Dining Hall @Emerson
Last inspected: Jan 21, 2026
82
Score
Across the available record, Dining Hall @Emerson has 13 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Jan 21, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around seven violations to closer to four violations per visit over the last few inspections.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “controlling pests”, showing up five times.
By comparison, the average Boston facility scores 86, putting Dining Hall @Emerson on the weaker side. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
13
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 21, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
System maintained in good repair (p)
Inspector notes: At the time of the re inspection the bathroom hand sinks did not have hot water. Temperature 59F. The kitchen and all other hand sinks were 100F. Plumber was on site and working on the issue. PIC spoke with all the staff and informed them that after using the restroom they are to wash their hands in the bathroom then they are to wash again at the hand sink in the kitchen until the hot water issue has been resolved.
590.005/5-205.15-P
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: High temp dishmachine is shut down and a work order was put in for the dishmachine. At this time they are using the 3 bay sink to wash rinse and sanitize. All plates and utensils are disposable.
590.005/5-205.15-C
82
Jan 15, 2026
Routine
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 6 violations
System maintained in good repair (p)
Inspector notes: The irreversible thermometer was run through the high temp dishmachine Wash 150/ Rinse150. At the time of the inspection there were 2 plumbers on site. Discontinue using the high temp dishmachine until it has been repaired and wash 160/Rinse 180. Use the 3 bay sink . 3 bay sink was tested - 200ppm.
590.005/5-205.15-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Tuna salad- 52F Hard boiled eggs- 53F Chicken Salad 49F. One of the staff members removed the 3 food items and returned them to the blast chiller. The final temperature of the 3 food items- 41F. Ensure staff is taking temperatures of the food before serving to the students.
590.003/3-501.16-P
System maintained in good repair (p)
Inspector notes: At the time of the re inspection the bathroom hand sinks did not have hot water. Temperature 59F. The kitchen and all other hand sinks were 100F. Plumber was on site and working on the issue. PIC spoke with all the staff and informed them that after using the restroom they are to wash their hands in the bathroom then they are to wash again at the hand sink in the kitchen until the hot water issue has been resolved.
590.005/5-205.15-P
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Please add the consumer advisory and allergen to all menus. Documents will be emailed over with this report.
590.003/3-603.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed mold-like substance inside the ice machine. Clean and sanitize in the interior of the ice machine to remove mold- like substance.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: High temp dishmachine is shut down and a work order was put in for the dishmachine. At this time they are using the 3 bay sink to wash rinse and sanitize. All plates and utensils are disposable.
590.005/5-205.15-C
50
Jan 7, 2026
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations.
View 4 violations
System maintained in good repair (p)
Inspector notes: The irreversable thermometer was run through the high temp dishmachine Wash 150/ Rinse150. At the time of the inspection there were 2 plumbers on site. Discontinue using the high temp dishmachine until it has been repaired and wash 160/Rinse 180. Use the 3 bay sink . 3 bay sink was tested - 200ppm.
590.005/5-205.15-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Tuna salad- 52F Hard boiled eggs- 53F Chicken Salad 49F. One of the staff members removed the 3 food items and returned them to the blast chiller. The final temperature of the 3 food items- 41F. Ensure staff is taking temperatures of the food before serving to the students.
590.003/3-501.16-P
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed mold-like substance inside the ice machine. Clean and sanitize in the interior of the ice machine to remove mold- like substance.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Please add the consumer advisory and allergen to all menus. Documents will be emailed over with this report.
590.003/3-603.11-PF
61
Sep 23, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food display-preventing contamination by consumers (p)
Inspector notes: Exposed boiled eggs and commercially prepared kimchi out for self service. Food employee instructed to remove and place behind sneeze guard. Corrected on site.
590.003/3-306.11-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of pest activity with what appears rat droppings under clean equipment storage racks in back hallway off dishroom and kitchen. Clean and sanitize all affected areas. Provide updated IPM pest control report upon re inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: Staff not monitoring food protection temperature control pest related cleaning. Provide active managerial control. Corrected on site.
