Grill 23 and Bar
Last inspected: May 5, 2026
23
Score
Inspectors have visited Grill 23 and Bar seven times, with records going back to 2022. On May 5, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around three violations to closer to 11 violations per visit.
The pattern that stands out is “equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces”, which has been cited four times.
The city-wide average sits at 86, which Grill 23 and Bar's 23 doesn't quite reach. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.
7
Inspections
3
Critical latest
3
Major latest
14
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 5, 2026
Routine
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 14 minor violations.
View 20 violations
Safe unadulterated and honestly presented (p)
Inspector notes: Half gallon of fat free milk stored in line observed expired 4.20.26. Product was voluntraily discard by PIC. (Cos)
590.003/3-101.11-P
Cooling (p)
Inspector notes: Cooked lobster 54F cooked shrimp 48F stored in 2 door cold unit. Both product was removed and placed in walk in cooler to cool down to 41F below before serving.
590.003/3-501.14-P
Reduced oxygen packaging criteria (p)
Inspector notes: Facility ROP meat/ bacon. Discontinue and contact ISDHEALTH@BOSTON.GOV to submit HACCP.
590.003/3-502.12-P
(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
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple handwashing sinks observed blocked/ clutter by different items at different areas. Raw oyster bar handsink observed without access due to clutter. Declutter. Keep accessible at all time for handwashign only to prevent contamiantions by hands. PIC to monitor handwashing
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior of low temp dishwasher high temp dishwasher curtains interior of ice machine exterior of multiple bulk bins interior of pastry freezer reach in and 2 door unit observed visible soiled. Clean & sanitize to remove
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Warewashing machines manufacturers’ operating instructions (c)
Inspector notes: Wash gauge on high temp dishwasher upstairs observed not operating. Repair
590.004/4-501.15-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Several cutting boards observed stained and heavily scored. Repalce/resurface.
590.004/4-501.12-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Walking freexer observed with excess ice build up in the motor fan area condensation. Repair to fidn
590.004/4-501.11-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. Discontinue and use utensils with handles to prevent contaminations by hands.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Observed staff peeling potatoes prior to being washed. Discontinue wash before peeling Per PIC asparagus gets delivered pre washed. PIC unable to verify if the asparagus are pre washed . Provide info
590.003/3-307.11-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood filter & attachments at the mash potato area observed soiled with dust build up. Clean to remove Hood sticker expires May 3rd 2026
590.004/4-202.18-C
Warewashing machine data plate operation specifications (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple dishwasher observed missing data plate operation. Provide
590.004/4-204.113-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Several cold unit/walkin noted without a conspiciuous thermometer. Provide & maintain visible
590.004/4-204.112-C
When a haccp plan is required (c)
Inspector notes: Establishment pickles onion/ fennel . Date marking on fennel 4.12.26. Discontinue contact ISDHEALTH@BOSTON.GOV
590.008/8-201.13-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Observed several holes in the basement area. Seal all voids to prevent pest/rodent entry
590.006/6-501.11-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Mice activity observed downstairs storage room near the liquor room. Clean to remove PIC to provide current IPM report from a licensed exterminator report to: inca.prince@boston.gov
590.006/6-501.111-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Prep station downstairs handsink and restroom on main floor observed without employee must wash hands signage. Provide
590.006/6-301.14-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Dry storage room floor observed in need of cleaning due to visible loose debris pump room observed oderous (sewage smell) . Clean to remove Stagnant water observed in the storage room next to liquour room. Clean to remove
590.006/6-201.11-C
23
Dec 11, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Items in the open top unit(onions bolognese sauce tomato slices grapes) reading 50-55F for 30-60 min per PIC. Maintain cold holding 41F or below PIC removed & replaced items submerged in ice
590.003/3-501.16-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Live cockroach observed in the second floor mop closet mouse droppings observed in several electrical closets-basement/1st floor. Pest reports were reviewed & stating captures weekly. Provide a full IPM report upon re-inspection. Increase pest control to address all issues & forward all reports to the Health Department.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Clean the interior chute of the ice machine to remove soils.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Several holes were noted in the basement/1st floor electrical closets & second floor mop closet.Repair all voids & openings to prevent pest access.
590.006/6-501.11-C
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the interiors of the 1st floor & multiple basement electrical closets to remove evidence of mouse droppings & clutter.
590.006/6-501.13-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the interiors of the glass chiller units to remove soils & broken glass.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Designation-dressing areas and lockers (c)
Inspector notes: Employees personal belongings observed stored near the first floor kitchen entrance.Remove & provide a designated location for storage PIC removed to locker location
590.006/6-305.11-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floor drain in front of the dry age room to remove food debris & soils. PIC correcting
590.006/6-501.12-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Salad unit reading 50-55F.Repair Maintain cold holding 41F or below
590.004/4-501.11-C
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Remove/replace all soiled glue boards from the electrical closets.
