Empire Garden
Last inspected: Apr 7, 2026
90
Score
Empire Garden has been inspected 13 times since 2022. The most recent report on file is from Apr 7, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around seven violations lately and about 11 violations before that.
Looking across the full record, “nonfood contact surfaces” is the recurring theme, flagged nine times.
Among Boston restaurants, the typical score is 86; Empire Garden is comfortably above that bar. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 7, 2026
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
(a) ceasing operations and reporting (pf)
Inspector notes: Water main break no hot/cold running water Establishment issued a voluntary closure Contact ISDHealth@Boston.gov when repairs are complete For approval to re-open 617-635-5326(business hours) 311 or 617-635-4500(after hours)
590.008/8-404.11-PF
90
Feb 20, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Rodent dropping were observed next to the mop sink & near the water heater in the upper storage.Provide a full pest report upon re-inspection. Upon re-inspection no evidence of activity observed(droppings) Discussed with the PIC to provide an additional pest report for review
590.006/6-501.111-C
95
Feb 13, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 8 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 19 violations
Backflow prevention (p)
Inspector notes: Provide an air gap at the 2 bay prep sink.
590.005/5-402.11-P
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: The low temp dish machine is not reading chlorine machine is also missing detergent & sanitizer.Repair Maintain sanitizer 50PPM Machine placed out of service Kitchen machine to be used
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Handsink not accessible(blocked with equipment).Maintain the handsink available for handwashing. PIC correcting
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide hand soap at the handsink
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide a vomit /diarrhea cleanup kit on site (procedures to be emailed to the PIC)
590.002/2-501.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Manager must retrain & monitor staff regarding cleaning & sanitizing. Notify manager of necessary repairs
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Prepped items in the walkins are missing datemarkings.Provide datemarkings on all prepped items held 41F or below for over 24 hours.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide chlorine a test kit on site (test done using the inspectors test kit)
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Cleaning agents and sanitizers availability (pf)
Inspector notes: There was no sanitizer set up at the time of inspection.Provide proper sanitizer solution during operating hours PIC correcting
590.004/4-303.11-PF
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Provide labels on all the bulk storage bins.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: The hood sticker was observed expired on 12.3.25.Provide a proper hood cleaning from a licensed company.Post the new sticker.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floors under/around the cook line to remove soils/grease. Clean the floors near the mop sink & upper storage to remove evidence of rodent droppings
590.006/6-501.13-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: The handsink fixtures are not operating.Repair Alternate handsink to be used.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: The grease trap under the 3 bay sink is leaking.Repair
590.006/6-501.11-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Rodent dropping were observed next to the mop sink & near the water heater in the upper storage.Provide a full pest report upon re-inspection. Upon re-inspection no evidence of activity observed(droppings) Discussed with the PIC to provide an additional pest report for review
590.006/6-501.111-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the interiors of the fryer cabinets to remove grease buildup. Clean the interior shelving units of the walkins to remove soils & debris. Clean the cook line equipment to remove built up soils Clean the exteriors of the reach in units to remove soils.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Provide working internal thermometers in all refrigeration units as needed.
590.004/4-204.112-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: The hood filters were observed with soils & dripping grease.Clean to remove soils & dripping grease.
590.004/4-202.18-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Items stored on the floor items stored without covers/wraps. Elevate all items at least 6 inches off the floor during storage Provide covers/wraps during storage
590.003/3-305.11-C
23
Feb 4, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 9 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 19 violations
Backflow prevention (p)
Inspector notes: Provide an air gap at the 2 bay prep sink.
590.005/5-402.11-P
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide hand soap at the handsink
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Handsink not accessible(blocked with equipment).Maintain the handsink available for handwashing. PIC correcting
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Prepped items in the walkins are missing datemarkings.Provide datemarkings on all prepped items held 41F or below for over 24 hours.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Rodent dropping were observed next to the mop sink & near the water heater in the upper storage.Provide a full pest report upon re-inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide a vomit /diarrhea cleanup kit on site (procedures to be emailed to the PIC)
590.002/2-501.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: The low temp dish machine is not reading chlorine machine is also missing detergent & sanitizer.Repair Maintain sanitizer 50PPM Machine placed out of service Kitchen machine to be used
590.004/4-601.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Manager must retrain & monitor staff regarding cleaning & sanitizing. Notify manager of necessary repairs
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Cleaning agents and sanitizers availability (pf)
Inspector notes: There was no sanitizer set up at the time of inspection.Provide proper sanitizer solution during operating hours PIC correcting
590.004/4-303.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide chlorine a test kit on site (test done using the inspectors test kit)
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: The hood filters were observed with soils & dripping grease.Clean to remove soils & dripping grease.
590.004/4-202.18-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Provide labels on all the bulk storage bins.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the interiors of the fryer cabinets to remove grease buildup. Clean the interior shelving units of the walkins to remove soils & debris. Clean the cook line equipment to remove built up soils Clean the exteriors of the reach in units to remove soils.
