Xaco Taco
Last inspected: Apr 13, 2026
74
Score
The health department has logged five inspections at Xaco Taco, the earliest from 2023. Inspectors last stopped by on Apr 13, 2026. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
Compared to the prior visit, the count dropped from eight violations to three.
Across the inspection history, contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded four times.
That's lower than the typical Providence restaurant, which scores around 80. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
5
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 13, 2026
Re-Inspection
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Cheese, cauliflower, and shrimp were observed held at 52-54 degrees Fahrenheit in the prep unit, with an ambient temperature of 54 degrees. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. Staff placed foods on ice and/or returned to walk-in during inspection. PIC called for service.
3-501.16(A)
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of rodents is not controlled as evidenced by rodent droppings under equipment near walk-in. 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
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Utensils were observed stored in stagnant water between uses. Staff brought to be cleaned and sanitized; staff heated water during inspection.
3-304.12
74
Mar 31, 2026
Environmental Complaint
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations. 6 corrected on site.
View 9 violations
Toxic retail products not separated from food items
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Chemical spray bottle was stored on the same shelf with food/equipment/single service articles in the kitchen. Removed.
7-301.11
Food-contact surfaces; cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: The food-contact surfaces of equipment and utensils were not sanitized. The required utensil surface temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit was not achieved during the sanitizing cycle of the dishwasher as evidenced by the failure of the thermolabel (temperature indicator) affixed to the surface of a utensil to turn black. Technician was on-site; stated part is on order.
4-501.114
Food-contact surfaces; cleaned & sanitized
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The quaternary ammonium concentration in the sanitizing solution of the 3-bay sink was 0 parts per million (ppm). According to the manufacturer's use directions, the concentration of the quaternary ammonium must be 200 ppm. Technician arrived during inspection and replaced feed line.
4-501.114
Hands not washed when required
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The dishwasher failed to wash his/her hands between loading soiled and unloading clean dishes from the dishwasher. Food employees must clean their hands after handling soiled equipment or utensils. PIC informed, spoke with staff.
2-301.14
Warewashing facilities; installed maintained, & used; test strips
Inspector notes: The facility is lacking thermo labels or similar internal temperature indicating device for the dish machine at the kitchen.
4-204.115
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of rodents is not controlled as evidenced by droppings under equipment near the walk-in. 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
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: A bucket of flour was observed in the hand-washing sink on the cook line. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing.
6-301.13
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Utensils were observed stored in water that was less than 135 degrees between uses. Utensils were brought to be cleaned and sanitized, water replaced.
3-304.12
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The fryer basket was in poor repair, with peeling laminate. PIC disposed.
4-501.11
39
Jan 13, 2025
Re-Inspection
1 major violation. 6 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 7 violations
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the bar was lacking paper towels.
6-301.12
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the kitchen cookline was blocked by a strainer. The soda hose was observed hanging in the hand-washing sink at the bar. A hand-washing sink shall be accessible at all times for employee use. Strainer was removed, and hook for soda hose was relocated to prevent hanging in the sink.
6-301.13
Food contaminated by miscellaneous source
Inspector notes: A divider is needed between the hand washing sink and food storage in the kitchen line area. PIC stated work order is scheduled for this week.
3-307.11
Food contaminated by miscellaneous source
Inspector notes: Sealed containers of food observed covered with condensate ice in the walk-in freezer.
3-307.11
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: The cold drawer unit located in the cook line area was not in good repair, observed holding an ambient temperature of 46 degrees. All foods were moved to alternate refrigeration or placed on ice.
4-501.11
Equipment or utensils not clean
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the stand mixer have an accumulation of food residue. Staff were instructed to clean and sanitize during inspection.
4-601.11(B)
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The following were observed in poor repair: -door to walk-in cooler (hole in door) -closing latch to walk-in freezer. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-501.11
67
Dec 31, 2024
Routine
3 major violations. 10 minor violations. 6 corrected on site.
View 13 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The facility is lacking thermo labels or similar internal temperature indicating device for the dish machine at the dish machine. Inspector provided during inspection.
4-204.115
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink at the kitchen and bar were lacking paper towels.
6-301.12
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. Inspector provided RIDOH guidance.
2-501.11
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: The cold-drawer unit located in the line area was not in good repair, observed with an ambient temperature of 55 degrees. All foods requiring refrigeration were placed in walk-in or on-ice. PIC called for service.
4-501.11
Equipment or utensils not clean
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the following have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris: -tabletop mixer -stand mixer -can opener base -gaskets of beverage walk-in. PIC had items cleaned and sanitized during inspection.
4-601.11(B)
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The door to the walk-in freezer is in poor repair, observed with the closing mechanism loose. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-501.11
Floor and wall junctures not properly coved or sealed
Inspector notes: The floor and wall junctures in the dry storage or ice machine area do not have coving or have damaged wall/coving junctures. The floor and wall junctures must be coved and closed to no larger than 1/32nd of an inch.
6-201.13
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The beverage drain tubing receptacle in the walk-in was observed wrapped with plastic wrap. A permanent covering is needed.
6-501.11
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: A strainer was observed in the hand-washing sink at the bar. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing.
6-301.13
Food storage containers not labeled with contents
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Working containers of various dry ingredients 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. PIC labeled during inspection.
3-302.12
Food contaminated by miscellaneous source
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Personal belongings were stored in the "chip bus" in close proximity to food and food storage containers; jackets were hanging on shelving units in dry storage. PIC created temporary separation of personal belongings in the bus and moved jackets to employee coat rack during inspection.
3-307.11
Food contaminated by miscellaneous source
Inspector notes: A divider is lacking between hand sinks and food storage on the cook line.
3-307.11
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses
Inspector notes: Grill scraper & utensils were observed stored in stagnant water between uses.
3-304.12
45
Oct 2, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Nonfood-contact surfaces have cracks, ledges, or crevices
Inspector notes: The tables located in the dining area were not in good repair. Inspector observed tables pitted which is no longer easily cleanable, durable and porous.
4-202.16
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Xaco Taco last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Xaco Taco on file is from Apr 13, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Xaco Taco?
Across the inspection record, contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Xaco Taco.
How does Xaco Taco compare to other restaurants in Providence?
Xaco Taco most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is lower than the Providence average of 80.
Has Xaco Taco's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Xaco Taco have turned up fewer violations than earlier ones, with the latest finding around three violations compared to about eight previously.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Xaco Taco 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 Xaco Taco inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Xaco Taco is inspected around two times per year on average.
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