Discovery Cafe
Last inspected: Apr 1, 2026
39
Score
The health department has logged eight inspections at Discovery Cafe, the earliest from 2023. On Apr 1, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near eight violations each time.
When inspectors have written things up, “(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.
Discovery Cafe's latest score of 39 falls below the Boston average of 86. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.
8
Inspections
2
Critical latest
4
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 1, 2026
Routine
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 11 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Sliced ham 49F tomatoes 52F. Product cut within the hour placed indirectly on ice for lunch service and willl be moved into alternative refrigerator holding at 38F.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Cleaning procedure (p)
Inspector notes: Food employee washed hands then dried them on apron. Retrain staff. Corrected on site
590.002/2-301.12-P
Cooling heating and holding capacities-equipment (pf)
Inspector notes: Reach in cooler with flip top 50F. Repair. PIC to transfer TCS foods to another unit holding at 38F. TCS foods in unit out of temperature within hour.
590.004/4-301.11-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Paper towel dispenser at warewashing area is missing no paper towels. Replace. Provide.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Mice droppings on floors near cash register. 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: Priority violations. Provide active managerial control.
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
Heating ventilation air conditioning system vents (c)
Inspector notes: HVAC vents with visible soils and grease buildup in back area. Clean to remove.
590.006/6-202.12-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Floors with visible soils near baseboards at cashier area on floors under equipment at service line. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Ventilation hood systems adequacy (c)
Inspector notes: Flat top griddle in use to cook grease emanating foods no hood. Install commercial vent hood or remove griddle.
590.004/4-301.14-C
Prohibition-jewelry (c)
Inspector notes: Food employee observed making sandwiches with a dangling bracelet. Instructed to remove.
590.002/2-303.11-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Ceiling above coffee service area and above out of use salad bar unit with numerous missing ceiling tiles. REPLACE.
590.006/6-101.11-C
39
Sep 18, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No test kit for 3 bay sink
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Food labels (pf)
Inspector notes: Prepackaged muffins brownies cookies other bake goods fruit cups yogurt with fruit are not properly labeled (Customer self service)
590.003/3-602.11-PF
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Items stored on top of ice machine
590.003/3-305.11-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Worn deep cuts in cutting boards
590.004/4-501.12-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Rust on ceiling vents in back prep/ware washing areas Rust on exterior of grease trap/dirty cloth lining top of grease trap
590.006/6-501.11-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Dust and debris build up on ceiling attachments light fixtures vents and tiles throughout Build up soils and splashings on walls and attachments throughout
590.006/6-201.11-C
67
Aug 19, 2025
Routine
4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: No paper towels in dispensers at both hand sinks on prep line and rear ware washing/prep area Corrected on site by PIC
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Food labels (pf)
Inspector notes: Prepackaged muffins brownies cookies other bake goods fruit cups yogurt with fruit are not properly labeled (Customer self service)
590.003/3-602.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No test kit for 3 bay sink
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: No hand soap at both hand sinks on prep line and rear ware washing/prep area Corrected on site by PIC
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Items stored on top of ice machine
590.003/3-305.11-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Dust and debris build up on ceiling attachments light fixtures vents and tiles throughout Build up soils and splashings on walls and attachments throughout
590.006/6-201.11-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Rust on ceiling vents in back prep/ware washing areas Rust on exterior of grease trap/dirty cloth lining top of grease trap
590.006/6-501.11-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Worn deep cuts in cutting boards
590.004/4-501.12-C
55
Jan 14, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Items in the open top deli unit reading 50-55F for 50-60 min.(stuffing 55F roasted veg 53F Sliced red onions 55F).Maintain cold holding 41F or below PIC removing to cool/hold 41F or below Discussed cold holding with the PIC
590.003/3-501.16-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: There is evidence of mouse activity(droppings).Provide a full IPM report upon re-inspection Clean /sanitize all affected locations
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Repair the hole in the wall behind the kitchen door.
