Brighams & Womens Hospital - Tower Cafe
Last inspected: Feb 11, 2026
86
Score
Brighams & Womens Hospital - Tower Cafe has been inspected 17 times since 2022. On Feb 11, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around three violations each.
When inspectors have written things up, “controlling pests” has been the most frequent reason, cited nine times.
Brighams & Womens Hospital - Tower Cafe scores about where you'd expect for a Boston restaurant. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
17
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 11, 2026
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Chipped paint around elevator in prep area Broken wall tile in prep area
590.006/6-501.11-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Worn cutting boards
590.004/4-501.12-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Black plastic rim above food - Pizza area
590.004/4-501.11-C
86
Oct 1, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Openings in ceiling/loose ceiling tiles in ware washing/grill areas Cracked insulation on ceiling pipe in pantry Multiple loose backets on HVAC unit along window thoughout seating
590.006/6-501.11-C
Equipment and utensils air-drying required (c)
Inspector notes: Wet nesting food contacts in ware washing area
590.004/4-901.11-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Clean ceiling in glass walk in outside of office area Clean ceiling in pantry Ceiling tiles in food prep/serving areas Clean all floor drains throughout food prep/ware washing areas Clean walls and attachments ware washing prep/serving areas
590.006/6-201.11-C
86
Jul 10, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jun 27, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: There was evidence of mouse activity(droppings)-Action & rear prep stations Provide a full pest report upon re-inspection
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Open air display unit is not operating(green unit). Remove/repair Clean under/around to remove evidene of mouse droppings
590.006/6-501.114-C
86
Jun 5, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: There was evidence of mouse activity(droppings)-Action & rear prep stations Provide a full pest report upon re-inspection
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floors to remove evidence of mouse droppings
590.006/6-501.13-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Open air display unit is not operating(green unit). Remove/repair Clean under/around to remove evidene of mouse droppings
590.006/6-501.114-C
82
May 12, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: There was evidence of roach activity(behind the 3 unit grab n go station & evidence of mouse activity(droppings).Provide a full pest report upon re-inspection. Service tech from Yankee pest was on site An action plan was discussed with him and Andrew(engineering).
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the wall beside the handsink to remove soils/food debris.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: The hood sticker above the grill station was observed expired on 4.12.25.Provide a proper hood service from a licensed company.Post new sticker.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floor behind the 3 unit grab n go unit to remove soils and address pest concerns.
590.006/6-501.13-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the interior of the single door freezer unit to remove ice buildup. Clean the interior of the salad bar compressor unit to remove evidence of mouse droppings.
590.004/4-602.13-C
74
Mar 31, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of mouse activity (droppings)observed at several locations in the cafe & dining room. Provide a detailed pest report upon re-inspection. Clean/sanitize affected locations PIC stating that the pest control company is on site daily
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floor under the buffet/salad bar station to remove soils/debris. Clean the floors along the windows to remove evidence of mouse droppings.
590.006/6-501.13-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Provide labels on all the bulk storage containers.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the interiors/exteriors of the trash cabinets to remove soils/debris
590.004/4-602.13-C
78
Nov 29, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 14 violations
When to wash (p)
Inspector notes: Observed ware washing staff handling dirty equipment (food contacts and then handling clean food contact equipment wearing green dish washing gloves Observed multiple food handlers returning to work stations not washing hand
590.002/2-301.14-P
(a) gloves use limitation (p)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple employees leaving and returning to work stations and resuming duties wearing single use gloves - Handling multiple touch points then handling ready to eat foods wearing same gloves
590.003/3-304.15-P
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Dark stains in hand sink basin providing proof that hand sink is being used for other purposes
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple Prior priority foundation core and repeat violations All employees must be properly trained in food safety and sanitation as it relates the thier assigned duties per code
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple food container have old sticker/labels on them after going through the ware washing procedure in ware washing area
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Handwashing sinks installation (pf)
Inspector notes: No running water at hand sink in ware washing area
590.005/5-202.12-PF
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Drain plugs not securing No hot water at faucet on sanitizing bay Automatic sanitizer dispenser water is at 130 F
590.006/6-501.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wiping cloths not stored in a sanitizing solution - Ware washing in use cloths on same shelf as clean food contacts food prep in use cloths stored on food contact surfaces.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Some refrigeration units without thermometers
590.004/4-204.112-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Worn cutting boards at food prep stations
590.004/4-501.12-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Built up soils on doors and handles to refrigeration units cooking equipment etc.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Equipment and utensils air-drying required (c)
Inspector notes: Wet nesting all food contact that have gone through the cleaning and sanitization process in ware washing area
590.004/4-901.11-C
(a) (b) and (d) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles storing (c)
Inspector notes: Smoothie bar: Disposable spoons not inverted Utensils in storage not inverted
590.004/4-903.11-C1
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: No signage reminding employees to wash hand in ware washing area
590.006/6-301.14-C
33
Jul 1, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: What appears to be mice droppings on window sills in dining room on baseboard heaters under & behind pizza station flip top cooler under deli station service line behind cookline at grill area. Clean and sanitize all affected areas. Clean under around and behind equipment of all visible soils and droppings. Provide an updated integreated pest management report at once.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Ceiling tile above pizza station with what appears to be gnaw marks. Repair and seal with pest proof materials. Ensure pest control is treating above drop ceiling. Some gaps observed around baseboard heaters in dining room. Seal with pest proof materials.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Floors under and behind equipment in grill pizza & deli areas are not being cleaned with the proper frequency due apparent droppings and soils. Develop cleaning schedules to address.
