Chinatown Cafe
Last inspected: Mar 3, 2026
52
Score
Going back to 2022, Chinatown Cafe has 10 inspections in the public record. The most recent visit was on Mar 3, 2026. Diners may want to take note: high risk reflects issues that a health inspector considered important.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around six violations each.
Looking across the full record, “nonfood contact surfaces” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
That's lower than the typical Boston restaurant, which scores around 86. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.
10
Inspections
1
Critical latest
2
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 3, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Backflow prevention (p)
Inspector notes: Provide an air gap at the 2 bay prep sink
590.005/5-402.11-P
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: The prep station handsink was blocked with rolling racks & equipment.Discontinue. Handsink must remain accessible for proper handwashing. PIC correcting
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Mouse droppings observed in the dining room electrical closet.Provide a full pest report upon re-inspection. Clean/sanitize the location
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the ceiling fan in the rest room to remove dust buildup Clean the ceiling tiles above the front counter to remove dust buildup.
590.006/6-201.17-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: The hood sticker was observed expired on 1.6.26.Provide a proper hood cleaning from a licensed company.Post the new sticker.
590.006/6-501.14-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
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Food storage observed on the floor infront of the mop sink.Discontinue.provide a designated location for storage elevate at least 6 inches off the ground.
590.003/3-307.11-C
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floors throughout to remove soils/food debris
590.006/6-501.13-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the wire rack shelving units to remove soils & food debris
590.004/4-602.13-C
52
Dec 30, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Reheating for hot holding (p)
Inspector notes: Cooked rice reheating at 120F for more than 2 hours. Discarded by PIC. Cook rice daily or cool and hold cold cooked rice for fried rice.
590.003/3-403.11-P
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wiping cloths observed not stored in sanitizing solution. Store wiping cloths in sanitizer to prevent cross contamination.
590.003/3-304.14-C
82
Jul 14, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Fresh baby sprouts being left out at room temperature (59F). Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41F. Baby sprouts were placed under refrigeration at the time of the inspection.
590.003/3-501.16-P
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Battering basket osberved inside of the walk-in cooler with heavy cacked on foods. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Food storage prohibited areas (c)
Inspector notes: Carton of eggs meats and other foods observed being stored on the ground of the walk-in cooler. Discontinue and ensure all foods are being stored a minimum of 6 inches off the ground.
590.003/3-305.12-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and provide a proper sanitizing solution.
590.003/3-304.14-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Knives observed being stopred in between 3 bay sink and wall. Discontinue and store all knives in a clean and protected manner.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Evidence of what appears to be rodent droppings observed in the back storage/preparation area. Address and provide an additional pest control report for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Exterior of bulk food bins with visibly soiled and with cacked on foods. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Cooked ribs observed hanging from a stainless steel rack and coming in contact with what appears to be a rust like substance. Discontinue and store all foods in a clean and protected manner.
590.003/3-307.11-C
58
May 23, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Pre-made bowls of fresh baby sprouts with elevated temperatures of 53F. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41F.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No test strips at the time of the inspection. Provide.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Cooked Peking ducks observed being cooled in the main dining area. Discontinue and ensure all food prepration is being done in a clean and prtoected area.
590.003/3-307.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and provide a proper sanitizing solution.
590.003/3-304.14-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: No one on site with a current Food Allergen Certification. Provide.
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Pioe under the 2 bay sink is leaking. Address and make any necessary repairs.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Storage racks in the rear of the kitchen visibly soiled and with food debris. Clean to remove all. Interior of the 2 door coolers at the near the 2 upright Broilers visibly soiled and with food debris. Clean to remove. Fan covers of the walk-in cooler visibly soiled. Clean to remove. Storage racks inside of the walk-in cooler visibly soiled and with a rust like substance. Clean to remove and resurface or replace.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Drawer near the rear exit where knives are being stored visibly soiled and with what appears to br rust. Replace drawer. Light out above stove top. Replace.
590.004/4-202.16-C
58
Sep 20, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker obsevred expired. Schedule cleaning appointment.
590.006/6-501.14-C
95
Sep 5, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Bean sprouts in bag on top of the production line at 61F. Person in charge removed and returned to refrigeration. Hold cold foods 41F or below.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple foods in walk in cooler without date marking. Date mark foods held longer than 24 hours.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Mice droppings observed in dining room. Clean to remove. Provide updated pest reports.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Bathroom hand dryer not working after multiple attempts. Repair as necessary and provide new blower or paper towels.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Floors in bathroom are soiled. Floors in dining room are soiled with build up. Floors in production line are soiled. Food debris on shelfing in back of house. Clean to remove all soils.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Provide thermometer in walk in cooler.
590.004/4-204.112-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Food items stored on ground in walk in cooler. Elevate to prevent potential contamination.
590.003/3-305.11-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker obsevred expired. Schedule cleaning appointment.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple areas in dining room with excess equitpment and unused items. Remove all unnecessary items.
