Tortilleria Y Restaurante Joyabaj

705 Cranston Street, Providence, RI 02907

License: Seats - Less than 50

Last inspected: Nov 17, 2025

Score

Medium Risk

Tortilleria Y Restaurante Joyabaj has been inspected five times since 2023. The latest inspection on file is from Nov 17, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.

The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around four violations to closer to six violations.

“Proper cooling methods used” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing two times across the record.

Restaurants in Providence average 80, so Tortilleria Y Restaurante Joyabaj trails the local norm. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Nov 17, 2025

Routine

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

View 6 violations

Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Rice, which was prepared in advance, was not cooled to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in 2 hours and then to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. Disposed.

3-501.14

Expired or improperly marked ready-to-eat food not discarded (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Rice, dated 11/8/2025, was observed being held past (7) days. Disposed.

3-501.18

Improper cooling methods used

Inspector notes: Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Per interview of employee, rice was placed hot in the refrigerator in containers greater than four inches deep. Proper cooling methods reviewed.

3-501.15

Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate

Inspector notes: The presence of rodents and roach are not controlled as evidenced by rodent droppings and dead roaches. 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

Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the hood/ventilation unit have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.

4-602.13

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: The prep unit located in the kitchen was not in good repair. (Ambient 44) PIC adjusted unit during inspection.

4-501.11

Feb 16, 2024

Re-Inspection

1 major violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

Improper cooling methods used (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Per interview of PIC, cheese sauce was placed warm in the prep unit to cool. Inspector informed PIC that prep unit insufficient for cooling, PIC place sauce in refrigerator to complete cooling.

3-501.15

Feb 12, 2024

Routine

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

View 6 violations

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

Inspector notes: Multiple foods in the prep unit were observed held between 47- and 51-degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. Foods were disposed. Foods within temperature control moved to other refrigeration.

3-501.16(A)

Handwashing done in improper location (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: An employee was observed washing their hands at the prep sink. Food employees shall clean their hands in a designated hand-washing sink and not in a food preparation, mop, or ware-washing sink.

2-301.15

Equipment or utensils not clean

Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (hotel pans and lids) were observed with labels and stickers. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch and free of labels.

4-601.11(A)

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: The prep unit located in the kitchen area was not in good repair, observed with an ambient temperature of 48 degrees Fahrenheit.

4-501.11

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

Inspector notes: Inspector observed dishes being washed in second bay of food prep sink due to grease trap not working properly. Per PIC grease trap is to be repaired tomorrow.

4-501.16

Sewage & waste water properly disposed

Inspector notes: Grease trap observed in poor repair. Per PIC interview, part to arrive tomorrow. PIC to contact inspector when repair has been made.

5-402.12

Dec 22, 2023

Reinspection for Opening

No violations found.

100

Dec 18, 2023

Opening

2 major violations. 2 minor violations.

View 4 violations

Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures

Inspector notes: There is insufficient refrigeration equipment/capacity to maintain a temperature of 41 degrees or below. PIC informed.

4-301.11

Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate

Inspector notes: The presence of rodents is not controlled as evidenced by rodent droppings in the basement. 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. PIC informed to obtain pest control services.

6-501.111

Unnecessary items or litter present on premises

Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed in the basement area. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions.

6-501.114

Unnecessary items or litter present on premises

Inspector notes: Water observed in basement. Per interview with PIC, leak is coming from window and is to be repaired.

6-501.114

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Tortilleria Y Restaurante Joyabaj last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Tortilleria Y Restaurante Joyabaj on file is from Nov 17, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Tortilleria Y Restaurante Joyabaj?

Across the inspection record, “proper cooling methods used” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Tortilleria Y Restaurante Joyabaj.

How does Tortilleria Y Restaurante Joyabaj compare to other restaurants in Providence?

Tortilleria Y Restaurante Joyabaj most recently scored 55 out of 100, which is lower than the Providence average of 80.

Has Tortilleria Y Restaurante Joyabaj's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Tortilleria Y Restaurante Joyabaj have averaged around six violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Tortilleria Y Restaurante Joyabaj 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 Tortilleria Y Restaurante Joyabaj inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Tortilleria Y Restaurante Joyabaj is inspected around three times per year on average.

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Blanco Reyes Corporation

Gold Lounge & Restaurant

727 Cranston

Score: 86 — Low Risk

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