590.006/6-501.12-C
82
Apr 10, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Rust on hood above high temp dish machine Lose ceiling vent and tiles - Mop room
590.006/6-501.11-C
Equipment and utensils air-drying required (c)
Inspector notes: Wet nesting food contacts on shelving drain boards etc in ware washing area
590.004/4-901.11-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Built up soils on hood above pizza oven
590.006/6-201.11-C
86
Feb 29, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food display-preventing contamination by consumers (p)
Inspector notes: No protection at self service soup areas
590.003/3-306.11-P
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Chicken 127 F on hot foods line (Chicked piled high above the fill line)
590.003/3-501.16-P1
Food labels (pf)
Inspector notes: Pre-wrapped bake goods breads fruit cups and food items (hot) for customer grab and go not labeled.
590.003/3-602.11-PF
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (pf)
Inspector notes: No thermometers in sandwich prep on cooking line and on deli line
590.004/4-204.112-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Built up soils in floor drains - Ware washing/Prep areas
590.006/6-201.11-C
Intensity-lighting (c)
Inspector notes: Light bulb in walk in refrigeration unit not working
590.006/6-303.11-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Rust on hood vent above high temp dish machine - Ware washing area
590.006/6-501.11-C
(a) (b) and (d) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles storing (c)
Inspector notes: Pots pans sheet pans not inverted - Storage and ware washing area
590.004/4-903.11-C1
50
Nov 30, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of mouse activity (droppings)observed at several locations in the cafe & dining room. Provide a detailed pest report upon re-inspection. Clean/sanitize affected locations PIC stating that the pest control company is on site daily
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floors under the equipment & storage shelving to remove evidence of mouse droppings & debris.
590.006/6-501.13-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the interiors of the small cabinets(beverage station) bench seating in cafe & under the storage shelving behind the grill station to remove evidence of mouse droppings & debris.
590.004/4-601.11-C
82
Nov 15, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food labels (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide labels on all packaged items in the cafe display units.
590.003/3-602.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: There is evidence of mouse activity observed(droppings) at several locations.Provide a full pest report upon re-inspection. Clean/sanitize affected locations
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the interiors of the storage cabinets(entree & pizza stations) and wire rack shelving units(storage behind action station) to remove evidence of mouse droppings.
590.004/4-601.11-C
(a) and (c) good repair and calibration-utensils and temperature and pressure measuring devices (c)
Inspector notes: High temp dish machine rinse guage reading 102F.Repair Maintain rinse 180-194F or per manufactures instructions Color changing test strip observed in compliance OK to use machine
590.004/4-502.11-C
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floors to remove evidence of mouse droppings & soils. Locations were discussed with the PIC(entree action storage stations)
590.006/6-501.13-C
70
Aug 3, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: There was evidence of mouse activity (droppings) observed in several locations.Discussed with the PIC to provide a full pest report upon re-inspection. PIC stating she will work with facilties to gain access to an electrical room in the cafe upon re-inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floors under/behind storage shelving & equipment to remove evidence of mouse droppings as discussed with the PIC
590.006/6-501.13-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Repair the damaged splash guard at the handwash sink.
590.006/6-501.11-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Floor drain at the drink station(next to pizza) observed clogged.Repair
590.005/5-205.15-C
78
Apr 25, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food labels (pf)
Inspector notes: Packaged muffins at the display case mising labels.Provide proper labels listing all ingredients. PIC to remove to sell from behind the counter.
590.003/3-602.11-PF
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Pipe along the back wall observed leaking.Repair
590.005/5-205.15-C
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floors under the upright refrigeration units to remove soils/debris
590.006/6-501.13-C
82
Nov 7, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Handsink in the dish room observed blocked with personal belongings.Remove personal belonging to a designated location. Maintain handwash sink accessible for handwashing. PIC corrected
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Fruit/drain flies observed at Red mango location Evidence of mouse droppings interior of cabinet-Pizza station evidence of mouse dropping under cafe equipment as discussed with the PIC. Provide full pest report upon re-inspection Issues are being addresed immediately Pest control being contacted
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the ceiling grates to remove dust build up-TR204D Beverage unit
590.006/6-201.17-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Repair/replace leaking spray hose in the dish room.
590.004/4-501.11-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the walls around the handwash sink to remove soils.
590.006/6-501.12-C
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floors under/around all cook line eqipment to remove evidence of mouse droppings.
590.006/6-501.13-C
67
Jun 6, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Intensity-lighting (c)
Inspector notes: Light in walkin refrigeration not properly working-Light is flashing- Repair
590.006/6-303.11-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Black mold like buildup in caulking behind the 3 bay sink- Replace
590.006/6-501.11-C
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Brighams & Womens Hospital - Tower Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Brighams & Womens Hospital - Tower Cafe on file is from Feb 11, 2026. The public record contains 17 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Brighams & Womens Hospital - Tower Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “controlling pests” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Brighams & Womens Hospital - Tower Cafe.
How does Brighams & Womens Hospital - Tower Cafe compare to other restaurants in Boston?
Brighams & Womens Hospital - Tower Cafe most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is about the same as the Boston average of 86.
Has Brighams & Womens Hospital - Tower Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Brighams & Womens Hospital - Tower Cafe have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Brighams & Womens Hospital - Tower Cafe means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Brighams & Womens Hospital - Tower Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Brighams & Womens Hospital - Tower Cafe is inspected around five times per year on average.
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