Al's Café

27 Dry Dock Av, Boston, MA 02210
Café / Breakfast
Last inspected: Apr 15, 2026
74
Score
Medium Risk

The health department has logged seven inspections at Al's Café, the earliest from 2022. The most recent visit was on Apr 15, 2026. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.

Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around two violations per visit lately, up from roughly zero violations before.

Across the inspection history, “(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded two times.

The city-wide average sits at 86, which Al's Café's 74 doesn't quite reach. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.

7
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 15, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple food products stored @ 50F in refrigerated / countertop unit. Discussed with PIC and owner via telephone to maintain cold holding @ 41F or below. COS
590.003/3-501.16-P
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed damaged test strips for Quats sanitizer. Provide and maintain in good condition
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Observed refrigerated unit near handsink and countertop unit operating between 50F-60F according to internal thermometer. Instructed PIC to service equipment to ensure cold holding is maintained at 41F or below. PIC removed all items
590.004/4-501.11-C
74
Sep 29, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
May 2, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Noted sliced tomatoes stored in the sandwich station at 54F . Remove and chill it to 41F or below before putting to service
590.003/3-501.16-P
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Noted white cutting board on the sandwich station heavily scored. Replace/ Resurface
590.004/4-501.12-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Noted bottom shelf in the refrigerator rusted. Remove/Replace
590.004/4-601.11-C
78
Jul 30, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jan 9, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jul 21, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Oct 13, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Cleaning procedure (p)
Inspector notes: No evidence of employee handwashing at the time of inspection. Retrain staff.
590.002/2-301.12-P
Single-service and single-use articles required use (p)
Inspector notes: Two missing drain plugs for three comp sink. Establishment shall use disposables until drain plugs can be provided to properly sanitize equipment.
590.004/4-502.12-P
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Priority violations cited. Provide active managerial control.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: No handsoap at handsink. COS.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Cleaning agents and sanitizers availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Three compartment sink is not setup properly. Provide wash/rinse/sanitizer waters proper concentration and temperature.
590.004/4-303.11-PF
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Door open. Maintain closed or provide pest proof screen door .
590.006/6-202.15-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Food worker without hair restraint. Provide.
590.002/2-402.11-C
50

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Al's Café last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Al's Café on file is from Apr 15, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Al's Café?

Across the inspection record, “(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Al's Café.

How does Al's Café compare to other restaurants in Boston?

Al's Café most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is lower than the Boston average of 86.

Has Al's Café's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Al's Café have averaged around two violations per visit, up from roughly zero earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Al's Café 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 Al's Café inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Al's Café is inspected around two times per year on average.