El Dugout
Last inspected: Mar 16, 2026
86
Score
Across the available record, El Dugout has 15 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. On Mar 16, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around 12 violations per visit lately, up from roughly five violations before.
The pattern that stands out is “floors walls and ceilings-cleanability”, which has been cited nine times.
El Dugout's latest score is in line with the Dorchester average of 86. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
15
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 16, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Backflow prevention device when required (p)
Inspector notes: Prep sink was observed improperly plumbing using PVC piping. Provide air gap on prep sink accordance with local pumbing and health code 2.25.26 Licensed Plumber Tony De las Paz has provided a proposal to complete the work on the prep sink and will require approximately two weeks for completion. All Other violations were corrected
590.005/5-203.14-P
86
Feb 18, 2026
Routine
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Backflow prevention device when required (p)
Inspector notes: Prep sink was observed improperly plumbing using PVC piping. Provide air gap on prep sink accordance with local pumbing and health code
590.005/5-203.14-P
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Fried pork 102F Fried Fish 112F Plantain 102F stored in the display unit. PIC to train staff on monitoring temperature
590.003/3-501.16-P1
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Kitchen main handsink observed blocked by cooking pot . Discontinue and maintain accessible at all time to prevent contamination by hands. (corrected on site)
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC unable to provide accurate test strips to measure sanitizer concentration. Provide acurate test strips according to the sanitizer establlishment uses.Inspector test strip was used to measure sanitizer concentration.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Cleaning agents and sanitizers availability (pf)
Inspector notes: The three compartment sink and green bucket was not supplied with any approved sanitizer at the time of insepection. Provide Sanitizer to 3 bay sink and in the bucket at the cooking line
590.004/4-303.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC to provide active managerial control and train staff on violations noted on the inspection report.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Floor throughout the facility observed in need of cleaning from grease spills and loose debris . Clean to remove
590.006/6-201.11-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple utensils (under smoothie station) observed stored in stagnant water . Discontinue
590.003/3-304.12-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Multiples boxes with chicken observed stored on the floor in kitchen prep area in front of the prep sink. stored all food items 6 inch of the floor to prevent contamination
590.003/3-305.11-C
43
Jun 20, 2025
Routine
8 critical violations. 9 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 25 violations
Sanitizers criteria-chemicals (p)
Inspector notes: Sanitizer at the 3 bay sink / buckets observed reading over 500ppm quatz. Use according to law.
590.007/7-204.11-P
Restriction and storage-medicines (p)
Inspector notes: Employee medicine observed stored in the sandwich prep station. Discontinue (Corrected on site)
590.007/7-207.11-P
Cooling (p)
Inspector notes: Sliced tomato 47F stored in open chest unit. Per PIC tomato was sliced not too long ago. Sliced tomato was placed back in the walk in unit at 36F to cool down..
590.003/3-501.14-P
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Fried steak at 126F stored in the display unit. PIC to train staff on monitoring temperature.
590.003/3-501.16-P1
Backflow prevention (p)
Inspector notes: Prep sink to wash produce fruits and vegetabes observed without backflow preventer. Install
590.005/5-402.11-P
Ice used as exterior coolant prohibited as ingredient (p)
Inspector notes: Employee beverage observed stored inside ice dispensing machine. Same ice is used to make smoothie . Discontinue
590.003/3-303.11-P
Safe unadulterated and honestly presented (p)
Inspector notes: Oil in 2 fryolator observed heavily discolored. Change more often
590.003/3-101.11-P
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw shelled eggs observed stored above RTE food items. Discontinue and store separate.
590.003/3-302.11-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: 4 live cockroaches observed under the smooth shelvings inside 2 door cabinet located under hot holding display unit on the floor around the prepsink and prep table 2 live cockroaches and 3 live nymphs observed aorund and behind 3 bay sink backwash. Multiple flies observed under smoothie station table and shelvings. Provide detailed IPM report from a licensed exterminator report to : Inca.Prince@ Boston.Gov Mice droppings observed on the floor and shelvings in the sandwich prep area. Clean and sanitize to remove. *** Daily visit and report from licensed exterminator recommended until issue is resolved.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Numerous container and buckets of food observed stored in different cold holding unit observed without date marking. Provide made/discard date before storing. Per PIC products were made today 6.18.25 and some the night before 6.17.25.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Food labels (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple single containers of dessert stored in the coca cola refrigerator unit observed with lables. Provide lables / allergen info
590.003/3-602.11-PF
Warewashing equipment determining chemical sanitizer concentration (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC unable to provide accurate test strips to measure sanitizer concentration. Provide acurate test strips according to the sanitizer establlishment uses. Inspector test strip was used to measure sanitizer concentration.
