Friendship BBQ Allston
Last inspected: May 6, 2026
20
Score
Friendship BBQ Allston appears in inspection records seven times, starting in 2022. On May 6, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around six violations to closer to 16 violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “nonfood contact surfaces” has been the most frequent reason, cited seven times.
Compared to other Allston restaurants (averaging 80), there's room to close the gap. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.
7
Inspections
2
Critical latest
8
Major latest
10
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 6, 2026
Routine
2 critical violations. 8 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 20 violations
Safe unadulterated and honestly presented (p)
Inspector notes: Oil in the fryolator observed heavily discolored. Change more often
590.003/3-101.11-P
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: 2 doors reach in and walk- in unit/properly store all raw foods below ready to eat foods based on cooking temperature requirement.
590.003/3-302.11-P
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: No procedure or supplies for vomit/ diarrhea clean up kit./ Provide complete vomit clean up kit
590.002/2-501.11-PF
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: Person in charge demonstrated lack of knowledge regarding cooking temperature for food safety. Ensure all food employees are properly trained on minimum cooking temperature requirments
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Violations noted on the inspection report. PIC to train staff on violations noted on the inspection report Person in charge must be properly trained to monitor hand washing understand proper procedures for manual ware washing of equipment ensure proper cleaning methods and frequency for clean in place of food and non food contact surfaces and review responsibilities for company illness procedures. Certified Manager must retrain all staff.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Shell stock maintaining identification (pf)
Inspector notes: Oyster tags not dated for date of last sold ensure dates on all tags
590.003/3-203.12-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple containers of prep foods observed without date marking. Provide made/discard date to all food prepped before storing in the refrigerator
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Consumer advisory disclosure and reminder is missing on the menu /Provide consumer advisory and (*) asterisk all necessary items.
590.003/3-603.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior of low temp dishwasher interior and exterior of microwave exterior of multiple bulk bins interior of reach in and 2 door unit observed visible soiled. Clean & sanitize to remove
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Kitchen handwashing sink observed without soap/Provide hand soap and mantain all the time . PIC to monitor handwashing
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Sponges observed at warewashing 3 compartment sinks. Discontinue using sponge to wash food contact surfaces to prevent contamination
590.004/4-101.16-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Several cutting boards observed stained. Clean to remove
590.004/4-501.12-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Employees observed prepping food in the kitchen without proper hair restraint. Provide proper hair restraint.
590.002/2-402.11-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple food storage containers observed without labels. Provide labels when removed from original containers
590.003/3-302.12-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Portioned cups observed stored inside foods and used as food dispensing utensils (flour rice). Discontinue and use utensils with handles to prevent contaminations by hands
590.003/3-304.12-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Boxes of food and bucket with chicken inside of the walk-in cooler observed being stored on the ground. Discontinue and store all foods elevated a minimum of 6 inches off the ground Multiples bucket with sauce in the kitchen observed being stored on the ground.Discontinue and store all foods elevated a minimum of 6 inches off the ground
590.003/3-305.11-C
Food preparation (c)
Inspector notes: There is no prep sink to wash produce Per PIC produce is being washed in the three bay sink. Provide a food prep sink to protect produce during preparation.PIC to Provide a written proposal or assessment from a license plumber regarding the installation of prep sink
590.003/3-305.14-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Observed leak from the plumbing pipe below the first compartment of the three-comportment sink. Repair
590.005/5-205.15-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Kitchen floor observed in need of cleaning due to visible loose debris. Clean to remove
590.006/6-201.11-C
Cleaning of plumbing fixtures (c)
Inspector notes: Interior of the kitchen handsinks observed soiled. Clean to remove
590.006/6-501.18-C
20
Feb 12, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Shell stock maintaining identification (pf)
Inspector notes: Shellstock tags missing the last served/sold datemarkings.Maintain shellstok tags in chronological order for 90 days with the last served/sold datemarkings.
