Fox & the Knife
Last inspected: Jan 13, 2026
55
Score
Public records show seven inspections at Fox & the Knife stretching back to 2022. The most recent report on file is from Jan 13, 2026. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near seven violations per visit across recent inspections.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot”, showing up five times.
That's lower than the typical South Boston restaurant, which scores around 87. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
7
Inspections
1
Critical latest
2
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 13, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: At the main cook line in the sandwich cooler raw beef for steak tartare 59F burrata in sandwich cooler 49F and burrata in reachin below sandwich cooler 49F. All other TCS in the sandwich cooler and in the reachin below were at 41F or below. The person in charge states the steak and burrata had been moved from the walkin refrigerator at around 3:30pm and removed the steak and burrata to the walkin to cool to 41F and replaced the steak and burrata with replacements from the walkin refrigerator. Store TCS foods at 41F or below
590.003/3-501.16-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: In the basement dry storage closet and the storage area with employees belongings observed small dark rodent droppings and two captured rodents. Clean and sanitize the areas of droppings and caught pests and have your pest control operator perform a service and provide a clean (no captures no evidence) of pests to damien.yee@boston.gov
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Food temperature measuring devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Location's food thermometer would not turn on and they have no other food thermometers. The person in charge ordered a new thermometer during the inspection scheduled to be delivered on 1/14/2026. Food establishments should have a working food thermometer present at all times.
590.004/4-302.12-PF
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: At the cookline observed in use utensils stored in 75F water; the person in charge had the staff clean and sanitize the containers and utensils; store in use utensils on a clean and sanitized surface in water 135F or above or in cool running water.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Eating drinking or using tobacco (c)
Inspector notes: In the food preperation area in the basement observed an employee drinking water out of an uncovered deli container; employees should eat or drink in designated areas away from food preperation areas to prevent contamination.
590.002/2-401.11-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: In the basement prep area observed an employee handling RTE foods without a hair restraint; employees must be wearing effective hair restraints while handling foods. The employee retrieved a hat after the observation.
590.002/2-402.11-C
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: At the outside dumpster area there are torn trash bags on the ground with refuse spread around the area; clean the refuse area of refuse and debris.
590.005/5-501.115-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: The gasket for the walkin refrigerator is damanged; repair or replace the gasket.
590.004/4-501.11-C
55
Sep 8, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Observed pre-packed chick peas stored on cooking @ 60F. Discussed with PIC to maintain cold holding @ 41F or below. PIC placed in walk in and maintained @ 41F or below.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed immature flies in basement prep kitchen at warewashing area. Discussed with PIC to ensure area is kept dry to prevent harborage. Treatment provided to establishment by Pestex Pest control
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed ice machine filters with heavy dust; soils / spills inside single door upright freezer and reach in freezer at basement prep kitchen; grease spills inside fryer door. Thoroughly clean all stated equipment to remove soils / spills and grease
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Shell stock maintaining identification (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed shell stock tags for clams incomplete. Discussed with PIC to ensure the last date sold is provided on tags for completeness
590.003/3-203.12-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed no handsoap @ handsink in basement prep kitchen. Discussed with PIC to ensure all handsinks are fully stock for effective handwashing. COS
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Observed hood sticker expired August 2025 and filters dusty. PIC scheduled cleaning while on site - Sunday Sept 14th.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Observed open containers stored directly underneath handsoap at cooking station. Discussed with PIC to provide a barrier to prevent risk of contamination
590.003/3-307.11-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Observed squeeze bottles at cooking line unidentified. Discussed with PIC to provide a label with the common name of food item stored inside
590.003/3-302.12-C
50
May 6, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker exp 4/25. Provide updated proof of inspection.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Cleaning receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy grease spills and debris on top and behind the grease trap. Clean to remove and monitor all outter areas for proper cleaning.
590.005/5-501.116-C
90
Oct 8, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 6 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 10 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Observe chick peas / green mix / white beans stored @ cooking line between 50F-80F less than 1 hour per chef. Discussed with PIC to maintain cold holding @ 41F or below. PIC removed and stored chick peas in refrigerated drawer unit and submerged into ice for beans and green mix. COS
590.003/3-501.16-P
Shell stock maintaining identification (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed incomplete shellstock tags for clams. Discussed with PIC to maintain complete tags which includes the last date sold.
590.003/3-203.12-PF
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide thermometers for on site temperatures of food products
590.004/4-204.112-PF
Warewashing machines automatic dispensing of detergents and sanitizers (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed low temp machine @ bar with sanitizer testing @ 0ppm. Contact licensed company for repairs to ensure sanitizer properly flowing. Instructed all glassware be temporarily washed and sanitized in low temp machine in basement prep area - testing @ 100ppm.
