Cafe Polonia
Last inspected: Mar 3, 2026
100
Score
Going back to 2022, Cafe Polonia has 11 inspections in the public record. The latest inspection on file is from Mar 3, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near four violations each time.
Looking across the full record, “using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average South Boston restaurant scores 87. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 3, 2026
Routine
No violations found.
100
Oct 2, 2025
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Prohibitions (c)
Inspector notes: Remove all food items from under the stairwell.
590.004/4-903.12-C
Using dressing rooms and lockers (c)
Inspector notes: Store all staff personal items away from the food items.
590.006/6-501.110-C
Mechanical-ventilation (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker expired in Aug. 25-Service
590.006/6-304.11-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Noted food items stored on the floor in the refrigeration walkin.Remove and store 6 inches from the floor
590.003/3-305.11-C
82
Mar 13, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
When to wash (p)
Inspector notes: Did not observe staff washing hands before preparing food. Retrain staff when to wash hands
590.002/2-301.14-P
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink blocked by a cart. Remove to provide access to the hand sink during all time of the operation
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Floor under the stove heavily soiled with grease. Clean with frequency
590.006/6-501.12-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Filters in the hood heavily soiled. Clean with frequency
590.006/6-501.14-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Noted fan guard in the walkin refrigerator heaily soiled with dust. Clean with frequency
590.004/4-601.11-C
Equipment clothes washers dryers and storage cabinets contamination prevention location (c)
Inspector notes: Noted food cans stored under the stairwell in the back room. Remove
590.004/4-401.11-C1
64
Dec 19, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand washing blocked by a food cart. Remove All hand sinks should be accesible to wash hands
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Hand soap stored on the prep table near the food. Remove
590.003/3-307.11-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Several food items stored on the floor in the walkin. Remove and store above 6 inches from the floor
590.003/3-305.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: soiled cloth need to be stored in a sanitizer bucket.Provide and retrain staff
590.003/3-304.14-C
Prohibitions (c)
Inspector notes: Food containers stored under the drain pipe in the basement.Remove Onions and other food items stored under the stairwell. Remove
590.004/4-903.12-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Filters on the hood heavily soiled. Clean with frequency
590.004/4-602.13-C
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Outside trash area remove all the unnecessary items and clean with frequency.
590.005/5-501.115-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Floors under the stove has a heavy grease build. Clean Heavy dust on the side of the hood near the ansul system. Clean Dust on the ceiling near the hood .Clean
590.006/6-501.12-C
64
Dec 6, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Backflow prevention air gap (p)
Inspector notes: Produce sink observed without a backflow preventor. Provide or PIC to request variance with procedures to state how an alternative safe prep will be provided while using.
590.005/5-202.13-P
86
Dec 4, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations.
View 2 violations
Backflow prevention air gap (p)
Inspector notes: Produce sink observed without a backflow preventor. Provide or PIC to request variance with procedures to state how an alternative safe prep will be provided while using.
590.005/5-202.13-P
System maintained in good repair (p)
Inspector notes: Ac excess water tube observed dispensing inside dishwasher sink. Discontinue .
590.005/5-205.15-P
74
Oct 29, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
System maintained in good repair (p)
Inspector notes: Ac excess water tube observed dispensing inside dishwasher sink. Discontinue .
590.005/5-205.15-P
Backflow prevention air gap (p)
Inspector notes: Produce sink observed without a backflow preventor. Provide or PIC to request variance with procedures to state how an alternative safe prep will be provided while using.
590.005/5-202.13-P
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Wrong test strips to measure sanitizer concentration on site. Insppector test was used. Provide
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Restroom observed without employee must wash hand signage. Provide.
590.006/6-301.14-C
64
Apr 13, 2023
Routine
3 critical violations. 5 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils-frequency (p)
Inspector notes: Soiled knive and cleaver stored on clean knife rack- Remove and proeperly clean
590.004/4-602.11-P
Cleaning procedure (p)
Inspector notes: Handsink was totally obstructed by trash can and cart of food contact equipment also hand washing is not easily accessible for staff- Discontinue storing trash and other items in front of handsink Make easily accessible for staff to wash hands
590.002/2-301.12-P
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw Beef stored over cooked noodles- Remove and store free from anything cooked or ready to eat
590.003/3-302.11-P
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No proper sanitizer test strips - Provide
590.004/4-302.14-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Several Priority Violations such as blocked hand sink bare hand contact improper storage no sanitizer test strips toxic level sanitizer - Properly correct and re-train staff on above mentioned
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Several items had no date marked - Date mark all prepared foods that is stored in unit for 24 hours or more
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Live Rodent droppings in kitchen area - Provide a current IPM style pest control report from a license pest comtrol company
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Trash barrel and 3 tier cart blocking handsink also food particles inside sink- Remove everything that blocks hand sink keep clear and easily accessible for staff
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: No sanitizer solution set up propely for wiping cloths
590.003/3-304.14-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood expired in February 2023- Provide a updated hood cleaning from a licensed hood cleaning company
590.004/4-202.18-C
Thawing (c)
Inspector notes: Several packages of pierogis stored in refrigerator unit states to keep frozen all melted and 41F also staff had sausages in ziplop storage bag stored in water inside wash bay of 3 bay sink- Remove from water and store inside food contact equipment in refrigerator unit
590.003/3-501.13-C
33
Oct 5, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No sanitizer testing was availble- Provide sanitizer solution and testing strips to test concentration.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood is heavily soiled and greasy- Clean to remove excess grease and soils... Filters in kitchen is soiled with dust- Clean to remove dusts
590.004/4-202.18-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Evidence of rodent dropping in basement area- Clean to remove and provide a current detailed pest control report from a licensed pest control company.
