Garden Halal Restaurant

96 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02108
Other
Last inspected: Jan 16, 2026
21
Score
High Risk

Going back to 2022, Garden Halal Restaurant has 10 inspections in the public record. The latest inspection on file is from Jan 16, 2026. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.

The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around seven violations to closer to nine violations.

“Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging” comes up most often, recorded five times in the inspection record.

By comparison, the average Boston facility scores 86, putting Garden Halal Restaurant on the weaker side. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.

10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
12
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 16, 2026
Routine
12 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 19 violations
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Kitchen main hansink observed blocked by dishes. Discontinue and keep assessible for handwashing only. PIC to monitor handwashing by staff
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Kitchen main handsink observed without soap. Provide and maintain
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Kitchen main handsink observed without paper towel. Provide means to handrying
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Notes:Multiple rat droppings observed on stairway and under shelvings. Clean to remove PIC to provide current detailed IPM report from a licensed exterminator report @: ISDHEALTH@BOSTON.GOV/ Inca.Prince@Boston.Gov. IPM report should cite notation on drop ceiling inspection. PIC recommended to increase visit to weekly or daily.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(a) ceasing operations and reporting (pf)
Inspector notes: Due to unsanitary conditions found at the time of inspection Voluntarily Closure was issue until establisment is deemed safe to operate
590.008/8-404.11-PF
Prohibiting animals (pf)
Inspector notes: Live dove observed flying inside the restaurant. Remove
590.006/6-501.115-PF
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: At the time of the inspection staff were unable to answer questions pertaining to food safety.
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
Warewashing equipment determining chemical sanitizer concentration (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC unable to provide sanitizer test strips. Provide
590.004/4-501.116-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Establishment observed in need of a deep cleaning througout. PIC to train staff on violation noted on the inspection report.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple containers of prep foods from earlier today 1.7.26 observed without date marking.Provide made/discard date before storing
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Food temperature measuring devices (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC unable to provide a metal probe thermometer. Provide
590.004/4-302.12-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior and exterior of multiple refrigeration unit observed heavily soiled walkin shelvings observed heavily soiled 3 bay sink backsplash observed heavily soiled by black substances interior and exterior of prep sink observed soiled by grimme accumulation exterior of multiple storage bins observed soiled kitchen shelvings observed soiled exterior of squeeze bottles observed soiled flat grill observed with carbon build up. Clean and sanitize to remove
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple refrigeration unit observed without a visible thermometer. Provide and maintain visible
590.004/4-204.112-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple cutting boards observed heavily scored. Replace
590.004/4-501.12-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Several bulk bins and squeeze bottles observed without labels. Provide labels when removed from orginal containers.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker observed expired 7.4.25. Provide updated hood sticker from a licensed hood cleaning company.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Kitchen area observed heavily clutter with unused items. Clean / organize to remove.
590.006/6-501.114-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Foor throughout the establishment observed in need of deep cleaning. Clean to remove.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Kitchen main handwashing sink observed without employees must wash hand sign. Provide
590.006/6-301.14-C
21
Nov 17, 2025
Routine
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food labels (pf)
Inspector notes: All baked goods made available for retail sale need to have proper labels on the containing a list of ingredients - Address
590.003/3-602.11-PF
Food-contact surfaces-cleanability (pf)
Inspector notes: Replace badly scorned cutting boards where needed
590.004/4-202.11-PF
Handwashing sinks-location and placement (pf)
Inspector notes: Remove all soiled buckets from the designated hand sink in the prep area
590.005/5-204.11-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove all visible food spills stains and soils inside all refrigeration / freezer units where needed
590.004/4-602.13-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Remove all broken equipment and loose debris where needed throughout the store
590.006/6-501.114-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Resurface rusted shelving units where needed
590.004/4-101.19-C
64
Mar 26, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Elevate all foods off the grounds and / or floors of the estgablishemnt during storage all the time
590.003/3-305.11-C
Honestly presented (c)
Inspector notes: Discard attrempts at identifying foods that are not what they actually are Example : White pollack and / or hake seafood is not " Fresh Cod Loins" the labels are identifying both species under one label - removed immediately
590.003/3-601.12-C
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: All exposed foods available for retail sale out by the front stairs of the facility especially on Friday and Saturday's will need to be elevated off the floors and covered as discussed - relocate everything available for sale imn the area as people walking by are splaching rain puddles when walking by making it easy to get contaminated - Addressed immediately
590.003/3-302.11-C
86
Mar 21, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Compliance with food law (p)
Inspector notes: Several food items being purchased from "Retail Stores" such as Market Basket - discontinue and purchase all foods being used inside the restaurant from wholesalers only
590.003(A)/3-201.11-P
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: All raw meats need to be segragated from ready to eat foods when stored in all refrigeration units - unwrapped lamb is directly above fresh produce in the cooler - discontinue
590.003/3-302.11-P
Honestly presented (c)
Inspector notes: Discard attrempts at identifying foods that are not what they actually are Example : White pollack and / or hake seafood is not " Fresh Cod Loins" the labels are identifying both species under one label - removed immediately
590.003/3-601.12-C
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: Cover all exposed meats and cheeses during extended cold refrigeration storage