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
Cooling heating and holding capacities-equipment (pf)
Inspector notes: Double door reach in cooler holding at 54F. Cheese placed into unit within the hour removed and placed into blast chiller to cool to below 41F.
590.004/4-301.11-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Visible food soils and moisture under steam kettles and cookline equipment.Water on floors in dish room. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Steam kettle stir paddle stored on floor next to steam kettle with food contact end touching floor. Corrected on site.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Mechanical-ventilation (c)
Inspector notes: The dish room is oppressively hot with buildup of steam and heat. Fans in use are not effective. Make all necessary repairs to the HVAC system to maintain proper ventilation.
590.006/6-304.11-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Walls in back hallway clean equipment storage area with flaking paint. Clean and resurface.
590.006/6-101.11-C
52
Mar 17, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Deep pan of chili in reach in cooler 50F. Voluntarily discarded. Cheese cube salad 55F @ salad bar made within the hour removed from service placed into blast chiller to cool.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: What appears to be rat droppings on floor near dunnage rack. Dead cockroaches on several glue traps under dishwasher on glue traps in rear hallway off dish room on glue traps in basement dry storage. Remove. Clean and sanitize. Provide updated IPM pest control report upon reinspection for details on addressing roach and rodent activity.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Heating ventilation air conditioning system vents (c)
Inspector notes: Dust on and around HVAC vent above catering production. Clean to remove.
590.006/6-202.12-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Gap in clean side drain board off dishwasher causing standing water on floor. Repair.
590.004/4-501.11-C
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Dead cockroaches on several glue traps under dishwasher on glue traps in rear hallway off dish room on glue traps in basement dry storage. Remove.
590.006/6-501.112-C
67
Nov 20, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: Repeat pest violations. Provide active managerial control.
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: What appears to be rat droppings on landing to egress off dining hall under stair landing leading to dry food storage area under shelving in dry food storage area in basement. Clean and sanitize all affected areas. Provide an updated detailed IPM pest control report upon reinspection.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Debris and soils under equipment shelving in rear hallway. Standing water in dish room with food debirs. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Covering receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Green dumpster lid was open. Corrected on site.
590.005/5-501.113-C
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Dumpster compactor appears to be leaking liquid waste. Clean and sanitize the area discard grey water into direct waste drain. Repair dumpster.
590.005/5-501.115-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Gap at baseboard near exit door on top of landing off basement dining hall. Seal with pest poof material. Gaps visible at base of exterior door frame. Seal with pest proof materials at 25 BP side exit door.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: What appears to be outside HVAC vents next to rear door in outside area with pigeon netting with debris feather and bird droppings. Clean to remove.
590.006/6-501.14-C
64
Nov 5, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: What appears to be rat droppings on floor in dry storage area and outside left loading dock door. Clean and sanitize all affected areas. Provide updated IPM pest control report upon reinspection.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Recycle dumster with loose plastic lids. Replace with tight fitting pest proof lids.
590.005/5-501.13-C
86
Sep 4, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of rodent activity with what appears to be rat droppings under dunnage racks near back door in several areas throughout trash and loading dock areas. Clean and disinfect all affected areas. Provide updated IPM pest control report upon reinspection.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Frequency-removal (c)
Inspector notes: Numerous trash dumpsters overflowing with trash. Increase pickups as needed for student move in.
590.005/5-502.11-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Ice machine in process of being repaired and out of use.
590.004/4-501.11-C
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Rat droppings trash litter and debris strewn in outside area. Clean to remove.