590.006/6-501.112-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Remove all unnecessary clutter & storage from the electrical closets to prevent possible harborage.
590.006/6-501.114-C
47
Oct 15, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: The interior of the ice machine was observed with heavy soils.Clean to remove soils. PIC to discontinue using the machine until cleaned
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: The wall next to the ice machine observed with a visible hole.Repair
590.006/6-101.11-C
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the interior floor of the dry aged room to remove soils.
590.006/6-501.13-C
82
Oct 2, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 7 violations
Preventing contamination from hands (p)
Inspector notes: Wait staff handling lemon garnish with bare hands. Corrected on site. Food voluntarily discarded.
590.003(C)/3-301.11-P
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Cooked onions 100F. Product removed from service after one hour and reheated to above 165F.
590.003/3-501.16-P1
Preventing contamination from hands (pf)
Inspector notes: Food employee handling raw oysters with bare hands. Corrected on site.
590.003(C)/3-301.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Online menu https://www.grill23.com/menus is missing allergen statement. Provide. Notice on printed menus and menu boards. Such food establishments shall include on all printed menus and menu boards a clear and conspicuous notice requesting a customer to inform the server before placing an order about the customer's allergy to a major food allergen. The notice shall state: Before placing your order please inform your server if a person in your party has a food allergy.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: Priority violations cited. Provide active managerial control.
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Online menu https://www.grill23.com/menus is missing reminder and dislosure for raw and undercooked menu items. Provide.
590.003/3-603.11-PF
When a haccp plan is required (c)
Inspector notes: Establishment is ROP packaging raw chicken breasts. Submit detailed HACCP plan to isdhealth@boston.gov
590.008/8-201.13-C
47
Nov 9, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Aug 9, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations.
View 2 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Products placed on the service line with temperatures of 58F-60F. Per the PIC the products were on the line for less than 30 minutes. Properly hold products at 41F or below before placing in service refrigeration
590.003/3-501.16-P
Cooling (p)
Inspector notes: Numerous deep plastic containers were noted throughout the kitchen in shallow pans with minimal crushed ice under them. The plastic containers were filled to the top with various items including sauteed onions and sauces. Per staff the product was cooling for less than 1 hour. Reviewed cooling procedures with staff- Ensure proper cooling procedures are followed to cool foods within proper perimeters
590.003/3-501.14-P
74
Oct 26, 2022
Routine
5 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior chute of the ice machine observed with soils.Clean to remove soils.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Paper towels missing from the handwash station.Provide PIC correcting
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Shell stock maintaining identification (pf)
Inspector notes: Shell tags missing last sold/served datemarkings.Maintain shell stock tags stored in chronological order with date of last sold/served held for 90 days
590.003/3-203.12-PF
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Consumer advisory on the menu Missing the (*)asterisk at the disclosure.(*These items) Provide. Some Menu items that are served raw missing the (*)asterisk.Asterisk all necessary items Allergy warning also missing from the menu.Provide proper allergy warning (Please inform your server of any allergy concerns)
590.003/3-603.11-PF
Manual and mechanical warewashing equipment chemical sanitization-temperature ph concentration and hardness (pf)
Inspector notes: Low temp glass machine not reading chlorine sanitizer.Repair Maintain chlorine sanitizer 50PPM or per manufactures instructions. Staff to use High temp machine
590.004/4-501.114-PF
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floor to remove excess water build up. Maintain floor clean & dry. Water possible coming from ice crusher unit.Repair as needed.
590.006/6-501.13-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Replace missing hood filter at cook line.
590.004/4-202.18-C
(a) and (c) good repair and calibration-utensils and temperature and pressure measuring devices (c)
Inspector notes: High temp machine (F3) rinse guage not operating.Repair Maintain rinse 180-194F or per manufactures instructions. Disk reading 160F Back machine--High temp machine wash guage not operating .Repair//replace Rinse temp reading 190F
590.004/4-502.11-C
(a) (b) and (d) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles storing (c)
Inspector notes: Ice machine bucket observed stored on the floor.Discontinue.Store clean ice machine bucket in a designate location inverted.
590.004/4-903.11-C1
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floors/walls next to the ice machine to remove soils/debris/excess water.
590.006/6-501.12-C
47
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Grill 23 and Bar last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Grill 23 and Bar on file is from May 5, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Grill 23 and Bar?
Across the inspection record, “equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Grill 23 and Bar.
How does Grill 23 and Bar compare to other restaurants in Boston?
Grill 23 and Bar most recently scored 23 out of 100, which is lower than the Boston average of 86.
Has Grill 23 and Bar's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Grill 23 and Bar have averaged around 11 violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Grill 23 and Bar 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 Grill 23 and Bar inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Grill 23 and Bar is inspected around two times per year on average.
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