Dolphin Bay

72 Brighton Av, Allston, MA 02134
Seafood
Last inspected: Apr 27, 2026
58
Score
Medium Risk

Across the available record, Dolphin Bay has seven inspections on file, the first dated 2023. The newest entry in the record is dated Apr 27, 2026. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.

Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around four violations across recent inspections versus roughly six violations before.

Looking across the full record, “wiping cloths use limitation” is the recurring theme, flagged three times.

Compared to other Allston restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.

7
Inspections
1
Critical latest
3
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 27, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Observed case of eggs in ambient temperature (55F). PIC stated they had been delivered 1 hour ago. and placed them in refrigerating unit. Mantain at 41F or below.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Handsink near cooking line used to store soiled utensils. Discontinue use for handwashing only.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Handsink at prep area without soap. Handsink at serving line without signage and paper towels. Provide all handsinks with soap paper towels and proper signage.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Several prepared food products without date marking inside the reach-in refrigerator. Provide date-marking.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wiping cloths stored soiled on counters. Store properly in sanitizer solution.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Several bulk food containers at lower level without labeling. Provide.
590.003/3-302.12-C
58
Sep 23, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker expired. Provide cleaning date.
590.006/6-501.14-C
95
Mar 21, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
(a )cooling methods (pf)
Inspector notes: Cooked pork in deep pan at 80F with cover in refrigerator. Cooked in past hour per food handler. Spread out into shallower pans and returned to refrigerator uncovered.
590.003/3-501.15-PF
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker has no expiration or date of service stamped. Update hood sticker.
590.006/6-501.14-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Bar shaker lid used to scoop ice. Provide scoop with handle to prevent contamination of beverage ice.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Storage-other personal care items (c)
Inspector notes: Tooth brush and tooth paste observed at service line hand sink. Remove personal care items from hand sink. Hand sinks are for hand washing only.
590.007/7-209.11-C
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Sponges observed at warewashing. Discard sponges and discontinue using to wash food contact surfaces.
590.004/4-101.16-C
74
Aug 5, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
(a) and (c) good repair and calibration-utensils and temperature and pressure measuring devices (c)
Inspector notes: Repair scheduled for low temperature dish machine Establishment is properly sanitizing equipment in the 3 bay sink and using disposible tableware until repiar is made Ecolab contacted during inspection
590.004/4-502.11-C
95
Jul 31, 2024
Routine
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Containers of raw chicken and beef stored above produce. Store raw meat below produce to prevent contamination. Corrected on site
590.003/3-302.11-P
Manual and mechanical warewashing equipment chemical sanitization-temperature ph concentration and hardness (p)
Inspector notes: Dish machine not registering sanitizer. Service machine as needed to ensure 50ppm chlorine for rinse. Sanitize all dishware at 3 compartment sink.
590.004/4-501.114-P
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Cooked potatoes hot holding at 90F. Discarded by staff. Ensure hot holding temperatures are 135F and above. Place hot food directly into hot holding after cooking/reheating.
590.003/3-501.16-P1
(a )cooling methods (pf)
Inspector notes: Cooked beef in deep pan with cover at 180F. Spread out cooked foods to maximize surface temperature and leave uncovered to allow for rapid cooling.
590.003/3-501.15-PF
Where to wash (pf)
Inspector notes: Staff observed rinsing hands at 3 compartment sink. Directed staff to hand sink. Review hand washing procedures with staff.
590.002/2-301.15-PF
(a) and (c) good repair and calibration-utensils and temperature and pressure measuring devices (c)
Inspector notes: Repair scheduled for low temperature dish machine Establishment is properly sanitizing equipment in the 3 bay sink and using disposible tableware until repiar is made Ecolab contacted during inspection
590.004/4-502.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths stored on counter. Provide sanitizing solution to store towels beteween uses and prevent contamination.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Sponges observed at warewashing sink. Discard sponges and discontinue using to wash food contact surfaces.
590.004/4-101.16-C
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Mutiple glue traps with dead roaches in kitchen bhind refrigerator and under service line. Discard dead pests. Provide current pest reports
590.006/6-501.112-C
43
Jul 26, 2024
Routine
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Cooked potatoes hot holding at 90F. Discarded by staff. Ensure hot holding temperatures are 135F and above. Place hot food directly into hot holding after cooking/reheating.
590.003/3-501.16-P1
Manual and mechanical warewashing equipment chemical sanitization-temperature ph concentration and hardness (p)
Inspector notes: Dish machine not registering sanitizer. Service machine as needed to ensure 50ppm chlorine for rinse. Sanitize all dishware at 3 compartment sink.
590.004/4-501.114-P
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Containers of raw chicken and beef stored above produce. Store raw meat below produce to prevent contamination. Corrected on site
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a )cooling methods (pf)
Inspector notes: Cooked beef in deep pan with cover at 180F. Spread out cooked foods to maximize surface temperature and leave uncovered to allow for rapid cooling.
590.003/3-501.15-PF
Where to wash (pf)
Inspector notes: Staff observed rinsing hands at 3 compartment sink. Directed staff to hand sink. Review hand washing procedures with staff.
590.002/2-301.15-PF
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Sponges observed at warewashing sink. Discard sponges and discontinue using to wash food contact surfaces.
590.004/4-101.16-C
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Mutiple glue traps with dead roaches in kitchen bhind refrigerator and under service line. Discard dead pests. Provide current pest reports
590.006/6-501.112-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths stored on counter. Provide sanitizing solution to store towels beteween uses and prevent contamination.
590.003/3-304.14-C
45
Feb 27, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Covering receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Dumpster at the rear overfilled with trash. PIC states inclement weather has caused missed pick up. Unsure that trash is picked up frequently and that dumster is properly covered with lid.
590.005/5-501.113-C
95

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Dolphin Bay last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Dolphin Bay on file is from Apr 27, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Dolphin Bay?

Across the inspection record, “wiping cloths use limitation” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Dolphin Bay.

How does Dolphin Bay compare to other restaurants in Allston?

Dolphin Bay most recently scored 58 out of 100, which is lower than the Allston average of 81.

Has Dolphin Bay's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Dolphin Bay have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Dolphin Bay 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 Dolphin Bay inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Dolphin Bay is inspected around two times per year on average.