El Barrio Mexican Grill
Last inspected: Feb 25, 2026
82
Score
El Barrio Mexican Grill appears in inspection records 14 times, starting in 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Feb 25, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near four violations each time.
Across the inspection history, “system maintained in good repair” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded four times.
El Barrio Mexican Grill's latest score is in line with the Roxbury average of 83. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 25, 2026
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Standards of identity (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure all foods available for retail sale have a proper label with the list of ingredients - flann cakes mising labels
590.003/3-601.11-C
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove all loosedebris / shopping cart behind the restaurant
590.005/5-501.115-C
Storage refuse recyclables and returnable (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the grease container stored in the alleyway behind the restaurant from grease spills and visible soils
590.005/5-501.110-C
Outside storage prohibitions (c)
Inspector notes: There is an empty shopping cart filled with cradboard and loose debris in the alleyway directly against the restaurant [ needs to be remove to reduce potential rodent activity ]
590.005/5-501.112-C
82
Feb 18, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Several menu items aremissing the proper disclosure / reminder - ensure all foods offered under cooked on the menu have an astrik [*] noting that this particular item can be cooked to the customers choice - an astrik [*] shall also be noted by the word * consuming....... as we discussed during inspection
590.003/3-603.11-PF
Outside storage prohibitions (c)
Inspector notes: There is an empty shopping cart filled with cradboard and loose debris in the alleyway directly against the restaurant [ needs to be remove to reduce potential rodent activity ]
590.005/5-501.112-C
Storage refuse recyclables and returnable (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the grease container stored in the alleyway behind the restaurant from grease spills and visible soils
590.005/5-501.110-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the vents in the hood where needed from all visible soils
590.004/4-202.18-C
Standards of identity (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure all foods available for retail sale have a proper label with the list of ingredients - flann cakes mising labels
590.003/3-601.11-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: PIC on site without a current food safety certificate / Address and post on site as discussed
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
70
Feb 11, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Several menu items aremissing the proper disclosure / reminder - ensure all foods offered under cooked on the menu have an astrik [*] noting that this particular item can be cooked to the customers choice - an astrik [*] shall also be noted by the word * consuming....... as we discussed during inspection
590.003/3-603.11-PF
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the vents in the hood where needed from all visible soils
590.004/4-202.18-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: PIC on site without a current food safety certificate / Address and post on site as discussed
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
82
Jun 17, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Observed hood sticker expired May 2025; PIC left message for hood company while on site; instructed PIC to submit confirmation to the Health Division
590.006/6-501.14-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Observed damaged door sweep on rear door. Provide to prevent pest entry
590.006/6-202.15-C
90
Mar 10, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Observed pan of rice stored on rolling cart @ 119F. Discussed with PIC to maintain hot holding @ 135F and above. COS
590.003/3-501.16-P1
Cleaning agents and sanitizers availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed no sanitizing solution setup at this time for properly wipe down of cutting boards and utensils. Discussed with PIC to ensure sanitizer is setup prior to opening
590.004/4-303.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed hand sink blocked with shopping bag and box. Discussed with PIC to ensure all hand sinks are clear and accessible for handwashing only. COS
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy food spills / splatter along grill and on steam tables. Clean with frequency to prevent spillage
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple food boxes previously delivered and stored on floor in kitchen. Discussed with PIC to remove and ensure all food boxes are stored elevated off the floor.
590.003/3-305.11-C
61
Aug 5, 2024
Routine
4 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed immature flies in basement area. Provide must current pest report
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed no paper towels at hand sink. Discussed with PIC to maintain paper towels at hand sinks at all times. PIC corrected on site
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed no sanitizing test strips on site. Provide. Quats @ 200ppm / chlorine 100ppm. Tested with inspector kit
590.004/4-302.14-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy ice build up in deep freezer. Clean to remove ice build up
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Intensity-lighting (c)
Inspector notes: Observed no lighting inside walk in cooler. Provide
590.006/6-303.11-C
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Observed sponges used for warewashing. Discontinue the use of sponges
590.004/4-101.16-C
61
Apr 11, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Observed leak underneath rinse bay @ warewashing sink. Discussed with PIC to contact licensed plumber for repairs and provide a report upon completion
590.005/5-205.15-C
95
Mar 18, 2024
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Observed sponge being used to clean contact surfaces and warewashing. Discussd with PIC to discontinue the usage of sponges
590.004/4-101.16-C
Drying mops (c)
Inspector notes: Observed soiled mops stored in kitchen prep. Remove and store off floor or in closet.
590.006/6-501.16-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Observed employees working with open food and without hair protection. Discussed with PIC to ensure all employees are wearing hair protection while working with open food in kitchen
590.002/2-402.11-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Observed food debris / spills on floors in kitchen and basement. Clean with frequency to minimize harborage
590.006/6-501.12-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Observed leak underneath rinse bay @ warewashing sink. Discussed with PIC to contact licensed plumber for repairs and provide a report upon completion
590.005/5-205.15-C
Rinsing procedures (c)
Inspector notes: Observed food equipment in being washed / rinsed and stored with sanitizing. Discussed with employee and PIC to ensure proper warewash procedures are being enforced.