590.004/4-501.116-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Kitchen main handsink observed blocked by dishes and food residue smoothie prep area handsink observed used as a dump sink. Discontinue and maintain accessible at all time to prevent contamination by hands. (corrected on site)
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a) ceasing operations and reporting (pf)
Inspector notes: Due to unsanitary conditions found at the time of inspection voluntary closure was issue until establisment is deemed safe to reopen.
590.008/8-404.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Establishment observed in need of deep cleaning multiple food contact surfaces observed heavily soiled by visible food spills and dry food encrusted (interior exterior refrigerator unit shelvings throughout the facility interior and exterior of prep sink hot holding display unit interior walking unit etc...)
590.004/4-601.11-PF
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: At the time of inspection the staff on site were unable to answer question pertaining to temperature control or any managerial controls. . CFPM to train staff on procedures.
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC to provide active managerial control and train staff on violations noted on the inspection report. After reviewing IPM reprort PIC not addressing IPM report deficiency . *****Establishment must designate a knowledgeable PIC and be present to oversee day to day operations to ensure the food establishment is operating in compliance with the food code at all hours of operation
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Bulk storage bins observed without lables . Provide labels when removed from original containers.
590.003/3-302.12-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple utensils (cookline/smoothie station) observed stored in stagnant water . Discontinue
590.003/3-304.12-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Box of food items observed stored on the floor in the kitchen area and inside walking freezer. Discontinue / elevate
590.003/3-305.11-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Refrigerator unit walkin unit and hot holding display unit observed without a conspiciuous thermometer. Provide thermometer to all cold and hot holding unit observed without a visible thermometer.
590.004/4-204.112-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Walking freezer observed leaking. Repair. Provide invoice
590.004/4-501.11-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Grease disposable container stored outside observed with lid open and dripping grease. Maintain closed. Clean to remove
590.005/5-501.15-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Floor throughout the facility observed in need of deep cleaning from grease build up grease spills and loose debris . Clean to remove
590.006/6-201.11-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Front door and backdoor observed in need of door sweep. Possible entryway for pests / rodents. Provide weather strip
590.006/6-202.15-C
8
Apr 2, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Surface characteristics-outdoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Hood and Ventilation tags with a past expiration date from Jan. 2025. Address and provide up to date tags for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-102.11-C
95
Mar 17, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Rodent bait stations (p)
Inspector notes: Open bags of poison observed in the back storage bin and main kitchen. Address and provide proper pest management.
590.007/7-206.12-P
Prohibitions (c)
Inspector notes: Single use to go containers observed being stored under drainage pipe of the hand sink in the front service area. Discontinue and store all to go containers in a clean and protected manner.
590.004/4-903.12-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths 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: Portion of wooden wall in the back storage room appears to have shifted and is not securely fastened. Address re-attach and make any necessary repairs.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Excess moisture observed dripping onto bottled beverages in the back storage room. Address and ensure all beverages are being stored in a clean and protected manner.
590.003/3-307.11-C
Surface characteristics-outdoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Hood and Ventilation tags with a past expiration date from Jan. 2025. Address and provide up to date tags for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-102.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Exterior of the bulk food bins located in the walk-in cooler visibly soiled and with food debris. Clean to remove. Walls of the walk-in cooler visibly soiled and with food spills. Clean to remove. Floor of the outside storage bin with food spills. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
64
Nov 18, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Rodent bait stations (p)
Inspector notes: Bags of poison observed under storage shelves inside of the establishment as well as inside of the outside storage container. Discontinue use of poison inside of the establishment and provide proper rodent control techniques and bait.
590.007/7-206.12-P
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Cooked meat Pastelitos in the front service hot holding unit at 111F. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at 135F and above. Pastelitos to be reheated to 165F to ensure no bacterial growth.
590.003/3-501.16-P1
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Knives near the preparation sink being stuck in the wooden sill. Discontinue and store all knives in a clean and protected manner.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Containers of cooked foods inside or the walk-in cooler mislabeled adn with incorrect dates. Address and ensure staff are providing proper date marking on all containers of food.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Storage shelves above safe in the back preparation room visibly soiled. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Compressor to the walk-in cooler does not appear to be operating properly. Address and make any necessary repairs. Discontinue use unless the walk-in cooler is able to maintain a temperature below 41F.
590.004/4-202.16-C
61
Jun 4, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw pork on meat slicer being prepared on same table as raw chicken. Address and ensure all surfaces have been properly cleaned and sanitized prior to preparing different types of meats.
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a )cooling methods (pf)
Inspector notes: Cooked ham inside of the front flip top deli cooler at 100F. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being properly cooler prior to being placed out for service. All other foods inside of the flip top cooler were at below 41F.
