El Barrio Mexican Grill
Last inspected: Jan 27, 2026
86
Score
The health department has logged 13 inspections at El Barrio Mexican Grill, the earliest from 2022. The most recent report on file is from Jan 27, 2026. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around two violations each.
Across the inspection history, “handwashing signage” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded three times.
El Barrio Mexican Grill scores about where you'd expect for a Dorchester restaurant. The record reflects steady performance over time.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 27, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Cleaning agents and sanitizers availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Missing testing device for 3 compartment sink. Provide proof of purchase
590.004/4-303.11-PF
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Missing restroom signage for employee handwashing. Provide proof of signage posted
590.006/6-301.14-C
86
Jan 12, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Cleaning agents and sanitizers availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Missing testing device for 3 compartment sink. Provide
590.004/4-303.11-PF
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Missing restroom signage for employee handwashing. Provide
590.006/6-301.14-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy food soils inside the non operating dishmachine utilized for storage. Clean to remove PIC stated the equipment is going to be removed.
590.004/4-602.13-C
82
Jan 2, 2026
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Handwashing sinks-numbers and capacities (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink next to the cookline has been removed in order to rearrange equipment / Hand sinks must remain in place re-install hand sink in original place
590.005/5-203.11-PF
90
Dec 16, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Handwashing sinks-numbers and capacities (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink next to the cookline has been removed in order to rearrange equipment / Hand sinks must remain in place re-install hand sink in original place
590.005/5-203.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink near 3 bay sink with item in basin / Remove and ensure hand sinks remain free and clear at all times
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: Hood tag expired in September 2025 / Contact hood cleaning company
590.006/6-201.17-C
78
Apr 11, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jan 23, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Certain areas of the basement are cluttered / Clean and organize
590.006/6-501.114-C
95
Jun 20, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Spatulas stored in stagnant water / Discontinue and store clean and dry or canister can be left on the stove top to maintain 135F or greater
590.003/3-304.12-C
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: Hood vent covers with visible grease build up / clean to remove. Tag is current through June 2024.
590.006/6-201.17-C
90
Feb 26, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jan 10, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jun 21, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: No soap available at hand sink located next to the 2 bay sink. Provide.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: No signage at hand sink next to the Smoothie machine. Provide.
590.006/6-301.14-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Several squeeze bottles filled with sauces and dressings with no labels. Provide.
590.003/3-302.12-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
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Single door (Frigidaire freezer) located in the basement appears to be leaking from the base. Address and clean to remove.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: No equipment thermometer observed inside of the basement walk-in cooler. Provide.
590.004/4-204.112-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Ice/frost build-up observed on the inside of the beverage cooler. Defrost and clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
67
Feb 2, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: 2 Bay sink not draining properly and observed backing up. Address and make any necessary repairs. Repairs to the current plumbing issue have been scheduled to be completed the week of 1/30/2023.
590.005/5-205.15-C
95
Jan 17, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Pallet located next to the basement ice machice visibly soiled and with food spills. Clean to remove. Fan cover to the compressor of the walk-in cooler visibly soiled. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-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
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: 2 Bay sink not draining properly and observed backing up. Address and make any necessary repairs.
590.005/5-205.15-C
86
Jul 19, 2022
Routine
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of fruit fly activity observed in the basement storage area in the laundry basket. Address and provide an up to date pest control report for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: First hand sink near the stove top observed being obstructed by a roll cart storing bags of chips. Discontinue and ensure all hand sinks remain accessible during all operational hours.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Sanitizer in the 3 bay sik not registering at either test strip (chlorine/Quatinary ammonium). Address and ensure automatic dispensor is operating properly and staff have been trained on how to set up and test.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: 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 June of 2022. Address and provide up to date tags for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Food storage prohibited areas (c)
Inspector notes: boxes of avacods observed being stored on the ground in the main kitchen area. Discontinue and ensure all foods are being stored elevated a minimum of 6 inches off the ground.
590.003/3-305.12-C
64
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Barrio Mexican Grill last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Barrio Mexican Grill on file is from Jan 27, 2026. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Barrio Mexican Grill?
Across the inspection record, “handwashing signage” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at El Barrio Mexican Grill.
How does El Barrio Mexican Grill compare to other restaurants in Dorchester?
El Barrio Mexican Grill most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is about the same as the Dorchester average of 86.
Has El Barrio Mexican Grill's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Barrio Mexican Grill have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at El Barrio Mexican Grill 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 El Barrio Mexican Grill inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Barrio Mexican Grill is inspected around four times per year on average.
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