590.006/6-501.114-C
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled trap in dining room. Remove
590.006/6-501.112-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Grease barrels observed with build up on the exterior as well as discharge on pavement. Call grease company to replace the barrels to prevent potential pests.
590.005/5-501.15-C
45
May 23, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple foods in walk in cooler observed without date marking. Provide for all foods held longer than 24 hours.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Common name-working containers (pf)
Inspector notes: Chemical spray bottle observed with no label. Provide.
590.007/7-102.11-PF
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Cardboard being used under knife storage. Discontinue.
590.004/4-101.19-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Grease buckets observed soiled. Clean to remove.
590.005/5-501.15-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Bucket of spices observed stored next to mop sink. Discontinue.
590.003/3-307.11-C
Food preparation (c)
Inspector notes: Food employee observed prepping in dining room in area without hand sink. Discontine.
590.003/3-305.14-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple chipped tiles under three bay sink. Replace.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Back door propped open. Close to prevent potential contamination.
590.006/6-202.15-C
61
Sep 14, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw duck stored above bags of produce in walk-in refrigerator. Store raw meat below produce and cooked foods. Corrected on site
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a )cooling methods (pf)
Inspector notes: Cooked beef in small containers in cookline refrigerator at 70F. Spread out cooked foods to cool rapidly. Beef cooked in past hour. Cooled to 58F in 10 minutes
590.003/3-501.15-PF
Common name-working containers (pf)
Inspector notes: Grill cleaner stored in ublabeled spray bottles and plastic vinegar and cooking wine jugs. Store chemicals in labeled containers. Discontinue using food jugs to store chemicals to prevent contamination
590.007/7-102.11-PF
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Hand sink faucet at cookline leaks. Repair as needed
590.005/5-205.15-C
67
Feb 2, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Scallions stored in old duck boxes. Discontinue using old meat boxes for storing any foods: raw cooked or produce. Discard old duck and chicken boxes.
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a )cooling methods (pf)
Inspector notes: Cooked pork cooling in bowl covered with foil at 90F. Cooked in past hour. Cool cooked foods spread out and uncovered. Pork 68F after 20 minutes uncovered.
590.003/3-501.15-PF
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker indicate that it was cleaned two days prior but expires this month. Contact hood cleaning company for correct sticker.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Toilet rooms enclosed (c)
Inspector notes: Bathroom door off dining room is not self closing. Attach self closing appliance as needed.
590.006/6-202.14-C
70
Aug 10, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw ducks hanging over containers of fried noodles. Store raw animal product below ready to eat foods and produce. Old duck boxes in prep kitchen. Do not save old duck boxes- assume they are contaminated and must be discarded. Corrected on site
590.003/3-302.11-P
Common name-working containers (pf)
Inspector notes: Two spray bottles without labels full of red chemical. PIC stated chemical is oven cleaner. Label all chemical bottles to prevent contamination or possible poisoning.
590.007/7-102.11-PF
(a )cooling methods (pf)
Inspector notes: Cooked duck feet and wings in foam to-go containers at 70F in reach-in cooler. Cooked pork at cookline cooler 95F. Both items cooked within 1-2 hours. Spread out in shallow pans to cool fully before packing or placing into service.
590.003/3-501.15-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Soiled knives stored on employee beverage shelf. Pot lids stored visibly soiled on back shelf. Blood pooling under shelf in walk-in cooler. Clean all areas and equipment to prevent contamination.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Container of ginger blocking hand sinl in prep area. Hand sink must be accessible at all times. Corrected on site.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled cardboard lining shelf under prep table. Discard cardboard and discontinue linging shelves.
590.004/4-101.19-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Cutting boards heavily scoured and worn. Resurface or replace to prevent contamination. Heavily worn cutting surfaces cannot be effectively cleaned and sanitized. Cutting surfaces must be smooth and cleanable.
590.004/4-501.12-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Ceiling tiles missing in kitchen. Replace. Floor tiles in front of 3 compartment sink damaged. Repair as needed.
590.006/6-501.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Interior of refrigerator under microwave soiled. Floor under steam table heavily soiled. Ceiling above ovens heavily soiled. Clean all areas to prevent contamination.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Back screen door of kitchen has sunlight visible at bottom edge. Replace door sweep as needed prevent pests form entering.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths at cookline not stored in sanitizing solution. Retrain staff to store wiping cloths in sanitizer to prevent cross contamination.
590.003/3-304.14-C
43
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Chinatown Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Chinatown Cafe on file is from Mar 3, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Chinatown Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood contact surfaces” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Chinatown Cafe.
How does Chinatown Cafe compare to other restaurants in Boston?
Chinatown Cafe most recently scored 52 out of 100, which is lower than the Boston average of 86.
Has Chinatown Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Chinatown Cafe have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Chinatown Cafe 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 Chinatown Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Chinatown Cafe is inspected around three times per year on average.
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