590.003/3-501.15-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Storage shelves located inside of the small walk-in cooler visibly soiled and with food spills. Bulk food bins inside of the small walk-in cooler visibly soiled. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Knife being used to cut up chicken with the handle taped. Replace.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Food storage prohibited areas (c)
Inspector notes: Hotel pans filled with meat observed being stored on the ground of the walk-in cooler. Discontinue and store all foods elevated a minimum of 6 inches off the ground.
590.003/3-305.12-C
67
Jan 10, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Chicken on the lower shelf of the frint service hot holding unit at 115F. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are maintained at 135F and above. All other foods inside of the unit were at above 135F. Cooked quail inside of the single door upright hot holding unit at 119F. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are at 135F and above. All foods out of temperature to be reheated to 165F to ensure no bacterial growth.
590.003/3-501.16-P1
Manual warewashing sink compartment requirements (pf)
Inspector notes: Drain plug wrapped in paper towel being used inside of the 3 compartment sink. Disocontinue and provide 3 drain plugs that are fully functional.
590.004/4-301.12-PF
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Outside dumpster with with excess debris and old equipment. Remove.
590.006/6-501.114-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Severl squeeze bottles filled with dressings and sauces have no labels. Provide.
590.003/3-302.12-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Knife observed being stored in between wall and magnetic knife holder. Discontinue and store all knives in a clean and protected manner.
590.003/3-304.12-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
Food storage prohibited areas (c)
Inspector notes: Outside storage container used for dry goods with bags of beans observed on the ground. Discontinue and store all foods in a clean and protected manner and elevated a minimum of 6 inches off the ground.
590.003/3-305.12-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Hand sink in the rear preparation are not functioning properly. Address and make any necessary repairs. Additional hand sink to be used until repairs have been made.
590.005/5-205.15-C
58
Aug 28, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Characteristics-materials for construction and repair (c)
Inspector notes: Repair condensation unit leaking.
590.004/4-101.11-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Clean floor inside dry storage container to remove spills. Clean floor inside freezer to remove over icing.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Clean exterior of grease collector and surround grounds to remove grease soil.
590.005/5-501.13-C
86
May 2, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Replace cracked floor tiles through out.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: observed opening below side exit door.
590.006/6-202.15-C
90
Apr 12, 2023
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Pipe leaking below hand wash sink repair.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Grease collecter soil with grease clean.
590.005/5-501.13-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Replace cracked floor tiles through out.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Clean and sanitize floor below cooking equipment prep area to remove visible soil.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: observed opening below side exit door repair. Repair ground openings dry storage outdoor container.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Exhausthood sticker expired service by exhausthood cleaner and provide current sticker.
590.006/6-501.14-C
74
Jan 11, 2023
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed a dead roach on floor near ware washing sink provide current pest control report.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
90
Dec 29, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed a dead roach on floor near ware washing sink provide current pest control report.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Ice unit condensation tube leaking water repair.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Some floor tiles damaged near entrance to prep area repair.
590.006/6-201.11-C
82
Nov 21, 2022
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Water at hand wash does not shut off continues to drip repair.
590.005/5-205.15-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Sides backsplash and inbetween equipment soiled.
590.004/4-601.11-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: No thermometer inside salad unit provide.
590.004/4-204.112-C
Characteristics-materials for construction and repair (c)
Inspector notes: No dividers between each hot held items provide.
590.004/4-101.11-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Clean floor below cooking equipment cooking and prep areas to remove visible soil.
590.006/6-201.11-C
78
Aug 19, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
(b) good repair and calibration (pf)
Inspector notes: Food monitoring thermometer not operating calibrate or replace.
590.004/4-502.11-PF
Characteristics-materials for construction and repair (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue the use of milk crates for storage of food provide commercial food grade containers.
590.004/4-101.11-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Rice bulk container has no label provide with ingredient name.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Exhausthood sticker expired service and provide current sticker.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Clean floor below cooking equipment to remove visible soil.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Clean exterior grounds remove non-inuse equipmentloose trash and repair equipment. clean grease containers. no trash recepticle for hand sink behind service counter.
590.005/5-501.15-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Clean inbetween cooking equipment side and back splash to remove visible soil.
590.004/4-601.11-C
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Dugout last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Dugout on file is from Mar 16, 2026. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Dugout?
Across the inspection record, “floors walls and ceilings-cleanability” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at El Dugout.
How does El Dugout compare to other restaurants in Dorchester?
El Dugout most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is about the same as the Dorchester average of 86.
Has El Dugout's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at El Dugout have averaged around 12 violations per visit, up from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at El Dugout 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 Dugout inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Dugout is inspected around four times per year on average.
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