590.004/4-602.13-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: The handsink fixtures are not operating.Repair Alternate handsink to be used.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Items stored on the floor items stored without covers/wraps. Elevate all items at least 6 inches off the floor during storage Provide covers/wraps during storage
590.003/3-305.11-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: The grease trap under the 3 bay sink is leaking.Repair
590.006/6-501.11-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Provide working internal thermometers in all refrigeration units as needed.
590.004/4-204.112-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: The hood sticker was observed expired on 12.3.25.Provide a proper hood cleaning from a licensed company.Post the new sticker.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floors under/around the cook line to remove soils/grease. Clean the floors near the mop sink & upper storage to remove evidence of rodent droppings
590.006/6-501.13-C
22
Jul 3, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Removal adjustment or retention of exclusions & restrictions (p)
Inspector notes: Employee working with symptoms and illness without notifying person in charge. Review illness policy with employees and ensure employees with symptoms are excluded.
590.002(F)/2-201.13-P
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Card board being used to line shelving in the main kitchen area. Discontinue and ensure all surfaces remain cleanable durable and smooth.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Floor under and around the Wok stations visibly soiled and with food debris. Clean to remove. Floor under the BBQ box with grease/food build-up. Clean to remove.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Evidence of roach activity noted in the the upstairs dry storage area's. Address. Provide and up to pest control report for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Door handles to the walk-in cooler with cacked on foods. Clean to remove. Roll away racks for equipment and foods with ccacked on foods. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
70
Jun 27, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Garlic and oil mixture being left out at room temperatrue. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41F.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Removal adjustment or retention of exclusions & restrictions (p)
Inspector notes: Employee working with symptoms and illness without notifying person in charge. Review illness policy with employees and ensure employees with symptoms are excluded.
590.002(F)/2-201.13-P
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Outside dumpster with excess trash bags around the dumpster. Address and keep dumpster area clear/clean.
590.006/6-501.114-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and store in a proper sanitizing solution.
590.003/3-304.14-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Knives observed being stored in between coolers. Discontinue and store all knives in a clean and protected manner.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Card board being used to line shelving in the main kitchen area. Discontinue and ensure all surfaces remain cleanable durable and smooth.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Door handles to the walk-in cooler with cacked on foods. Clean to remove. Roll away racks for equipment and foods with ccacked on foods. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Floor under and around the Wok stations visibly soiled and with food debris. Clean to remove. Floor under the BBQ box with grease/food build-up. Clean to remove.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Evidence of roach activity noted in the the upstairs dry storage area's. Address. Provide and up to pest control report for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-C
52
Jun 16, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Garlic and oil mixture being left out at room temperatrue. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41F.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Door handles to the walk-in cooler with cacked on foods. Clean to remove. Roll away racks for equipment and foods with ccacked on foods. 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 store in a proper sanitizing solution.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Outside dumpster with excess trash bags around the dumpster. Address and keep dumpster area clear/clean.
590.006/6-501.114-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Card board being used to line shelving in the main kitchen area. Discontinue and ensure all surfaces remain cleanable durable and smooth.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Floor under and around the Wok stations visibly soiled and with food debris. Clean to remove. Floor under the BBQ box with grease/food build-up. Clean to remove.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Evidence of roach activity noted in the the upstairs dry storage area's. Address. Provide and up to pest control report for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Knives observed being stored in between coolers. Discontinue and store all knives in a clean and protected manner.
590.003/3-304.12-C
61
Jun 12, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 13 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Cooked rice out in ambient air at 80F for unknown time. Person in charge discarded.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw beef stored above ready to eat product in refrigeration unit. Person in charge corrected.
590.003/3-302.11-P
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Paper towel dispenser observed empty in kitchen. Corrected on site.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Cleaning agents and sanitizers availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Bar dish machine observed with soap container empty. Person in charge corrected.
590.004/4-303.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Wire walk in shelfing observed with heavy food debris build up. Clean all shelfing in walk in cooler.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Common name-working containers (pf)
Inspector notes: Chemical spray bottles observed with no labels. Provide.
590.007/7-102.11-PF
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Employees working in prep area observed without hair restraints. Provide.
590.002/2-402.11-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Ice scoop stored on top of ice machine. Discontinue.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled cardboard on production line. Soiled cardboard on floor of walk in cooler. Remove.
590.004/4-101.19-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Grease build up on hood filters. Clean to remove soils.
590.004/4-202.18-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Under fryolaters are soiled with grease. Under refrigeration is soiled with food debris. Under cookline equiptment is heavily soiled. Grease build up under all production line equiptment. Under warewash area is soiled with food debris and grease. Clean to remove all soils.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: Plastic trash bags observed hanging from ceiling in warewash area. Remove.
