Boston Symphony Orchestra
Last inspected: Oct 29, 2025
39
Score
Public records show six inspections at Boston Symphony Orchestra stretching back to 2023. On Oct 29, 2025, 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.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near seven violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods” has been the most frequent reason, cited four times.
That's lower than the typical Boston restaurant, which scores around 86. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.
6
Inspections
0
Critical latest
5
Major latest
9
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 29, 2025
Routine
5 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Flies - Higgins Bar - Provide full extermination and fly control plan prior to reinspection
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple clean and sanitized equipment have old stickers on them Ice being let in ice bins from previous events - Bars C-1 Kitchen/ware washing/storage (basement) Pops Kitchen/ware washing Bars -Higginson Higginson North O'Block-Kay 1 and 2 Cabot-Cahners 3 & 4 (attached rooms)
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Mechanical warewashing equipment hot water sanitization temperatures (pf)
Inspector notes: Final rinse temperure on High temp dish machine 170 F IMD 150 F at Bar 4
590.004/4-501.112-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: No drying device at hand sink - Bar 2 & 3
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Consumer cups stored in front of hand sink in O'Block-Kay Bar Items stored in hand sink basins - Bar 2
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a) (b) and (d) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles storing (c)
Inspector notes: Food storage containers not properly stored inverted ice buckets not stored inverted to allow for proper drainage
590.004/4-903.11-C1
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Unused and unnecessary articles stored in C-1 Kitchen/ware washing/storage (basement). Pops Kitchen/ware washing Bars -Higginson Higginson North O'Block-Kay 1 and 2 Cabot-Cahners 3 & 4 (attached rooms)
590.006/6-501.114-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Floor Walls in disrepair C-1 Kitchen/ware washing/storage (basement) Pops Kitchen/ware washingBars -Higginson Higginson North O'Block-Kay 1 and 2 Cabot-Cahners 3 & 4 and rooms attached Exposed insulation around wall pipes in C-1 Storgage room
590.006/6-501.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wiping cloths not stored in a sanitizing solution
590.003/3-304.14-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Soils on floor walls and attachments - C-1 Kitchen/ware washing/storage (basement) Pops Kitchen/ware washing Bars -Higginson Higginson North O'Block-Kay 1 and 2 Cabot-Cahners 3 & 4 (attached rooms)
590.006/6-201.11-C
Kitchenware and tableware-preventing contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Straws at Bars not protected from contamination
590.004/4-904.11-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Items stored on floor Wiping cloth buckets buckets pans equipment in C-1 Kitchen/ware washing/storage (basement) Pops Kitchen/ware washing Bars -Higginson Higginson North O'Block-Kay 1 and 2 Cabot-Cahners 3 & 4 (attached room) Using milk crates for shelving - Provide proper shelving 6" above the floor throughout
590.003/3-305.11-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Hand sinks at bars missing employee hand wash signs
590.006/6-301.14-C
Condiments protection (c)
Inspector notes: Open PC condiments not stored in food grade covered containers - Pops Kitchen/ware washing
590.003/3-306.12-C
39
Feb 27, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: The high temp dish machine is dispensing a high amout of detergent drain appears to be clogged.Repair Wash temp 161F/Rinse temp 182F Alternate machine on the 2nd floor is available
590.004/4-501.11-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: The 2 bay sink is leaking from the drainpipe.Repair
590.005/5-205.15-C
90
Dec 9, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Handwashing sinks installation (pf)
Inspector notes: No hand sink in the new area of where prep and food assembling area outside of main food prep
590.005/5-202.12-PF
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Floor in ice machine area not smooth durable easily cleanable
590.006/6-501.11-C
86
Oct 24, 2024
Routine
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Backflow prevention (p)
Inspector notes: No indirect plumbing at food prep sink - Pops kitchen
590.005/5-402.11-P
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Hot holding Rattatoule 127 F removed and reheated to 165 F
590.003/3-501.16-P1
When to wash (p)
Inspector notes: Observed no hand washing by food handlers during inspection Food handlers leaving and returning to food pre and not washing hands Not washing hands when doning on clean gloves
590.002/2-301.14-P
