Varsity Luxury Sports Bar

289 Atwells Avenue, Providence, RI 02903

License: Seats - 50 or More

Last inspected: Apr 9, 2026

Score

High Risk

Across the available record, Varsity Luxury Sports Bar has four inspections on file, the first dated 2026. On Apr 9, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well.

Compared to the prior visit, the count dropped from 18 violations to 11.

Across the inspection history, physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded eight times.

The city-wide average sits at 80, which Varsity Luxury Sports Bar's 47 doesn't quite reach. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Apr 9, 2026

Re-Inspection

1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 8 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.

View 11 violations

Sewage backflow not prevented

Inspector notes: The ice machines 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

Ready-to-eat food not date marked (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Rice 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. PIC added date.

3-501.17

Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate

Inspector notes: The presence of rodents are not controlled as evidenced by droppings in kitchen, bar, and basement areas. 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 prep table shelves in the kitchen area have an accumulation of droppings.

4-602.13

Dead or trapped pests not removed promptly

Inspector notes: Inspector observed dead roach on trap in upper bar area.

6-501.112

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Prep unit lids located in the kitchen area were not in good repair (lids broken)

4-501.11

Outer openings not protected against pests

Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the front and side, 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 basement toilet room is not self-closing.

6-501.19

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The floors in the basement area has an accumulation of rodent droppings. 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 following was observed in poor repair. - hole in kitchen wall (corner near cutting boards) - hole in kitchen wall (kitchen entrance from dining room) - hole in lower bar wall near dishwasher - hole in lower bar near lowboy - hole in basement floor/wall near basement stairs - hole in basement wall near office - broken floor tiles in base area - ceiling tiles in basement area (missing) - ceiling in basement storage area near ice machines (ceiling coming down) The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.

6-501.11

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: The basement floor in the food prep area is in poor repair (needs resealing). The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.

6-501.11

Mar 17, 2026

Re-Inspection

3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 10 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.

View 17 violations

Insects, rodents & animals not present

Inspector notes: The drip line hose from beverage dispenser was observed not connected to a drain. Nonsewage liquids must drain into a drain.

5-402.13

Food is unsafe, adulterated, or misrepresented (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Inspector observed the following: - sealed food containers with droppings on top. PIC discarded items. - ice in bar ice bin with debris. PIC discarded ice.

3-101.11

Sewage backflow not prevented

Inspector notes: The ice machine is 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

Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate

Inspector notes: The presence of rodents are not controlled as evidenced by droppings in basement, kitchen, and basement areas. 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

Cleaned equipment or utensils stored improperly (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Inspector observed single service items stored in the basement with droppings. PIC disposed of items.

4-903.11(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

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

Inspector notes: The hand-washing sinks in the special event bar, special event bar restroom, and basement restroom were lacking paper towels. PIC replaced during inspection.

6-301.12

Handwashing sign not posted (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: The hand-washing sinks in the restrooms (basement and special event bar) are lacking proper handwashing signage. PIC placed signs during inspection.

6-301.14

Dead or trapped pests not removed promptly

Inspector notes: Inspector observed glue trap with dead roaches in the special event bar area.

6-501.112

Outer openings not protected against pests

Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the front, 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 not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: The following was observed in poor repair: - prep units (lids broken) - ice machine (lid cracked with exposed insulation

4-501.11

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: - freezer chests (ice buildup) - kitchen prep table shelves (droppings) - bar lowboy units (door tracks and inside)

4-602.13

Insects, rodents & animals not present

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

6-501.19

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: The following was observed in poor repair. - hole in kitchen wall (near entrance from dining room) - hole in bar wall near dishwasher - hole in bar wall near lowboy - hole in basement floor/wall near stairs - missing ceiling tiles in basement area - broken floor tiles in bar area - ceiling in basement storage area near ice machines (ceiling coming down) The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.

6-501.11

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

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: The basement floor is in poor repair (needs resealing). The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.

6-501.11

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The floors (especially under/behind equipment) in the basement and bar areas have an accumulation of droppings debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.

6-501.12

Mar 5, 2026

Re-Inspection

3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 12 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.

View 19 violations

Sewage backflow not prevented

Inspector notes: The sink used for food preparation is 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

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

Inspector notes: Inspector observed rice exceeding the 7 day date marking. PIC discarded.

3-501.18

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

Inspector notes: An employee was observed touching ready to eat food (lemons) 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. PIC discarded.

3-301.11

No hand drying provision at handwashing sink

Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the two bars and basement restroom were lacking paper towels.

6-301.12

Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Strainer and beverage dispenser tube were observed in the hand-washing sink at the main bar. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing. PIC removed tube and strainer.

5-205.11

Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (lids in basement area) were observed with an accumulation of rodent droppings. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. PIC discarded.