590.006/6-201.17-C
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled glue trap at bar area. Remove.
590.006/6-501.112-C
35
Jun 20, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
(b) cooling methods (c)
Inspector notes: Cooked rice cooling covered with plastic film at 70F in cooler. PIC stated rice cooked within last hour. Cool foods uncovered for maximum heat transfer Plastic removed
590.003/3-501.15-C
95
Apr 3, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink in prep area blocked with towels. Corrected on site. Staff washing in main kitchen.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Glue traps in back office with dead roach and dead mouse. Discard to prevent contamination.
590.006/6-501.112-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Two door cooler in prep area dorrs soiled. Floor under cook line with soils and debris. Floor under rice cooker station with rice and debris. 2nd floor walk-in cooler floor soiled. Floor in 2nd floor laundry room with debris and old rat droppings. Clean all areas and maintain to avoid attracting pests.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Cleaning of plumbing fixtures (c)
Inspector notes: Employee toilet soiled. Clean to prevent contamination.
590.006/6-501.18-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths on kitchen counters. Provide sanitizing solution for storing wiping cloths bewtween uses to prevent cross contamination.
590.003/3-304.14-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Food Protection Manager certification is expired. Provide current certification enrollment.
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
70
Jan 3, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide hand soap for the hand sink in the dish room.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: hand sink in the prep kitchen near the dim sum prep area is blocked with equipment and utensils. Remove items blocking access to the hand sink.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Hood above the cooking line and wok staion has heavy grease buildup. Clean hood to remove grease buildup. Floor areas along the hot line have heavy buildup of grease and soils. Clean the floor areas. Focus on floor areas under and behind euipment and tables. Floor area under the dish machine has buildup of soils and debris. Clean the floor area
590.006/6-201.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Unused refrigertor on the hot line has visable food incrustments and soils buildup i the interior. Clean as needed. Cooking equipment on the hot line has visable food encrustments soils and grease buildup. Clean all equipment remove buildup. Top of the dish machine in the dishroom has debris and soils buildup. Clean to remove. Shelving inside the walk in cooler located in the prep kitchen has heavy buildup of soils and food encrustments. Clean to remove. Bulk food containers in the kitchen have visable soils and food debris located on the tops of the containers. Clean to remove buildup.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Thawing (c)
Inspector notes: On the ho line side frozen shrimp thawing in stagnant water.On the prep kitchen side chichen feet are thawing in stagnant water. Provide proper methods for defrosting frozen items.
590.003/3-501.13-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Pinapples stored in original # 10 can in refrigertor in main kichen. Use food grade containers for storage needs of all food products.
590.003/3-305.11-C
67
Nov 16, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Container of raw chicken stored above produce. Store raw animal products below produce and ready to eat foods. Corrected on site.
590.003/3-302.11-P
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink at prep area with soiled towels. Keep hand sinks clear at all times. Corrected on site.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Drain flies throughout kitchen- prep and warewashing areas. Provide plan from licensed pest control. Clean and dry kitchen floors. Clean soiled dishes at end of shift- do not leave dirty dishes at warewashing station over night.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No test strips for chlorine or quats sanitizers. Provide strips for prefered sanitizer.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Temperature measuring devices manual and mechanical warewashing (pf)
Inspector notes: No irreversible thermometer or thermal strips for testing final rinse temperature of dish amchine. Provide either thermometer or strips.
590.004/4-302.13-PF
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Hot water dispenser off of prep area leaks. Repair as needed to prevent standing water attracting pests.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Manual warewashing equipment chemical sanitization using detergent-sanitizers (c)
Inspector notes: Soda dispensers at bar soiled. Maintain clean to prevent contamination or attracting pests.
590.004/4-501.115-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Soils and water on floors under cook line and warewashing area. Soils under main kitchen hand sink. Debris under shelves in dry storage. Debris under bulk bins in kitchen. Soils and moisture around mop sink area. Floor drain near steamer station soiled and not draining properly. Clean Clean all areas and maintain to avoid attracting pests.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled cardboard linging carts and shelves. Discard and discontinue linging shelves with cardboard. Soiled cardboard attracts pests.
590.004/4-101.19-C
47
Sep 18, 2022
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
(a) ceasing operations and reporting (pf)
Inspector notes: Flooding in street Water is shut off to bathrooms No water for flushing toliets or hand washing
590.008/8-404.11-PF
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Empire Garden last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Empire Garden on file is from Apr 7, 2026. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Empire Garden?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood contact surfaces” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Empire Garden.
How does Empire Garden compare to other restaurants in Boston?
Empire Garden most recently scored 90 out of 100, which is higher than the Boston average of 86.
Has Empire Garden's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Empire Garden have averaged around seven violations per visit, down from roughly 11 earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Empire Garden 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 Empire Garden inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Empire Garden is inspected around four times per year on average.
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