Costello's Tavern
Last inspected: Dec 4, 2025
67
Score
Inspectors have visited Costello's Tavern 14 times, with records going back to 2022. On Dec 4, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near three violations each time.
Looking across the full record, “good repair and proper adjustment-equipment” is the recurring theme, flagged six times.
The city-wide average sits at 83, which Costello's Tavern's 67 doesn't quite reach. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
14
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 4, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: As discussed raw chicken stored above cooked chicken.
590.003/3-302.11-P
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink in kitchen was blocked with soiled equipment. Hand sink will need to be available at all times for staff to wash hands.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to clean the floor under and behind equipment in the kitchen. Grease grime and old food build up. Basement floor under wooden beer cases will need to be clean all along the wall.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Drain boards (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to provide a table cart or drain board to store soiled equipment. I found soiled equipment on floor grease trap and in hand sink.
590.004/4-301.13-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: In kitchen found a container filled with chips and no cover. Please provide a cove. As discussed discontinue to store uncoverd containers with food on top of each other. Cooked chicken in a container stored on top of another container with no covers.
590.003/3-307.11-C
67
May 8, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils-frequency (p)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to empty out the ice machine and clean and sanitizer the inside lip. Discard the ice and make new ice
590.004/4-602.11-P
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink in kitchen did not have soap to properly wash hands.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink in kitchen was blocked with dirty pans. PIC moved and will need to review with staff not to block hand sink.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to clean the floors.... under cooking equipment of dry foods. in the basement of debris and water build up.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Wiping cloths air drying location (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to provide a sanitizer bucket in the kitchen to hole the wiping cloths. Cloths found on mutiple prep and cooking surfaces.
590.004/4-901.12-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to post a Food Safety Certificate. Allergen was posted.
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: In basement PIC will need to have the black pipe used for the sprinkler system looked at it is sweating water onto case of beer below. Leak from pipe in dinning room. PIC stated it was from the roof. Have repaired asap
590.006/6-501.11-C
58
Sep 12, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: In the kitchen I found a high temp dishwasher and a two day sink to warewash. PIC will need to have a prep sink installed. If this is something in writing stating this to see what the next step will be.
590.005/5-203.13-C
95
Aug 13, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: In the kitchen I found a high temp dishwasher and a two day sink to warewash. PIC will need to have a prep sink installed. If this is something in writing stating this to see what the next step will be.
590.005/5-203.13-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: High temperature dishwasher will need the gauges repaired. Not working properly. Do not use until repaired. use the one at the bar. PIC was calling to have repaired. 6-14-24 Dishwasher gauges not working. PIC stated that he is working on getting a new machine. Cost will be to much to repair.
590.004/4-501.11-C
90
Jul 12, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: High temperature dishwasher will need the gauges repaired. Not working properly. Do not use until repaired. use the one at the bar. PIC was calling to have repaired. 6-14-24 Dishwasher gauges not working. PIC stated that he is working on getting a new machine. Cost will be to much to repair.
590.004/4-501.11-C
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: In the kitchen I found a high temp dishwasher and a two day sink to warewash. PIC will need to have a prep sink installed. If this is something in writing stating this to see what the next step will be.
590.005/5-203.13-C
90
Jun 21, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: PIC stated that the hood was cleaned but the sticker was not applied. PIC will call to have the sticker provided.
590.004/4-202.18-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: High temperature dishwasher will need the gauges repaired. Not working properly. Do not use until repaired. use the one at the bar. PIC was calling to have repaired. 6-14-24 Dishwasher gauges not working. PIC stated that he is working on getting a new machine. Cost will be to much to repair.
590.004/4-501.11-C
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: In the kitchen I found a high temp dishwasher and a two day sink to warewash. PIC will need to have a prep sink installed. If this is something in writing stating this to see what the next step will be.
590.005/5-203.13-C
86
Jun 7, 2024
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: In the kitchen I found a high temp dishwasher and a two day sink to warewash. PIC will need to have a prep sink installed. If this is something in writing stating this to see what the next step will be.
590.005/5-203.13-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: High temperature dishwasher will need the gauges repaired. Not working properly. Do not use until repaired. use the one at the bar. PIC was calling to have repaired.
590.004/4-501.11-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Above the dishwasher in the kitchen is a A/C unit and the window behind it has no glass. Rain water is coming in and puddling under clean equipment. Please rewash all equipment and fix window.
590.003/3-307.11-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: PIC stated that the hood was cleaned but the sticker was not applied. PIC will call to have the sticker provided.
590.004/4-202.18-C
82
May 23, 2024
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to fix the leak at the hand sink.
590.006/6-501.11-C
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: In the kitchen I found a high temp dishwasher and a two day sink to warewash. PIC will need to have a prep sink installed. If this is something in writing stating this to see what the next step will be.
590.005/5-203.13-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: High temperature dishwasher will need the gauges repaired. Not working properly. Do not use until repaired. use the one at the bar. PIC was calling to have repaired.
590.004/4-501.11-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to have the filters cleaned and the hood is do for cleaning this month.
590.004/4-202.18-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Above the dishwasher in the kitchen is a A/C unit and the window behind it has no glass. Rain water is coming in and puddling under clean equipment. Please rewash all equipment and fix window.
590.003/3-307.11-C
78
May 9, 2024
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to have the filters cleaned and the hood is do for cleaning this month.
