Cabana Grill

254 Bennington St, East Boston, MA 02128
Mexican / Latin
Last inspected: Apr 13, 2026
95
Score
Low Risk

Public records show eight inspections at Cabana Grill stretching back to 2022. The most recent report on file is from Apr 13, 2026. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.

There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near five violations per visit across recent inspections.

When inspectors have written things up, “using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance” has been the most frequent reason, cited three times.

The city-wide average for East Boston sits at 91, putting Cabana Grill on the better side of that line. The record reflects steady performance over time.

8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 13, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food preparation (c)
Inspector notes: There is no prep sink to wash produce Per PIC produce is being washed in the three bay sink. Provide a food prep sink to protect produce during preparation/PIC to Provide a written proposal or assessment from a license plumber regarding the installation of prep sink.
590.003/3-305.14-C
95
Mar 24, 2026
Routine
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Upstairs bar handwashing sink observed without paper towels/ Provide and maintain
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Noted staff prepping juices at the bar hand sink.Discontinue Hand sink on the cookline has food residue.Discontinue and train staff to use the hand sink for hand washing only
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Toilet room receptacle covered (c)
Inspector notes: Women restroom oberved with trash receptacle without cover . Provide trash with cover
590.005/5-501.17-C
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Sponges observed at warewashing sinks. Discontinue using sponge to wash food contact surfaces to prevent contamination
590.004/4-101.16-C
Food preparation (c)
Inspector notes: There is no prep sink to wash produce Per PIC produce is being washed in the three bay sink. Provide a food prep sink to protect produce during preparation/PIC to Provide a written proposal or assessment from a license plumber regarding the installation of prep sink.
590.003/3-305.14-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: walk in/provide proper storage of all food container 6 inches off floor/ small room in the basement near the walk-in cooler observed pots stored on the floor /store all pots 6 inches off floor
590.003/3-305.11-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Bulk foods/sugar/provide proper scoop with handle for bulk food bin Portion cup observed in use to dispense foods from bulks. Discontinue and provide scoop with handle to prevent contamination by hands
590.003/3-304.12-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple squeeze bottles observed without labels. Provide labels when removed from original containers
590.003/3-302.12-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Upstairs bar handwashing sink oberved without signage./provide employee must wash hands signage
590.006/6-301.14-C
58
Dec 3, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Noted several TCS food items stored on the counter.Remove and store under refrigeration
590.003/3-501.16-P
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Noted several food items in the walkin without date marking.Provide
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Noted staff prepping limes/Lemons at the bar hand sink.Discontinue Hand sink on the cookline has food residue.Discontinue and train staff to use the hand sink for hand washing only
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood filters heavily grased and also grease dripping from the hood.Clean with frequency
590.006/6-501.14-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Noted outside door has a wide opening.Repair to prevent rodent entry
590.006/6-202.15-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Noted card board covering the floor.Remove Walkin floor visible dirt and dust.Clean with frequency
590.004/4-601.11-C
61
Jan 14, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Observed pupusa mix ( containing meat and cheese) placed in ambient temperature registered 55F. Mantain at 41F or below. PIC removed it inside refrigerating unit.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Several pepared food items stored inside walk-in unit without date-marking. Provide/
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Handsink at prep area used to store soiled utensils soiled. Discontinue use for handwashing only and clean it properly.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Some of bulk food storage units missing lid/broken or with not tight fiting lid. Provide proper enclosing lids.
590.003/3-305.11-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Handsink at prep areas on both levels without proper signage. Provide.
590.006/6-301.14-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: No Allergen Awarness Certificate posted. Provide.
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Some bulk food food storage containers without proper labels. Provide.
590.003/3-302.12-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Observed ice scoop stored on to of dish machine (soiled). Store properly in a clean sanitized/ surface.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Observed paper towels used to wipe without sanitizer. Set up proper sanitizing boxes with wiping cloth in them.
590.003/3-304.14-C
52
May 13, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Handsink at cooking line without papertowels. Provide.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No sanitizer test strips for three bay sink at lower level. Provide.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Several food items stored on the floor at lower level. Elevate properly.
590.003/3-305.11-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Observed small plastic cup being used to dispense cooked rice.Discontiue use handled utensils.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Observed wiping cloths soiled on the counter at both levels. Store properly in sanitizer solution.
590.003/3-304.14-C
70
Dec 5, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: Hood tag expired in November 23 / Contact hood cleaning company ASAP
590.006/6-201.17-C
95
Jun 7, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Hot water and chemical-methods (p)
Inspector notes: Low temp machine out of service awaiting repair. Employee stated that dishes are done by hand in the pre-rinse sink of the low temp machine / There is a 3 bay sink downstairs that is available however it is not being utilized due to staff shortage (per discussion with owner). Disposables will be used in place of dishes glasses and utensils until repair is made or there is someone available to use the 3 bay sink / Pots pans and cooking utensils have been cleaned in the 3 bay sink and will be cleaned in the 3 bay if needed during service.
590.004/4-703.11-P
86
Sep 27, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Raw shrimp sitting out at 70F PIC states it had been out for less than an hour / Food moved to refrigeration to cool back down / Provide 41F or below
590.003/3-501.16-P
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Bulk food bin with potatoes with visible soils / Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
82

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Cabana Grill last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Cabana Grill on file is from Apr 13, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Cabana Grill?

Across the inspection record, “using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Cabana Grill.

How does Cabana Grill compare to other restaurants in East Boston?

Cabana Grill most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is higher than the East Boston average of 91.

Has Cabana Grill's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Cabana Grill have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Cabana Grill 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 Cabana Grill inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Cabana Grill is inspected around two times per year on average.