La Fonda Colombiana

972 Saratoga St, East Boston, MA 02128
Mexican / Latin
Last inspected: Jan 15, 2026
90
Score
Low Risk

La Fonda Colombiana appears in inspection records nine times, starting in 2022. The most recent visit was on Jan 15, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.

Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around five violations per visit lately, up from roughly three violations before.

“Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures” comes up most often, recorded four times in the inspection record.

La Fonda Colombiana's latest score is in line with the East Boston average of 91. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.

9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 15, 2026
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Noted CFPM expired 6/22/25.Renew Allergen certificate expired 7/7/25.Renew
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
90
Dec 4, 2025
Routine
4 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink blocked by mop and broom in the kitchen. Remove to provide easy access for staff to wash hands.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Noted upright freezer on the cookline accumulated ice.Remove/Clean Shelves in the upright refrigerator heavily soiled with food.Clean
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Noted several food items not date marked.Provide
590.003/3-501.17-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Noted CFPM expired 6/22/25.Renew Allergen certificate expired 7/7/25.Renew
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Remove the condensation pipe from the 3 bay sink.
590.003/3-307.11-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker expired in Nov 20th 2025.Service Hood filters soiled with heavy grease.Clean
590.006/6-501.14-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Noted ceiling next to the exhaust hood and wall opened up for repairs.Repair to prevent contamination.
590.006/6-501.11-C
Using dressing rooms and lockers (c)
Inspector notes: Noted several staff belongings on the front counter.Remove and store seperate.
590.006/6-501.110-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled linen on the counter.Discontinue and store in a sanitizer
590.003/3-304.14-C
52
Aug 11, 2025
Routine
4 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Handsink at the bar and cooking line without paper towels. Provide.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Handsink at bar without soap. Provide.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No test strips for QUATs sanitizer at three bay sink. Provide.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Temperature measuring devices manual and mechanical warewashing (pf)
Inspector notes: Dish Machine out of order only three bay sink being used at this time. Repair.
590.004/4-302.13-PF
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: CFPM certificate expired. No Allergen Awarness Certification. Provide both current certificates.
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Handsink at the bar without signage. provide.
590.006/6-301.14-C
61
Sep 9, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wiping Cloths with sanitizer solution not set up. Provide.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Hot Holding unit at serving line without interior thermometers. Provide.
590.004/4-204.112-C
90
Mar 7, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Hand sink installation has begun all equipment and parts have been delivered. A licensed plumber will be on site tomorrow to finish installation. The kitchen hand sink around the corner is currrently being used for hand washing. Bar side is open at 4pm daily.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Manual warewashing sink compartment requirements (c)
Inspector notes: Glassware being washed in the 3 bay sink / Install permanent scrub brushes in the 3 bay sink in order to properly wash.
590.004/4-301.12-C
90
Feb 28, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Handwashing sinks-numbers and capacities (pf)
Inspector notes: No hand sink behind the bar / Provide
590.005/5-203.11-PF
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Broken fridge with one lower door still on it / Remove from premis
590.005/5-501.115-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Outdoor refuse area overloaded with trash unable to close lids and food debris scattered all over the ground. It appears as though the establishment is using the residents trash barrels as well. Discontinue and use what is designated to the establishment only. / Provide more frequent trash pick up. Clean outdoor refuse area of all litter and food debris and maintain daily.
590.005/5-501.15-C
Manual warewashing sink compartment requirements (c)
Inspector notes: Glassware being washed in the 3 bay sink / Install permanent scrub brushes in the 3 bay sink in order to properly wash.
590.004/4-301.12-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Hand sink installation has begun all equipment and parts have been delivered. A licensed plumber will be on site tomorrow to finish installation. The kitchen hand sink around the corner is currrently being used for hand washing. Bar side is open at 4pm daily.
590.005/5-205.15-C
74
Feb 14, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Handwashing sinks-numbers and capacities (pf)
Inspector notes: No hand sink behind the bar / Provide
590.005/5-203.11-PF
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Broken fridge with one lower door still on it / Remove from premis
590.005/5-501.115-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Outdoor refuse area overloaded with trash unable to close lids and food debris scattered all over the ground. It appears as though the establishment is using the residents trash barrels as well. Discontinue and use what is designated to the establishment only. / Provide more frequent trash pick up. Clean outdoor refuse area of all litter and food debris and maintain daily.
590.005/5-501.15-C
Manual warewashing sink compartment requirements (c)
Inspector notes: Glassware being washed in the 3 bay sink / Install permanent scrub brushes in the 3 bay sink in order to properly wash.
590.004/4-301.12-C
78
Dec 20, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Liquid hand soap out at hand sink / Refill
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Plastic tub in basin during inspection / Owner removed / Ensure staff are aware that hand sinks must be kept free and clear at all times
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: Vent fan above back door with visible dust build up / Clean to remove
590.006/6-201.17-C
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Broken stand up refrigerator toilet and sink among clutter and refuse in the outdoor trash area / Remove refrigerator doors until it is picked up by trash / Clear litter and loose trash organize the outdoor trash area and maintain clean and clear
590.005/5-501.115-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Sides of fryers with visible soils / Clean to remove
590.004/4-602.13-C
70
May 13, 2022
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: Hood tag expired in April 2022 / Cleaning scheduled for Wednesday 5/18/2022
590.006/6-201.17-C
Area enclosures and receptacles good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Grease is being dumped in a open garbage barrel / Discontinue dumping grease into the barrel and use the grease drums. There are currently 2 large grease drums on site and are heavily soiled on the exterior / Clean or replace the grease drums and update the frequency of grease pick up if need be.
590.005/5-501.111-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Knives stored in between equipement / Discontinue and properly store as described below
590.003/3-304.12-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Equipment on cookline with visible soils / Clean to remove Bottom of prep tables with visible soils and rusting / Clean and repaint Exterior of bulk rice bin with visible soils / Clean to remove
590.004/4-602.13-C
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Outdoor trash storage area with loose trash cardboard and other refuse scattered / Provide a thorough cleaning of the outdoor refuse area and maintain.
590.005/5-501.115-C
78

Frequently Asked Questions

When was La Fonda Colombiana last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at La Fonda Colombiana on file is from Jan 15, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at La Fonda Colombiana?

Across the inspection record, “maintaining refuse areas and enclosures” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at La Fonda Colombiana.

How does La Fonda Colombiana compare to other restaurants in East Boston?

La Fonda Colombiana most recently scored 90 out of 100, which is about the same as the East Boston average of 91.

Has La Fonda Colombiana's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at La Fonda Colombiana have averaged around five violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at La Fonda Colombiana 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 La Fonda Colombiana inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, La Fonda Colombiana is inspected around two times per year on average.