590.004/4-204.117-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed soils inside ice machine and can opener in basement prep area. Clean to remove all soils
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed utensils stored in hand sink @ cooking line. Remove and maintain clear and accessible for handwashing only. COS
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple immature flies throughout establishment. Discussed with PIC to contact licensed pest control company for services and provide reports
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Observed several soiled / wet wiping cloths stored on tables. Maintain wet/soiled wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution after each use
590.003/3-304.14-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Observed produce refrigerated unit with condensation. Repair
590.004/4-501.11-C
Drying mops (c)
Inspector notes: Observed wet mop stored in mop bucket. Remove and maintain all mop / brooms properly in holder for effective drying
590.006/6-501.16-C
41
Nov 21, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Cooked mushrooms 47F sauce 50F. Product out of temperature less than one hour. Placed on indirect ice to cool to below 41F.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of mice activity in basement with what appears to be mice droppings present on floor in dry storage closet warewashing area and in mechanical room. Clean and disinfect all affected areas. Provide updated pest control report upon reinspection.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Preventing contamination from hands (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed a food employee handle cooked mushrooms with bare hands. Product to heat treated to above 165F per PIC. COS
590.003(C)/3-301.11-PF
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Bar handsink left side facing ice bin without splash guard. Install.
590.003/3-307.11-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Seal holes in the office where the wires go through the wall with pest proof materials per IPM report dated 11.15.23. Remove disturbed earth in foundation in utility closet and seal with pest proof materials. Clean and sanitize all affected areas.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Prohibitions (c)
Inspector notes: Remove equipment being stored in sprinkler/equipment room in basement. This area should also be treated by pest control as evidence of activity is in the area
590.004/4-903.12-C1
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Floor in basement prep area with worn paint and exposed concrete surfaces. Seal.
590.006/6-101.11-C
58
Nov 14, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Cooked mushrooms 47F sauce 50F. Product out of temperature less than one hour. Placed on indirect ice to cool to below 41F.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of mice activity in basement with what appears to be mice droppings present on floor in dry storage closet warewashing area and in mechanical room. Clean and disinfect all affected areas. Provide updated pest control report upon reinspection.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Preventing contamination from hands (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed a food employee handle cooked mushrooms with bare hands. Product to heat treated to above 165F per PIC. COS
590.003(C)/3-301.11-PF
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Bar handsink left side facing ice bin without splash guard. Install.
590.003/3-307.11-C
Prohibitions (c)
Inspector notes: Remove equipment being stored in sprinkler/equipment room in basement. This area should also be treated by pest control as evidence of activity is in the area
590.004/4-903.12-C1
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Hole in ceiling above warewashing area. Repair. Floor in basement prep area with worn paint and exposed concrete surfaces. Seal.
590.006/6-101.11-C
61
Aug 5, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: No V&D kit present on site. Provide handout provided.
590.002/2-501.11-PF
(a) ceasing operations and reporting (pf)
Inspector notes: Establishment had a waste water backup from toilet in restroom and floor outside walkin cooler on 7.30.22 and did not contact the Health Division. Update establishment SOP's with responsibilities in reporting from the 2013 Food Code. Handout provided to the PIC via electronic mail.
590.008/8-404.11-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Walls and floors of walkin cooler in basment with visible soils. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Anti-choking
Inspector notes: No choke save certificate. Provide.
590.009(E)
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Walkin cooler floor covering broken and seperated from sub floor. Make all necessary repairs. Basment floor with peeling paint and exposed concrete. Seal.
590.006/6-101.11-C
Outdoor storage surface (c)
Inspector notes: Damaged asphalt with standing water collecting in outside area asphalt below waste oil container compromised with wheels from unit embedded into pavement. Resurface where needed and patch holes.
590.005/5-501.11-C
Cleaning receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Waste oil container with visible soils. Clean to remove or contact company for replacement container.
590.005/5-501.116-C
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Clean outside storage area surface of visible buildup of grease and soils.
590.005/5-501.115-C
Covering receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Dumpster observed open with seagull eating food wasted. Maintain closed. COS.
590.005/5-501.113-C
58
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Fox & the Knife last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Fox & the Knife on file is from Jan 13, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Fox & the Knife?
Across the inspection record, “(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Fox & the Knife.
How does Fox & the Knife compare to other restaurants in South Boston?
Fox & the Knife most recently scored 55 out of 100, which is lower than the South Boston average of 87.
Has Fox & the Knife's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Fox & the Knife have averaged around seven violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Fox & the Knife 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 Fox & the Knife inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Fox & the Knife is inspected around two times per year on average.
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