Bell in Hand
Last inspected: Nov 13, 2025
47
Score
Bell in Hand appears in inspection records 11 times, starting in 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Nov 13, 2025. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around 10 violations across recent inspections versus roughly 18 violations before.
“Certified food protection manager” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing seven times across the record.
By comparison, the average Boston facility scores 86, putting Bell in Hand on the weaker side. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
13
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 13, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 13 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Missing the disclosure / reminder on several menu items - Address accordingly [ exterior menu behind the glass as well ]
590.003/3-603.11-PF
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: PIC / no current food safety certificate on site - Address
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Remove the vents with heavy grease and soak overnight as discussed
590.004/4-202.18-C
Wood use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Remove all splintered wooden spatulas and utensils in the kitchen - commercial grade equipment only
590.004/4-101.17-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Clean floors walls and ceiling tiles where needed from all visible food spills stains and soils
590.006/6-101.11-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Keep the lids closed tightly on all trash bins after use - clean around the ttrsh area to remove all loose trash and debris
590.005/5-501.15-C
Grease trap(c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove rust visible grease and grime where needed
590.005/5-402.12-C
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: Maintain clean after use
590.005/5-203.13-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Resurface all rusted shelves underneath the prep tabl;es where needed
590.004/4-602.13-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean inside / outside of all refrigeration - freezer units - exterior of all bulk food storage bins and the exterior of all cooking equipment on the line from visibl;e food spoils stains and soils
590.004/4-602.13-C
Thawing (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue thawing frozen foods in stagnant water - ensure the water is running or trickling down onto the product as we discussed
590.003/3-501.13-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Set up accordingly
590.003/3-304.14-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Remove all broken plastic containers being used to dispense condiments and replace with commercial grade scoops with handles as discussed
590.003/3-304.12-C
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure all exposed foods inside the refrigeration units are covered during extended periods of cold holding to reduce potential contamination
590.003/3-302.11-C
47
Mar 26, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Certificate needs to be on site - finalize the consumer advisory as discussed
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
95
Mar 19, 2025
Routine
3 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Prohibiting animals (pf)
Inspector notes: Customers walking right into the restaurant with dogs stating the dog is a pet - discontinue practices -
590.006/6-501.115-PF
Food-contact surfaces-cleanability (pf)
Inspector notes: Replace all compromised cutting boards where needed in the kitchen
590.004/4-202.11-PF
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Exterior menu board is missing the entire * Consumer Advisory - Address as discussed
590.003/3-603.11-PF
Covering receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure to replace the lids or covers after use on each trash receptacle to minimize potential contamination and rodent activity outside
590.005/5-501.113-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floors and the walls underneath and behind the entire cooking line from all visible soils
590.006/6-101.11-C
Drying mops (c)
Inspector notes: Eleveta all in use soiled mops and brooms after use
590.006/6-501.16-C
Outdoor storage surface (c)
Inspector notes: Level out the problamatic surfaces along the building where needed
590.005/5-501.11-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Certificate needs to be on site - finalize the consumer advisory as discussed
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Post the PIC's current food safety certificate on site
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Set up accordingly
590.003/3-304.14-C
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Remove sponges from the prep sink - do not use on food contact surfaces
590.004/4-101.16-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the visible grease and grime where needed - remove soiled vents to soak overnight seems to work well for stubborn stains
590.004/4-202.18-C
Wiping cloths air drying location (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue to scatter in use wiping cloths all around the kitchen - return to the sanitizing buckets as discussed
590.004/4-901.12-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the alleyway and all loose trash and debris scattered around the trash receptacles where needed
590.005/5-501.15-C
43
Mar 10, 2025
Routine
3 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Prohibiting animals (pf)
Inspector notes: Customers walking right into the restaurant with dogs stating the dog is a pet - discontinue practices -
590.006/6-501.115-PF
Food-contact surfaces-cleanability (pf)
Inspector notes: Replace all compromised cutting boards where needed in the kitchen
590.004/4-202.11-PF
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Exterior menu board is missing the entire * Consumer Advisory - Address as discussed
590.003/3-603.11-PF
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the visible grease and grime where needed - remove soiled vents to soak overnight seems to work well for stubborn stains
590.004/4-202.18-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floors and the walls underneath and behind the entire cooking line from all visible soils
590.006/6-101.11-C
Drying mops (c)
Inspector notes: Eleveta all in use soiled mops and brooms after use
590.006/6-501.16-C
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Remove sponges from the prep sink - do not use on food contact surfaces
590.004/4-101.16-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Set up accordingly
590.003/3-304.14-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Post the PIC's current food safety certificate on site
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Covering receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure to replace the lids or covers after use on each trash receptacle to minimize potential contamination and rodent activity outside
590.005/5-501.113-C
Wiping cloths air drying location (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue to scatter in use wiping cloths all around the kitchen - return to the sanitizing buckets as discussed
590.004/4-901.12-C
Outdoor storage surface (c)
Inspector notes: Level out the problamatic surfaces along the building where needed
590.005/5-501.11-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the alleyway and all loose trash and debris scattered around the trash receptacles where needed
590.005/5-501.15-C
45
Dec 16, 2024
Routine
4 major violations. 17 minor violations.