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple Priority priority foundation and core violation noticed on the inspection There must be a person incharge to oversee day to day operations to ensure food services is operating in a safe and sanitary manner and take immediately corrective action. All food handlers and employees must be properly trained in food safety and sanitation as it relates to their assigned duties by the Certified Food protection manager
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: No hand hand cleanser at hand sink in kitchen/prep/ware washing Corrected on site
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Handwashing sinks installation (pf)
Inspector notes: No hand sink in the new area of where prep and food assembling area outside of main food prep
590.005/5-202.12-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No test kit for 2 bay sink
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Gaps between and under doors in O'Block dining Huntington Ave and Cohen egresses Floor in ice machine area not smooth durable easily cleanable
590.006/6-501.11-C
(a) (b) and (d) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles storing (c)
Inspector notes: Bowls plates china stored in milk crates on floor Bowls plates china food equipment not inverted - storage/prep areas Ice buckets not stored inverted at bars and kitchen
590.004/4-903.11-C1
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: O'Block Bar 1 and 2 No splash guard between hand sink and customer ice No splash guard between dump sink and customer ice
590.003/3-307.11-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: No drain plugs for 2 bay sink
590.003/3-307.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wiping cloths not stored in a sanitizing solution in prep kitchen
590.003/3-304.14-C
Discharges from the eyes nose and mouth (c)
Inspector notes: Observed food handler coughing and not covering mouth in prep area
590.002/2-401.12-C
32
Jan 25, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Drainage tubing from soda guns draining in to hand sinks bar(s)
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Soils on interior of ice machine - Cabot Corner
590.004/4-601.11-PF
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Clean exterior of ice machine and remove pastic film covering from exterior Cabot Corner
590.004/4-601.11-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Floor at bars not smooth durable and easily cleanable Wall in equipment in disrepair Wall behind 2 bay sink not smooth durable and easily cleanable above 2 bay sink - C-1 Kitchen Wall behind dishwashing not smooth durable and easily cleanable - Pops Kitchen Missing ceiling tiles in ceiling - Pops Kitchen Chipped paint on shelving attached to wall at bar O'Block K bar 1 Cabinets in disrepair around high temp dish machine at bar O'Block K bar 2 Wall in disrepair in Higginson closet
590.006/6-501.11-C
Manual warewashing equipment chemical sanitization using detergent-sanitizers (c)
Inspector notes: Not using a detergent no rinse sanitizer in two bag sinks
590.004/4-501.115-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: No splash guards between hand sinks and customer ice at bar areas
590.003/3-307.11-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Remove all unused and unnecessary equipment from kitchen(s) Using milk crates for storage
590.006/6-501.114-C
(a) (b) and (d) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles storing (c)
Inspector notes: Dishware stored in milk crates Silverware not inverted Pots pans etc not inverted Pop's kitchen
590.004/4-903.11-C1
(a) and (c) good repair and calibration-utensils and temperature and pressure measuring devices (c)
Inspector notes: Dish washer Final temp 172 F Irriversable measuring device registered 168 F (tested by inspector) Cabot Corner - bar 4 Dishwasher leaking - Cabot Corner - bar 3
590.004/4-502.11-C
58
Jan 9, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Boston Symphony Orchestra last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Boston Symphony Orchestra on file is from Oct 29, 2025. The public record contains six inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Boston Symphony Orchestra?
Across the inspection record, “repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Boston Symphony Orchestra.
How does Boston Symphony Orchestra compare to other restaurants in Boston?
Boston Symphony Orchestra most recently scored 39 out of 100, which is lower than the Boston average of 86.
Has Boston Symphony Orchestra's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Boston Symphony Orchestra have averaged around seven violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Boston Symphony Orchestra 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 Boston Symphony Orchestra inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Boston Symphony Orchestra is inspected around two times per year on average.
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