590.004/4-603.16-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple squeeze bottles stored and unidentified. Provide a label identifying common name of food item stored inside
590.003/3-302.12-C
70
Sep 13, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Observed yellow rice and refried beans stored on steam table between 112F - 118F. Discussed with PIC to maintain hot holding at 135F and above. PIC added water to steam table and ensured water at the surface of pan. Corrected on site
590.003/3-501.16-P1
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Observed shredded beef and black beans stored in walk in between 46F - 48F and Guacamole stored on service line @ 47F. Discussed with PIC to maintain cold holding of food products @ 41F or below. PIC replaced item on service line and vented other pans while in walk in. Corrected on site
590.003/3-501.16-P
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed no paper towels at hand sink in kitchen. Provide and maintain hand drying towels at handsink at all times. PIC corrected on site
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple ants near handsink / prep sink. Provide must recent pest report
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple squeeze bottles stored without labels. Provide a label with the common food name of item stored inside
590.003/3-302.12-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple wiping cloths stored on tables throughout the establishment. Maintain all wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution after each use
590.003/3-305.11-C
55
Apr 12, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Observed no barrier on hand sink stored between prep table and prep sink to prevent contamination. Provide sink barrier on both sides to prevent contamination
590.003/3-307.11-C
95
Dec 28, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Observed raw shell eggs stored above ready to eat foods in walk in unit. Discussed with PIC to store raw and ready to eat food seperately in refrigerated units.
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Observed pico de gallo and guacamole stored @ 50-55F in cold holding unit. Discussed with PIC to maintain cold holding @ 41F or below. PIC replaced. Corrected on site
590.003/3-501.16-P
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC not monitoring the proper storage of raw / ready to eat foods in walk in unit; cold holding of food items and the proper procedures for warewashing equipment / utensils. Discussed all procedures with PIC and instructed to review food safety regulations with employees. Documents provided via email
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Observed sauces stored next to handsink without protection. Provide additonal barrier at handsink to prevent contamination to food.
590.003/3-307.11-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Provide drain plugs for 3 bay compartment sink
590.004/4-501.11-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Observed bulk containers without labels. Provide a label with the common name of food on bulk containers
590.003/3-302.12-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple wiping cloths on tables. Remove and maintain all wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution after each use
590.003/3-304.14-C
55
Sep 9, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Warewashing sinks and drain boards self-draining (c)
Inspector notes: Provide drain plugs for all 3 compartments of warewashing sink
590.004/4-204.119-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Observed leak underneath 3 Bay sink. Contact a licensed plumber for repairs
590.005/5-205.15-C
90
Aug 25, 2022
Routine
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC not monitoring the proper usage and accessibility of hand sinks testing of sanitizers and leaking equipment. Discussed with PIC to review and retrain employees on such required regulations of food safety.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide test kit for Quats sanitizer and maintain on site.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed fruit and wiping cloths stored in hand sink. Discussed with PIC to maintain hand sinks clear and accessible for hand washing only. Corrected on site
590.005/5-205.11-PF
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Observed leak underneath 3 Bay sink. Contact a licensed plumber for repairs
590.005/5-205.15-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Observed soiled wiping cloths stored on tables. Remove and maintain wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution after each use
590.003/3-304.14-C
Warewashing sinks and drain boards self-draining (c)
Inspector notes: Provide drain plugs for all 3 compartments of warewashing sink
590.004/4-204.119-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Observed hood sticker expired July 2022. PIC stated hood cleaning schedule for next Thursday.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Observed trash and debris on basement floors. Clean to remove
590.006/6-201.11-C
58
May 23, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Observed carnitas @ 120F stored in steam table. Discussed with PIC to monitor and maintain hot holding @ 135F or above. PIC added additional water to touch bottom of pans. Corrected on site
590.003/3-501.16-P1
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Observed individual guacamole @ 45F. Discussed process with PIC and instructed to maintain cold holding @ 41F or below. PIC stored in walk in unit @ 40F. Corrected on site
590.003/3-501.16-P
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC on site not monitoring the proper temperature requirements for cold / hot holding. Discussed with PIC to review food safety guidelines with employees.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple bulk containers without labeling. Provide labels of the common name of food products stored in bulk containers
590.003/3-302.12-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 Feb 25, 2026. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Barrio Mexican Grill?
Across the inspection record, “system maintained in good repair” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at El Barrio Mexican Grill.
How does El Barrio Mexican Grill compare to other restaurants in Roxbury?
El Barrio Mexican Grill most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is about the same as the Roxbury average of 83.
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 four 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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