View 21 violations
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Raw shell eggs breakfast steak and any other menu items offered undercooked are missing the proper " Disclosure and Reminder " address where needed
590.003/3-603.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Compromised test strips on site -replace
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Prohibiting animals (pf)
Inspector notes: Discontinue allowing pets / dogs to enter the establishment that are not " service animals "
590.006/6-501.115-PF
Food-contact surfaces-cleanability (pf)
Inspector notes: Replace all heavily soiled cutting boards with deep black lacerations
590.004/4-202.11-PF
Molluscan shellfish original container (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure all shellfish is not being stored in " stagnant nwater" inside the walk-in units
590.003(B)/3-203.11-C
Drying mops (c)
Inspector notes: Store inside the slop sink aftereach use
590.006/6-501.16-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Identify all designated hand sinks accordingly
590.006/6-301.14-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the kitchen floors as well as the basement stairway and floor behind the bar from all visible soils
590.006/6-101.11-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Maintain clean after use - clean to remove all loose trash and debris nin the area behind the restaurant and alleyway
590.005/5-501.15-C
Cleaning receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Clean inside each barrel after emptied
590.005/5-501.116-C
Grease trap(c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove obnoxious odors
590.005/5-402.12-C
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: Maintain clean after use
590.005/5-203.13-C
Wiping cloths air drying location (c)
Inspector notes: Store used rags back in the sanitizing bucket after use and not discarded throughout the restaurant
590.004/4-901.12-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean all equipment inside and outside where needed from visible food soils
590.004/4-602.13-C
Drain boards (c)
Inspector notes: Enlarge the current location as discussed
590.004/4-301.13-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove heavy grease and grime deposits on the vents in the hood - remove and soak with bleach overnight
590.004/4-202.18-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Elevate all foods a minimum of six inches off the floors of the walk-ins as well as thr dry goods storage room
590.003/3-305.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Set up as discussed
590.003/3-304.14-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Replace plastic cups with commercial grade scoops with handles
590.003/3-304.12-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: PIC does not have a current Food safety certificate - address immediately
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Hair nets are mandatory for food handlers not for cashier or bartender [ not working directly with foods ]
590.002/2-402.11-C
29
Aug 8, 2024
Routine
4 major violations. 17 minor violations.
View 21 violations
Food-contact surfaces-cleanability (pf)
Inspector notes: Replace all heavily soiled cutting boards with deep black lacerations
590.004/4-202.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Compromised test strips on site -replace
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Prohibiting animals (pf)
Inspector notes: Discontinue allowing pets / dogs to enter the establishment that are not " service animals "
590.006/6-501.115-PF
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Raw shell eggs breakfast steak and any other menu items offered undercooked are missing the proper " Disclosure and Reminder " address where needed
590.003/3-603.11-PF
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: PIC does not have a current Food safety certificate - address immediately
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove heavy grease and grime deposits on the vents in the hood - remove and soak with bleach overnight
590.004/4-202.18-C
Drain boards (c)
Inspector notes: Enlarge the current location as discussed
590.004/4-301.13-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean all equipment inside and outside where needed from visible food soils
590.004/4-602.13-C
Wiping cloths air drying location (c)
Inspector notes: Store used rags back in the sanitizing bucket after use and not discarded throughout the restaurant
590.004/4-901.12-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Identify all designated hand sinks accordingly
590.006/6-301.14-C
Cleaning receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Clean inside each barrel after emptied
590.005/5-501.116-C
Grease trap(c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove obnoxious odors
590.005/5-402.12-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Hair nets are mandatory for food handlers not for cashier or bartender [ not working directly with foods ]
590.002/2-402.11-C
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: Maintain clean after use
590.005/5-203.13-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Replace plastic cups with commercial grade scoops with handles
590.003/3-304.12-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Set up as discussed
590.003/3-304.14-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Elevate all foods a minimum of six inches off the floors of the walk-ins as well as thr dry goods storage room
590.003/3-305.11-C
Molluscan shellfish original container (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure all shellfish is not being stored in " stagnant nwater" inside the walk-in units
590.003(B)/3-203.11-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Maintain clean after use - clean to remove all loose trash and debris nin the area behind the restaurant and alleyway
590.005/5-501.15-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the kitchen floors as well as the basement stairway and floor behind the bar from all visible soils
590.006/6-101.11-C
Drying mops (c)
Inspector notes: Store inside the slop sink aftereach use
590.006/6-501.16-C
29
Feb 5, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Sep 8, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Mar 15, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Nov 17, 2022
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jun 13, 2022
Routine
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bell in Hand last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Bell in Hand on file is from Nov 13, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Bell in Hand?
Across the inspection record, “certified food protection manager” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Bell in Hand.
How does Bell in Hand compare to other restaurants in Boston?
Bell in Hand most recently scored 47 out of 100, which is lower than the Boston average of 86.
Has Bell in Hand's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Bell in Hand have averaged around 10 violations per visit, down from roughly 18 earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Bell in Hand 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.
How often is Bell in Hand inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Bell in Hand is inspected around three times per year on average.
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