590.003/3-302.11-C
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: All exposed foods available for retail sale out by the front stairs of the facility especially on Friday and Saturday's will need to be elevated off the floors and covered as discussed - relocate everything available for sale imn the area as people walking by are splaching rain puddles when walking by making it easy to get contaminated - Addressed immediately
590.003/3-302.11-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Elevate all foods off the grounds and / or floors of the estgablishemnt during storage all the time
590.003/3-305.11-C
Compliance with food law (c)
Inspector notes: Several packaged meats without proper " safe handling labels" address where needed
590.003(A)/3-201.11-C
58
Mar 13, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: All raw meats need to be segragated from ready to eat foods when stored in all refrigeration units - unwrapped lamb is directly above fresh produce in the cooler - discontinue
590.003/3-302.11-P
Compliance with food law (p)
Inspector notes: Several food items being purchased from "Retail Stores" such as Market Basket - discontinue and purchase all foods being used inside the restaurant from wholesalers only
590.003(A)/3-201.11-P
Compliance with food law (c)
Inspector notes: Several packaged meats without proper " safe handling labels" address where needed
590.003(A)/3-201.11-C
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: Cover all exposed meats and cheeses during extended cold refrigeration storage
590.003/3-302.11-C
67
Nov 4, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw chicken stored directly above fresh produce discontinue practices and store as discussed in all refrigeration / freezer units
590.003/3-302.11-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Fruit / drain flies are all around the floor drains - make the necessary corrections immediately before it becomes a bigger issue
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Dirty pots and pans in the hand sink - maintain clean and clear of utensils foods - use is for " Hand washing only "
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Clean condition-outer clothing (c)
Inspector notes: Replace street cloths with an apron or uniforms when cutting meats and / or working with foods as discussed
590.002/2-304.11-C
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: Replace the barrier currently missing from the slop sink area
590.005/5-203.13-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean inside / outside of all freezers and refrigeration units from all visible soils
590.004/4-602.13-C
Food preparation (c)
Inspector notes: Do not cut meats or prepare foods so close to the chemical stoirage - relocate the bench as discussed
590.003/3-305.14-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Post both you current food safety and allergen awareness certificates on site as discussed
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure all staff have on hair restraints when working with foods in the kitchen
590.002/2-402.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
590.003/3-304.14-C
50
Jul 29, 2024
Routine
5 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 16 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Fruit flies and insects in the basement section of the store - address with professionally licensed pest control company
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Replace missing chlorine test strips
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Food-contact surfaces-cleanability (pf)
Inspector notes: Discard all compromised cutting boards where needed and replace with new ones as the current boards are compromised
590.004/4-202.11-PF
Washing fruits and vegetables (pf)
Inspector notes: Visibly soiled basin prep sink still being used to wash produce - address
590.003/3-302.15-PF
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC is not certified nor is he knowledgeable with the food code - address accordingly
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: Maintain clean after use
590.005/5-203.13-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean inside and outside of all refrigeration and freezer units - exterior of all cooking equipment - grocery aisle shelves and counters where needed from visible food spills stains and soils
590.004/4-602.13-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Elevate all foods off the floors [ at least 6 inches ] when storing in the walk-in or the dry foods section
590.003/3-305.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Set up where needed - color coordinate sanitizing buckets if needed
590.003/3-304.14-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Address
590.002/2-402.11-C
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Remove from the three bay sink - segragate from food contact surfaces
590.004/4-101.16-C
Drying mops (c)
Inspector notes: Keep the soiled mops and brooms inside the slop sink area - do not store directly on the floors after use
590.006/6-501.16-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove all loose trash and debris not affiliated with the facility
590.006/6-501.114-C
Clean condition-outer clothing (c)
Inspector notes: Change soiled aprons as needed throughout the day - employees wearing visibly compromised used aprons
590.002/2-304.11-C
Insect control devices design and installation (c)
Inspector notes: Relocate bug lights from above the meat cases
590.006/6-202.13-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Clean all areas where needed from visible soils [ floors-walls and blades on the ceiling fans
590.006/6-101.11-C
35
Sep 5, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Nov 16, 2022
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jun 15, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Lettuce onions and cut tomatoes @ 50f ensure proper cold hold of 41f or below (Cold unit not operating reading 70f)
590.003/3-501.16-P
(a )cooling methods (pf)
Inspector notes: 2 door flip top salad unit reading 70f (Food products @ 50F) repair unit to ensure proper cold hold of 41f or below
590.003/3-501.15-PF
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: 1) Open bags of flour and corn meal once opened store in closed covered labelled containers 2) #10 can of Sauce stored open in refrigerator once opened store in food grade containers
590.003/3-302.11-C
74

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Garden Halal Restaurant last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Garden Halal Restaurant on file is from Jan 16, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Garden Halal Restaurant?

Across the inspection record, “packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Garden Halal Restaurant.

How does Garden Halal Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Boston?

Garden Halal Restaurant most recently scored 21 out of 100, which is lower than the Boston average of 86.

Has Garden Halal Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Garden Halal Restaurant have averaged around nine violations per visit, up from roughly seven earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Garden Halal Restaurant 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 Garden Halal Restaurant inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Garden Halal Restaurant is inspected around three times per year on average.