590.006/6-501.111-C
82
Sep 21, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw Chicken stored on top of raw pork and raw pork stored on top of raw chicken- Discontinue storing raw meat products together to prevent cross-contamination. Raw Poultry should be stored on bottom and meats should be separated by cooking temperatures if poultry cooking internally 165F and pork 145F. Poulty should be stored underneath. Corrected onsite Staff Removed and stored properly
590.003/3-302.11-P
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: No Clean up kit nor supplies available- Provide Supplies and instructions for vomit and diarrhea kit.I sent email with supplies and instructions.
590.002/2-501.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No sanitizer testing was availble- Provide sanitizer solution and testing strips to test concentration.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: At the time of inspection prepping was going on and the handsink was blocked by a cart with cooked beets and cabbage on it- Staff moved the food but when I washed my hands splashes of water was getting close to foods moved. Not alot of space - Use Splashguards and make handsinks easily accessible for staff to wash hands. corrected on site
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
590.002/2-501.11-PF
Assignment (pf)
Inspector notes: No person In charge at the time of inspection. I aske staff was he the person in charge he stated he was not he just work there. - Train staff to have managerial control when owner is not present or CFPM not present
590.002(A)/2-101.11-PF
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wiping cloth was not in sanitizer solution- Store all wiping cloths in sanitizer solution
590.003/3-304.14-C
Frozen food (c)
Inspector notes: 16 packages of pierogis stored in refrigerator unit and package states "Keeps frozen at all times" Staff removed pierogis and stored in freezer.- Discontinue storing products that states keep frozen otherwise stated.
590.003/3-501.11-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood is heavily soiled and greasy- Clean to remove excess grease and soils... Filters in kitchen is soiled with dust- Clean to remove dusts
590.004/4-202.18-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Stove grill and fryloator is heavily soiled - Clean to remove excess soils
590.004/4-602.13-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Evidence of rodent dropping in basement area- Clean to remove and provide a current detailed pest control report from a licensed pest control company.
590.006/6-501.111-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: In Basement large amounts of clutter throughout and also inside the kitchen - Clean to remove unnecessary clutter
590.006/6-501.114-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: In use utensils stored in sanitizer solution- Train staff to store in use utensils in hot water 135F or above or with the product- Train staff to properly wash rinse and sanitize also air dry after sanitizing.
590.003/3-304.12-C
37
Apr 29, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: In Reach in cooler there was raw pork and raw chicken in a container together - raw beef over ready to eat foods- PIC removed and stored separately. Store all raw protein in containers separately and poultry stored on bottom shelf.
590.003/3-302.11-P
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: No date marking in reach in coolers- Date mark all tcs foods that is stored in refrigerator unit for more than 24hours
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Drainboard blocking handsink- PIC removed but complained he has no room to put his equipment. I advised that the handsink is easily assessible.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: no managerial control on handwashing blocking handsink and warewash sink no sanitizer solution for wiping cloths storage of raw meats.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Vents inside kitchen has dust - Clean to remove dust
590.006/6-501.14-C
Standards of identity (c)
Inspector notes: Undeeath the counter there are rollaway bins without labels - label all bins with common names
590.003/3-601.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths on counters- Place all soiled wiping cloths inside sanitizer solutions
590.003/3-304.14-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Equipment on cookline is soiled stove inside oven and on sides - Clean to remove soils
590.004/4-602.13-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Food particles on utensils sitting on a tray on stove- Place all in use utensils inside of food with handle up or in clean water 135F or above
590.003/3-304.12-C
50
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cafe Polonia last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Cafe Polonia on file is from Mar 3, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Cafe Polonia?
Across the inspection record, “using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Cafe Polonia.
How does Cafe Polonia compare to other restaurants in South Boston?
Cafe Polonia most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the South Boston average of 87.
Has Cafe Polonia's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Cafe Polonia have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Cafe Polonia 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 Cafe Polonia inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Cafe Polonia is inspected around three times per year on average.
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