in the food establishment are lacking labels. Food packaged in a food establishment must be labeled with the common name of the food, a list of ingredients, the quantity of the contents, and the business name/address.
3-602.11
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
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Beef was observed held at (44) degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. PIC unstacked food containers and removed cardboard.
3-501.16(A)
Food contaminated by miscellaneous source (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Inspector towels being use to cover food product. PIC informed to cease practice
3-307.11
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: Wood is used in the construction of menu board in the kitchen area. Non-food contact surfaces of equipment that are exposed to splash, spillage, or other food soiling or that require frequent cleaning must be constructed of a nonabsorbent and smooth material.
4-101.17
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the meat display, produce display, and 3 dr reach in coolers have an accumulation of food residue and other debris.
4-601.11(B)
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: The back outside area has an accumulation of food debris, crates, trash, litter, and clutter. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.114
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The floors, fans, walls in the walk in cooler and floors under/behind equipment in kitchen area in have an accumulation of soil residue and/or food debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.12
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The ceilings in the kitchen and bathroom area is in poor repair. Inspector holes and missing tiles. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-501.11
26

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Tienda Y Taqueria Puebla last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Tienda Y Taqueria Puebla on file is from Sep 29, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Tienda Y Taqueria Puebla?

Across the inspection record, “food properly labeled” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Tienda Y Taqueria Puebla.

How does Tienda Y Taqueria Puebla compare to other restaurants in Providence?

Tienda Y Taqueria Puebla most recently scored 58 out of 100, which is lower than the Providence average of 80.

Has Tienda Y Taqueria Puebla's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Tienda Y Taqueria Puebla have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Tienda Y Taqueria Puebla means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

How often is Tienda Y Taqueria Puebla inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Tienda Y Taqueria Puebla is inspected around three times per year on average.