590.006/6-501.11-C
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floors under the 3 bay sink and in the mop closet to remove soils & evidnce of mouse droppings.
590.006/6-501.13-C
70
Jun 27, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Sandwich/salad refrigeration 50 F Cheese 54 F Cut tomatoes 56 F PIC started to taking corrective action during inspection
590.003/3-501.16-P
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: No written procedures and kit for responding to the clean up of vomiting and diarrheal events I provided and reviewed the written procedures and what the kit must contain with PIC during inspection
590.002/2-501.11-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Lights and ceililng fixtures dusty - Customer refrigeration units coffee and baked goods areas Ceiling tiles and fixtures soiled in prep/ware washing areas
590.006/6-201.11-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Rust on ceiling fixtures vents tiles etc. in ware washing/rear prep Chipped paint on grease trap Missing ceiling tiles throughout customer area/refrigeration units/baked goods and coffee area
590.006/6-501.11-C
70
Jun 6, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 14 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Sandwich/salad refrigeration 50 F Cheese 54 F Cut tomatoes 56 F PIC started to taking corrective action during inspection
590.003/3-501.16-P
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Paper towel dispenser empty - During inspection PIC placed napkins in a container at hand sink
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Food labels (pf)
Inspector notes: Pre package for Customer Grab and Go not labeled Baked goods Cold holding foods in glass 3 door refrigeration unit
590.003/3-602.11-PF
Food temperature measuring devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Food thermometer does not have a thin probe
590.004/4-302.12-PF
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: No written procedures and kit for responding to the clean up of vomiting and diarrheal events I provided and reviewed the written procedures and what the kit must contain with PIC during inspection
590.002/2-501.11-PF
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: In use food containers not labeled - Food prep area
590.003/3-302.12-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Rust on ceiling fixtures vents tiles etc. in ware washing/rear prep Chipped paint on grease trap Missing ceiling tiles throughout customer area/refrigeration units/baked goods and coffee area
590.006/6-501.11-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: No signage posted at hand sinks reminding employees to wash hands at both hand sinks (I provided signage via email during inspection)
590.006/6-301.14-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Lights and ceililng fixtures dusty - Customer refrigeration units coffee and baked goods areas Ceiling tiles and fixtures soiled in prep/ware washing areas
590.006/6-201.11-C
Equipment and utensils air-drying required (c)
Inspector notes: Wet nesting food contacts on shelving - Properly air dry on proper drain board
590.004/4-901.11-C
Cooking and baking equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Built up soils and food particles on Panni Press
590.004/4-602.12-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: No food prep sink Per PIC the lettuce is washed in the 3 bay sink
590.003/3-307.11-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Food handlers not wearing hair restraints
590.002/2-402.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wiping cloths not stored in a sanitizing solution prep/ware washing
590.003/3-304.14-C
37
Dec 1, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floor behind the prep station to remove food debris & soils.
590.006/6-501.13-C
95
Jan 30, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Bread stuffing 76F Roasted veg 56F Sliced red onions 57F at the sandwich station for 60-70 min per PIC.Maintain cold holding 41F or below. PIC removing to cool/hold 41F or below. Discussed cooling & cold holding with the PIC
590.003/3-501.16-P
Food labels (pf)
Inspector notes: Packaged items in the retail refrigeration unit missing labels.Provide labels listing all ingredients
590.003/3-602.11-PF
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the wall behind the flat top grill to remove food soils.
590.006/6-501.12-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the interior open top cover to remove soils.
590.004/4-601.11-C
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Discovery Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Discovery Cafe on file is from Apr 1, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Discovery Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Discovery Cafe.
How does Discovery Cafe compare to other restaurants in Boston?
Discovery Cafe most recently scored 39 out of 100, which is lower than the Boston average of 86.
Has Discovery Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Discovery Cafe have averaged around eight violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Discovery 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 Discovery Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Discovery Cafe is inspected around three times per year on average.
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