590.003/3-203.12-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the ceiling vent to remove dust buildup.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the wall behind the cook line to remove soils.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood filters above the grilling station observed heavily soiled.Clean to remove soils Discussed more frequent cleaning with the PIC
590.004/4-202.18-C
Toilet room receptacle covered (c)
Inspector notes: Provide a covered receptacle.
590.005/5-501.17-C
74
Jan 11, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 7 major violations. 15 minor violations.
View 24 violations
Restriction and storage-medicines (p)
Inspector notes: Several employee medicines observed stored in kitchen shelving above RTE foods. Discontinue
590.007/7-207.11-P
Backflow prevention (p)
Inspector notes: Per staff fruits and vegetable are washed in the 3 bay sink direct to waste. Install food prep sink with proper airgap or provide a plumbers report variance request and procedures to state how an alternative safe prep will be provided.
590.005/5-402.11-P
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: No procedure or kit to respond to vomit and diarreheal clean up events available on site. Provide. Inspector will email procedure.
590.002/2-501.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior and exterior of multiple refrigeration/ freezer units observed soiled exterior of numerous storage bins observed heavily soiled cook range observed heavily soiled interior and exterior of handwashing sink observed soiled interior of walkin shelves walls ceiling fan. Shelving in kitchen areas interior and exterior of microwave observed heavily soiled by encrusted food spills interior and around warewashing sink observed soiled exterior of condments containers observed soiled exterior of squeeze bottles interior and exterior of dishwasher observed soiled with grimme build up. Clean and sanitize to remove.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Food temperature measuring devices (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC unable to provide a metal probe thermometer. Provide
590.004/4-302.12-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Numerous containers of food stored in the refrigeration unit observed without date marking. Per PIC foods were prep earlier today 1.11.25. Provide date marking with made/discard date.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: All 3 handsinks in the establishment observed blocked by trash can/ dishes stored inside . Discontinue and maintain accessible at all time to prevent contamination by hand. (Corrected on site)
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Person in charge must be properly trained to monitor hand washing understand proper procedures for manual ware washing of equipment ensure proper cleaning methods and frequency for clean in place of food and non food contact surfaces review responsibilities for company illness procedures cold holding cooling methods handwashing and risk factors. Certified Manager must retrain all staff on all violations noted.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-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 . Reviewed at the time of inspection. CFPM to train staff on procedures. Establishment shall implement a regular cleaning schedule for the location
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
Cleaning of plumbing fixtures (c)
Inspector notes: Bathroom observed heavily soiled and oderous- Clean properly and maintain clean
590.006/6-501.18-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker observed expired 1.7 .25. Provide updated sticker.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Unused equipment including a fryolator located in the basement area multiple single use buckets. Remove all unnessesary equipment from the establishment
590.006/6-501.114-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Cardboard used on shelving inside walkin freezer- Remove
590.006/6-101.11-C
Toilet room receptacle covered (c)
Inspector notes: Ladies restroom trash can observed vithout cover. Provide
590.005/5-501.17-C
Flushing a waste retention tank (c)
Inspector notes: Grease trap observed ouderous by foul smell. Clean to remove.
590.005/5-402.15-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Surfaces throughout the establishment with heavy encrusted soils and food splashes Areas include but not limited to: All walls in back prep All shelving in back prep and service areas All cabinets including inside doors and handles Exteriors of all sinks including handsink and the 3 back sink Floors throughout especially below equipment and along walls and restrooms All areas shall be completely cleaned and a cleaning schedule shall be put into place at the location
590.004/4-602.13-C
Shells use limitations (c)
Inspector notes: Evidence of establishment washing and reusing shells- Discontinue
590.004/4-502.14-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Several cutting board observed heavily scored and soiled. Resurface/Replace
590.004/4-501.12-C
Ventilation hood systems drip prevention (c)
Inspector notes: Hood vent observed dripping oil on the backsplash and equipment. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-204.11-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood vent observed heavily soiled. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-202.18-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple boxes and buckets of foods observed stored on the floor inside walking unit and in the kitchen floor . Discontinue/ elevate
590.003/3-305.11-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Food dispensing utensils observed stored in stagnant water and single use plastic containers being used to dispense out of bulk food bins. . Discontinue and use handled scoop to prevent contamination by hand.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple condiment containers/ squeze bottle at cook line observed without identification labels. Provide labels when removed from original containers.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: Numerous containers of food stored in the refrigerator observed without cover. Provide cover
590.003/3-302.11-C
17
Oct 2, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Kitchen staff without hats or hairnets. Provide hats or hairnets.
