Tumblesalts Cafe

1 Morgan Ave, North Providence, RI 02911
Bar / Pub
License: Seats - 50 or More
Last inspected: Jun 5, 2025
86
Score
Low Risk

Inspectors have visited Tumblesalts Cafe three times, with records going back to 2023. The latest inspection on file is from Jun 5, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.

Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around 12 violations to closer to two violations per visit.

The pattern that stands out is “insects, rodents & animals not present”, which has been cited three times.

That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average North Providence restaurant scores 81. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

3
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 5, 2025
Re-Inspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Paper towels were observed in the hand-washing sink. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing.
5-205.11
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the kitchen, 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
86
May 21, 2025
Routine
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations. 7 corrected on site.
View 13 violations
Expired or improperly marked ready-to-eat food not discarded (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Sauce, salami and capicola were observed with a date mark that exceeds 7 days. See disposal.
3-501.18
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (scallops) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (sauce, cheese) in the low boy refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage.
3-302.11
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Whipped cream, milk and cream were observed held at 47-53 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 (can opener, slicer) 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 written procedures for vomiting or diarrheal events (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The establishment does not have a written procedure for cleaning vomit and diarrhea.
2-501.11
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: A bucket and dishes were observed in the hand-washing sink (dessert & pizza kitchen). A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing.
5-205.11
Person in charge lacks food safety knowledge
Inspector notes: The Person in charge did not assure compliance with critical code requirements.
2-102.11(A)
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the kitchen, 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
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Knives are stored on an unclean surface (between wall and 3 bay sink) between uses. During pauses in food preparation, utensils must be stored on a clean surface or in a clean, protected location.
3-304.12
Insects, rodents & animals not present
Inspector notes: Wooden boards located in the main kitchen area was not in good repair, observed splintering.
4-101.17
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: Low boy located in the dessert area was not in good repair, ambient was observed at 47F. PIC took unit out of service.
4-501.11
Floors, walls, or ceilings not easily cleanable
Inspector notes: The window frame in the pizza kitchen are constructed of wood. This material is not durable. Materials for wall surfaces shall be smooth, durable, easily cleanable, and non-absorbent for areas subject to moisture such as food preparation areas, walk-in refrigerators, ware-washing areas, and toilet rooms.
6-201.11
Floor and wall junctures not properly coved or sealed
Inspector notes: The wall junctures (door frame) in the pizza kitchen do not have coving. The floor and wall junctures must be coved and closed to no larger than 1/32nd of an inch.
6-201.13
33
Sep 14, 2023
Environmental Complaint
3 major violations. 8 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 11 violations
Sanitizer test kit not available
Inspector notes: The facility is lacking test strips to measure the concentration of the quat sanitizing solution for the 3 bay sink.
4-302.14
Ready-to-eat food not date marked
Inspector notes: Inspector observed various food items 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
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of flies are not controlled as evidenced by live activity. 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
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the kitchen, 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
Equipment or utensils not air-dried before storage (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Cleaned and sanitized equipment and utensils are not stored inverted.
4-901.11
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the walk-in cooler floor, ice machine have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
4-602.13
Floor, wall, or ceiling surface not smooth or cleanable
Inspector notes: Mops must be allowed to air dry after use.
6-101.11
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The door in the kitchen area is in poor repair. Inspector observed chipped paint. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-501.11
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: The vents in the kitchen area is in poor repair. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-201.17
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The refrigerator in the cafe area is in poor repair. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair. PIC took out of service.
6-501.11
Food storage containers not labeled with contents
Inspector notes: Working containers of dry goods are not labeled with the common name of the food. Working containers holding food or food ingredients that are removed from their original packages, such as flour, herbs, salt, sugar, and spices must be labeled with the common name of the food.
3-302.12
50

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Tumblesalts Cafe last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Tumblesalts Cafe on file is from Jun 5, 2025. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Tumblesalts Cafe?

Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents & animals not present” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Tumblesalts Cafe.

How does Tumblesalts Cafe compare to other restaurants in North Providence?

Tumblesalts Cafe most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is higher than the North Providence average of 81.

Has Tumblesalts Cafe's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Tumblesalts Cafe have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly 12 earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Tumblesalts Cafe 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 Tumblesalts Cafe inspected?

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