590.004/4-202.18-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to fix the leak at the hand sink.
590.006/6-501.11-C
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: In the kitchen I found a high temp dishwasher and a two day sink to warewash. PIC will need to have a prep sink installed. If this is something in writing stating this to see what the next step will be.
590.005/5-203.13-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: High temperature dishwasher will need the gauges repaired. Not working properly. Do not use until repaired. use the one at the bar. PIC was calling to have repaired.
590.004/4-501.11-C
82
Apr 13, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Cooling heating and holding capacities-equipment (pf)
Inspector notes: Frigidaire residential unit in basement still elevated at 45F. Repairman serviced and was running ok will need to recheck. Not using.
590.004/4-301.11-PF
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: unable to locate vomit/diarrhea clean up kit -ordered will send receipt.
590.002/2-501.11-PF
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Pipe under handsink is leaking - address and make necessary repairs. Plumber scheduled - keep us posted on repair.
590.005/5-205.15-C
78
Mar 30, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
When to wash (p)
Inspector notes: employee put on gloves without washing hands - retrain employees on handwashing before putting on gloves and in between tasks before any food prep.
590.002/2-301.14-P
Cooling heating and holding capacities-equipment (pf)
Inspector notes: Frigidaire residential unit in basement elevated at 45F - manager moved mac&cheese balls (44F) and produce to another unit. - Ensure unit is working to maintain food temperature at 41F and below - adjust temperature or repair.
590.004/4-301.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: large soiled stainless steel bowl in handsink - handsinks should not be used to sore soiled dishes for handwashing only - employee removed soil bowl
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: unable to locate vomit/diarrhea clean up kit - provide
590.002/2-501.11-PF
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Pipe under handsink is leaking - address and make necessary repairs Wash&rinse temp at high temp dish machine at the bar is not reaching required temperature of 150wash 180F rinse and 160F at the plate. Temps were 123F wash 115F rinse & 121 at the plate - use kitchen dish machine until repaired - Address and make necessary repairs.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Toilet room receptacle covered (c)
Inspector notes: ladies room does not have covered recepticle - provide
590.005/5-501.17-C
58
Nov 18, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of fruit fly activity noted in the main kitchen and basement area's. Address and provide an up to date pest control report for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: No one on site with a current Food Allergen Certification. Provide for the re-inspection. No one on site with a current Food Safety Certification. Provide documentation of at least one full time employee who has been enrolled in a Food Safety Course for the re-inspection.
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Hood and Ventilation tags with a past expiration date from June 2022. Address adn provide up to date tags for the re-inspection. Refrerral to be made to teh COB Fire Department for expired tags.
590.006/6-201.11-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Cold water faucet at the 2 compartment sink is not attached. Address and make any necessary repairs. Pipe under the hand sink is leaking. Address and make any necessary repairs. Pipe under the 2 bay sink is leaking. Repair.
590.005/5-205.15-C
78
Oct 20, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Raw eggs observed being left out on counter top at room temperature. Discontinue and ensure all eggs are being held at bewlow 45F. Eggs to be remove and placed back under refrigeration until being used for service.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of fruit fly activity noted in the main kitchen and basement area's. Address and provide an up to date pest control report for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Temperature measuring devices manual and mechanical warewashing (pf)
Inspector notes: At the time of the inspection there was no temperature measuring puck for the high temperature dish machine. Provide.
590.004/4-302.13-PF
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: No one on site with a current Food Allergen Certification. Provide for the re-inspection. No one on site with a current Food Safety Certification. Provide documentation of at least one full time employee who has been enrolled in a Food Safety Course for the re-inspection.
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Several squeeze bottles filled with sauces and dressings have no labels. Provide.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Hood and Ventilation tags with a past expiration date from June 2022. Address adn provide up to date tags for the re-inspection. Refrerral to be made to teh COB Fire Department for expired tags.
590.006/6-201.11-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Cold water faucet at the 2 compartment sink is not attached. Address and make any necessary repairs. Pipe under the hand sink is leaking. Address and make any necessary repairs. Pipe under the 2 bay sink is leaking. Repair.
590.005/5-205.15-C
58
May 5, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 6 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: The french fries are out at room temperature; 63F. Store refrigerated at 41F or below. (fries moved to the refrigerator since they were just made) There are mashed potatoes cooling on the top of the sandwich unit 110F. Make sure items are properly cooled. (potatoes spread out and moved to the walk-in to cool)
590.003/3-501.16-P
Temperature measuring devices food-accuracy (pf)
Inspector notes: There is no irreversible thermometer available for the high temp machine. Provide a max temp dishwasher thermometer. There are no food thermometers. Provide.
590.004/4-203.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: The interior fo the ice machine is soiled with buildup. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No test strip available. Provide.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: No cleanup kit available. Provide.
590.002/2-501.11-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: The cooking equipment is soiled with grease. Clena to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
55
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Costello's Tavern last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Costello's Tavern on file is from Dec 4, 2025. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Costello's Tavern?
Across the inspection record, “good repair and proper adjustment-equipment” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Costello's Tavern.
How does Costello's Tavern compare to other restaurants in Jamaica Plain?
Costello's Tavern most recently scored 67 out of 100, which is lower than the Jamaica Plain average of 83.
Has Costello's Tavern's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Costello's Tavern have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Costello's Tavern means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Costello's Tavern inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Costello's Tavern is inspected around four times per year on average.
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