590.005/5-501.115-C
78
Apr 21, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Products in cold holding unit at the omelette bar including diced tomatoes and cut broccoli at 57F for less than 2 hours. Unit is not properly cold holding. All products were removed at the time of the inspection and placed in refrigerator a 36F. Discontinue cold holding in unit until proper repairs are made. Banana peppers in salad bar at 53F for less than 2 hours Per the PIC the peppers are a canned product Removed from the salad bar and placed in walkin to properly cool Ensure all products are at 41F or below at service lines
590.003/3-501.16-P
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: No paper towels available at the portable handwashing sink located at the salad bar- Corrected
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Cooling heating and holding capacities-equipment (pf)
Inspector notes: Cold holding unit at the omelette station with an internal temperature on the top of the unit of 47F All foods were removed at the time of the inspection and a service call was made
590.004/4-301.11-PF
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Assorted spreads at the salad bar that are self service prodducts including cream cheese with no labeling- Provide
590.003/3-302.12-C
67
Feb 2, 2023
Routine
5 critical violations. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Cleaning procedure (p)
Inspector notes: Ware washing staff/food handlers not lathering for 20 seconds. One hand sink food handlers were using hot water temperature was 48 F
590.002/2-301.12-P
(a) gloves use limitation (p)
Inspector notes: Observed ware washing staff/food handlers leaving and returning to work station wearing disposable gloves and resuming duties
590.003/3-304.15-P
When to wash (p)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple employees/food handlers not washing hands when returning to work station donning on clean gloves PIC had several conversation with staff during inspection
590.002/2-301.14-P
Manual and mechanical warewashing equipment chemical sanitization-temperature ph concentration and hardness (p)
Inspector notes: Water in sanitizing bay 48 F
590.004/4-501.114-P
Separation-storage (p)
Inspector notes: Chemical stored above clean food contacts in upper ware washing area Corrected on site
590.007/7-201.11-P
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Paper towel dispenser empty - Corrected on site
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Mechanical warewashing equipment hot water sanitization temperatures (pf)
Inspector notes: Irreversible measuring device measuring 157 F on high temp dish machine
590.004/4-501.112-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple Priority Priority Foundation and Core violations noted on inspection provided proof that employees have not been trained and the PIC is not overseeing day to day operations per code All food areas must operate as approved - Portable hand sink at salad bar not approved (per PIC during COVID and currently the salad bar was converted in to employees serving the food. If PIC wishes to continue this practice they must submit plans for the redsign.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Built up soils on walls at Pizza oven
590.006/6-201.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wiping cloths are being stored in soap. Wiping cloths are not seperate from Raw Ready to eat foods and non food contacts - Food prep areas
590.003/3-304.14-C
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: Open foods at salad area are not protected from customers
590.003/3-302.11-C
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: Food contacts stored under steps that are open at salad bar
590.003/3-302.11-C
29
Aug 26, 2022
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Mechanical warewashing equipment hot water sanitization temperatures (pf)
Inspector notes: Rinse temperature on high temperature dishwasher at 207F-211F Unit was not in use atthe time of the inspection 08/22/22 Dishwashing unit in use at the time of the reinspection Wash 159F Rinse temperature fluctuated with a max temperature between 199F-202F Irreversible thermometer used at this time with a reading of 157F/158F Establishment is discontinuing use of unit and using 3 bay until temperature is lowered
590.004/4-501.112-PF
90
Jul 27, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Mechanical warewashing equipment hot water sanitization temperatures (pf)
Inspector notes: Rinse temperature on high temperature dishwasher at 207F-211F Unit was not in use atthe time of the inspection
590.004/4-501.112-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Black mold like buildup on the wall behind the dishwasher area- Clean to remove
590.004/4-602.13-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Large space noted at the bottom of the door leading to the loading dock area- Provide sweep
590.006/6-202.15-C
82
May 10, 2022
Routine
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Dining Hall @Emerson last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Dining Hall @Emerson on file is from Jan 21, 2026. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Dining Hall @Emerson?
Across the inspection record, “controlling pests” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Dining Hall @Emerson.
How does Dining Hall @Emerson compare to other restaurants in Boston?
Dining Hall @Emerson most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is lower than the Boston average of 86.
Has Dining Hall @Emerson's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Dining Hall @Emerson have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Dining Hall @Emerson 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 Dining Hall @Emerson inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Dining Hall @Emerson is inspected around four times per year on average.
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