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

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)

Handwashing sign not posted

Inspector notes: The hand-washing sinks at the special event bar and basement restroom were lacking proper handwashing signage.

6-301.14

Outer openings not protected against pests

Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the special event entrance, 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

Inspector notes: The ice scoop is stored on an unclean surface (top of the ice machine) between uses. During pauses in food preparation, utensils must be stored on a clean surface or in a clean, protected location.

3-304.12

Nonfood-contact surfaces not corrosion-resistant or cleanable

Inspector notes: Foil is used in the construction of prep table shelf liner 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.

4-101.19

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: The following items were observed in poor repair: - prep unit lids (broken) - ice machine lid (cracked and exposed insulation)

4-501.11

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: - freezer chests (ice buildup) - bar lowboy units (spills) - bar glassware coolers (broken glass and old fruit wedges)

4-602.13

Proper date marking and disposition

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

6-501.19

Physical facilities not in good repair

6-501.11

Unnecessary items or litter present on premises

6-501.114

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: Inspector observed a steady stream of water coming from ceiling in basement with water on prep table and basement floor. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.

6-501.11

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: The basement floor is in poor repair (needs resealing). The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.

6-501.11

Feb 12, 2026

Routine

3 critical violations. 8 major violations. 12 minor violations. 6 corrected on site.

View 23 violations

Plumbing system not maintained in good repair

Inspector notes: Inspector observed a leak at the 3 bay sink faucet with a very loud high pitch noise.

5-205.15

Sewage backflow not prevented

Inspector notes: The ice machine is 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

Chemical sanitizer does not meet required criteria (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Inspector observed in-use utensils soaking in chlorine sanitizer. PIC informed to end practice and wash/sanitize utensils.

7-204.11

Sanitizer test kit not available

Inspector notes: The facility is lacking test strips to measure the concentration of the chlorine sanitizing solution for the 3 bay sink and dishwashers in kitchen and bars.

4-302.14

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

Inspector notes: The hand-washing sinks in the basement bathroom and bar was lacking paper towels. PIC refilled.

6-301.12

Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Inspector observed strainers in handwashing sinks in the bar areas. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing. PIC removed strainers.

5-205.11

Ready-to-eat food not date marked

Inspector notes: Various items were 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

Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: The following food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils were observed with an accumulation of food, droppings, and/or other debris: - bowls under prep table in kitchen - sheet tray shelf liners in plate storage area - can opener in kitchen area - lids and containers in basement area - ice machines in basement area The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. PIC took ice machines out of service, discarded ice, and placed other items in 3 bay sink to be washed/sanitized.

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

Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Inspector observed vacuum sealer and ROP bags in basement. PIC discarded ROP bags, removed vacuum sealer from establishment, and discarded ROP cooked chicken. PIC informed they do not have approval to vacuum seal.

8-103.11

Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate

Inspector notes: The presence of rodents and small flies are not controlled as evidenced by small and large droppings, nesting material, gnaw marks, and live small flies. 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 following non-food contact surfaces have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris: - prep units - prep tables/shelves - freezer chests (ice buildup) - low boy units - bar glassware cooler

4-602.13

Variance obtained for specialized processing methods

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

6-501.19

Floor and wall junctures not properly coved or sealed

Inspector notes: The floor and wall junctures in the basement and 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

Unnecessary items or litter present on premises

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

6-501.114

Physical facilities not in good repair

6-501.11

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The floors and walls throughout the facility 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

No certified food protection manager

2-102.12(A)

Handwashing sign not posted

Inspector notes: The hand-washing sinks at the bar and restrooms were lacking proper handwashing signage.

6-301.14

Outer openings not protected against pests

Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the special event 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

In-use utensils stored improperly between uses (corrected on site)

3-304.12

Nonfood-contact surfaces not corrosion-resistant or cleanable

Inspector notes: Foil is used as shelf liners under prep tables AND cardboard is used to line shelves. 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.

4-101.19

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: The following was observed in poor repair: - ice machine lid (cracked and exposed insulation) - grill prep unit lid (broken) - lowboy in bar area (ambient temp 55F) - ice machine (not draining)

4-501.11

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Varsity Luxury Sports Bar last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Varsity Luxury Sports Bar on file is from Apr 9, 2026. The public record contains four inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Varsity Luxury Sports Bar?

Across the inspection record, physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Varsity Luxury Sports Bar.

How does Varsity Luxury Sports Bar compare to other restaurants in Providence?

Varsity Luxury Sports Bar most recently scored 47 out of 100, which is lower than the Providence average of 80.

Has Varsity Luxury Sports Bar's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Varsity Luxury Sports Bar have turned up fewer violations than earlier ones, with the latest finding around 11 violations compared to about 18 previously.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Varsity Luxury Sports Bar 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.

Nearby Restaurants

Providence Oyster Bar

Score: 70 — Medium Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Providence