590.002/2-402.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Floor under cookline heavily soiled. Floors in basement under 3 compartemtn sink and prep tables with soils and debris. Top of dish machine with debris. Reach-in refrigerator at cookline with spills and soils. Clean all areas to avoid attracting pests.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Toilet room receptacle covered (c)
Inspector notes: Employee bathroom trash without cover. Provide covered waste bin.
590.005/5-501.17-C
86
Jul 9, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: The handwashing sink at the entrance to the kitchen had products piled up in front of it Sink shall be accessible Corrected
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of pest activity in the lower level- Numerous traps and droppings noted Provide an updated detailed pest control report from a licensed pest control company
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Shelving in lower level with soils Floors under and behind equipment with soils Clean areas with proper frequency
590.004/4-602.13-C
Warewashing equipment clean solutions (c)
Inspector notes: Water in the dishwasher with visible soils and oils- Change with proper frequency Changed at the time of the inspection
590.004/4-501.18-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Exteriors of bulk food containers in the lower level with dried on soils- Clean
590.004/4-602.13-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood filters with heavy buildup Clean with proper frequency Hood sticker expires July 2024
590.006/6-501.14-C
Shells use limitations (c)
Inspector notes: Establishment is washing and reusing shells- Discontinue
590.004/4-502.14-C
64
Oct 19, 2023
Routine
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Handsink at cooking line and at lower level toilet without paper towels. Provide.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Knifes stored soiled on magnetic strips on both level. Clean and sanitize before storing away. Can opener with dried up food debris. Slicer at lower level with dried up food debris. Clean and santize all properly.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Handsink at the serving line without soap. Provide.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wiping cloths stored soiled on counter. Store properly in sanitizer solution.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Some Food Storage containers without labels. Provide.
590.003/3-302.12-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: In use knifes stored between wall and tables at lower level. Store properly on a clean/sanitized surface.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Several shelves at cooking line/prep area soiled. Exterior of some refrigerating units soiled. Wall behind prep table at lower level prep area soiled . Clean all properly.
590.004/4-602.13-C
61
Jun 29, 2022
Routine
5 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Can opener and Slicer at lower level with dried up food debris.-Clean Properly Knifes stored soiled on magnetic strips at both levels. Clean and sanitize before placing away.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Handsink at prep area and lower level toilet without paper towel. provide.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Retrain staff with regard to proper handsink usage and proper warewashing.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Handsink at cooking line with a portable A/C in front. Remove and keep accessible.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Handsink at prep area (lower level) and toilet without soap. Provide.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Floor and counters at walk-in refrigerating/freezer unit soiled. Storeage Counters at both levels soiled. -- Clean all properly Magnetic strips at both levels soiled. Clean properly.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wiping cloths at lower level prep area stored soiled on the counter. Store properly in sanitizer solution.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Floor and wall under and around the cooking line soiled . Clean all properly.
590.006/6-501.12-C
52
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Friendship BBQ Allston last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Friendship BBQ Allston on file is from May 6, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Friendship BBQ Allston?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood contact surfaces” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Friendship BBQ Allston.
How does Friendship BBQ Allston compare to other restaurants in Allston?
Friendship BBQ Allston most recently scored 20 out of 100, which is lower than the Allston average of 80.
Has Friendship BBQ Allston's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Friendship BBQ Allston have averaged around 16 violations per visit, up from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Friendship BBQ Allston means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Friendship BBQ Allston inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Friendship BBQ Allston is inspected around two times per year on average.
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