El Centro
Last inspected: Apr 23, 2026
74
Score
El Centro appears in inspection records 10 times, starting in 2022. The most recent visit was on Apr 23, 2026. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.
The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around two violations to closer to four violations.
When inspectors have written things up, “equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.
The city-wide average sits at 86, which El Centro's 74 doesn't quite reach. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 23, 2026
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Assignment (pf)
Inspector notes: Ensure there is a designated PIC / Manager in place during all hours of business to address food safety and to oversee the day to day operations
590.002(A)/2-101.11-PF
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Several items on the menu that are offered under cooked do not have the proper disclosure / reminder - identify as we discussed with aan astrik [*] and then the astik by the verbiage [*] consumption of raw or under cooked .... to coincide with that particular item
590.003/3-603.11-PF
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Post copies of both the current food safety and allergen awareness certificates of the on site manager in a conspicuous location of the restaurant as discussed
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: All food handlers need proper hair restraints when working with exposed foods and preperation address where needed
590.002/2-402.11-C
74
Mar 3, 2026
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Assignment (pf)
Inspector notes: Ensure there is a designated PIC / Manager in place during all hours of business to address food safety and to oversee the day to day operations
590.002(A)/2-101.11-PF
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Several items on the menu that are offered under cooked do not have the proper disclosure / reminder - identify as we discussed with aan astrik [*] and then the astik by the verbiage [*] consumption of raw or under cooked .... to coincide with that particular item
590.003/3-603.11-PF
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Post copies of both the current food safety and allergen awareness certificates of the on site manager in a conspicuous location of the restaurant as discussed
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: All food handlers need proper hair restraints when working with exposed foods and preperation address where needed
590.002/2-402.11-C
74
Jul 18, 2025
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: Observed raw beef stored inside refrigerated drawers between 45F-48F. Discussed with PIC to maintain cold holding @ 41F or below. COS
590.003/3-501.16-P
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed no paper towels at handsink inside main kitchen. Discussed with PIC to monitor and ensure all handsinks are fully stocked with paper towels. COS
590.006/6-301.12-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed meat pans soiled with blood spills inside refrigerated drawers in main kitchen. Clean to remove all spills
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Drying mops (c)
Inspector notes: Observed wet mops stored on floor in basement prep area. Remove and ensure mops are properly stored upright for air drying
590.006/6-501.16-C
67
Jan 29, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Warewashing machines automatic dispensing of detergents and sanitizers (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed low temp dish machine in prep kitchen testing @ 0ppm. Discussed with PIC to contact company for services and use 3 bay compartment sink at this time - Quats 300ppm
590.004/4-204.117-PF
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Observed no thermometer inside reach in unit adjacent fron hand sink. Provide
590.004/4-204.112-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Observed leak underneath rinse bay @ 3 compartment sink. Contact licensed plumber for repairs and provide a plumbers report
590.005/5-205.15-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple squeeze bottles stored in kitchen and walk in cooler unidentified. Provide a label with the common name of food item stored inside
590.003/3-302.12-C
78
Nov 12, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed ice machine filter with heavy dust and soiled rice bulk container. Clean to remove all soils / dust
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Observed no thermometer inside reach in unit near prep table in kitchen. Provide and ensure thermometers are in all refrigerated units.
590.004/4-204.112-C
86
Aug 20, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jan 10, 2024
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
(a) ceasing operations and reporting (pf)
Inspector notes: Water flood in establishment from leaking roof; BFD shut power off due to this hazard; PIC voluntarily closed
590.008/8-404.11-PF
90
Sep 14, 2023
Routine
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple immature flies thoughout establishment. Provide current pest report
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Warewashing machines automatic dispensing of detergents and sanitizers (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed both low temp machine not properly dispensing sanitizer. Presently reading 0ppm. Discussed with PIC to contact company and discontinue until repaired. Utilize 3 Bay compartment sink at this time.
590.004/4-204.117-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy food spills / debris on and around steam tables grills top reach in with condiments stored and lids in under grill drawers. Thoroughly clean all stated equipment to remove soils / debris
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Observed soiled wiping cloths stored on table. Maintain wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution after each use
590.003/3-304.14-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Thoroughly clean to remove excessive grease on wall in kitchen near handsink; Remove shelving in walk-in to clean floors; clean upright freezer.
590.006/6-201.11-C
67
Apr 27, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Manual and mechanical warewashing equipment chemical sanitization-temperature ph concentration and hardness (p)
Inspector notes: Low temp machine testing @ 0ppm for sanitizer. Contact dish machine company for immediate repairs. Use 3 Bay with Quats @ 200ppm at this time
590.004/4-501.114-P
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed dust along lid inside ice machine; heavy food spills on meat containers stored in under cabinet drawers at cooking grill. Clean all to remove soils / spills / dust from stated equipment
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed immature flies within basement prep area. Provide current pest control report
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Food labels (pf)
Inspector notes: Label all squeeze bottles with the common name of the food products.
590.003/3-602.11-PF
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Observed crack at drainboard of 3 Bay sink causing a leak. Replace or repair
590.004/4-501.11-C
Thawing (c)
Inspector notes: Observed shrimp thawing in stagnant water. Discontinue and follow proper procedures for thawing either under running cool water or under refrigeration
590.003/3-501.13-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Observed leak underneath sanitizer bay @ 3 Bay sink . Contact a licensed plumber for repairs and provide reports
590.005/5-205.15-C
55
Jun 29, 2022
Routine
6 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 9 violations
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC not monitoring the accessibity of the hand sink and paper towels needed for sink in kitchen. Discussed with PIC to monitor the cleanliness of the establishment by cleaning with frequency.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Warewashing machines automatic dispensing of detergents and sanitizers (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed chemical dish machine @ 0ppm. Discussed with PIC to make repairs and utilize 3 bay compartment - Chlorine @ 100ppm.
590.004/4-204.117-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed rodent droppings and multiple fruit flies in basement prep area. Provide a detailed pest report for rodent activity
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed no paper towels at handsink. Discussed with PIC to provide and maintain handsinks fully supplied.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed plastic bowl in hand sink. Discussed with PIC to remove and maintain handsinks clear and accessible for handwashing only. Corrected on site
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed food spills / soils on in upright refrigerated unit and reach in units around the door gaskets. Clean to remove all soils Observed heavy food spills around cooking grill and hot holding steam table. Monitor and clean all spills
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Observed trash on floors in basement prep area. Clean with frequency all floors in basement prep area
590.006/6-501.12-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Observed food boxes stored on floor in the basement. Remove and store food elevated 6" off the floor
590.003/3-305.11-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Observed hood sticker expired in May 2022. Discussed with PIC to contact hood cleaning company for immediate appoinment. PIC schedule - 7/5/2022
590.006/6-501.14-C
47
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Centro last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Centro on file is from Apr 23, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Centro?
Across the inspection record, “equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at El Centro.
How does El Centro compare to other restaurants in Boston?
El Centro most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is lower than the Boston average of 86.
Has El Centro's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at El Centro have averaged around four violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at El Centro 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 El Centro inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Centro is inspected around three times per year on average.
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