Laughing Monk Cafe
Last inspected: Jan 6, 2026
45
Score
The health department has logged 10 inspections at Laughing Monk Cafe, the earliest from 2022. On Jan 6, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Diners may want to take note: high risk reflects issues that a health inspector considered important.
The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around six violations to closer to nine violations.
The pattern that stands out is “food storage containers identified with common name of food”, which has been cited five times.
The city-wide average sits at 86, which Laughing Monk Cafe's 45 doesn't quite reach. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.
10
Inspections
3
Critical latest
3
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 6, 2026
Routine
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 7 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw eggs stored above cooked chicken and tofu. Store raw animal products below cooked foods. Corrected on site.
590.003/3-302.11-P
Sanitizers criteria-chemicals (p)
Inspector notes: Sanitizer spray bottle undiluted- testing over 500ppm. Retrain staff to correctly and safely dilute sanitizer to 200ppm.
590.007/7-204.11-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Fried chicken on counter at 62F. Moved to refrigerator. Store cooked foods under refrigeration at all times.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Common name-working containers (pf)
Inspector notes: Chemical spray bottle without label. Label all chemical bottles to prevent contamination.
590.007/7-102.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior chute of ice machine with pink mold-like substance. Clean and sanitize.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
(a )cooling methods (pf)
Inspector notes: Blanched chicken at 68F at cookline. Cool chicken completely to 41F prior to placing into cookline for service.
590.003/3-501.15-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Debris and water under ice machine and dish machine. Clean and dry to avoid attracting pests.
590.004/4-602.13-C
45
Jul 16, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Raw beef 54F tofu 56F stored in open case in line unit. PIC voluntarily discard the products. PIC to train staff on cold holding.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Numerous containers of prep foods stored in various observed without date marking. Provide made/discard date before storing. Per PIC foods were prepped last night and today.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC to provide active managerial controls and train staff on violations noted on the inspection report
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Slush machine observed soiled by visible food spills exterior and interior of microwave in the warewashing area observed soiled from visible soiled hand prints. Clean and sanitize to remove
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple containers of condiments and squeeze bottles stored at the cookline observed without lables. Provide labels when removed from original containers
590.003/3-302.12-C
Drying mops (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled mop observed stored on the floor in the kitchen area. Discontinue and stored properly. Corrected on site
590.006/6-501.16-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Staff restroom handsink in the basement level observed not dispensing water . Repair Another staff restroom is available upstairs in the dinning area.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Several refrigerator unit observed without a conspicious thermometer. Provide and keep visible
590.004/4-204.112-C
Thawing (c)
Inspector notes: Cryovac package of fish observed thawing in the package. Discontinue remove from packaging before thawing. Corrected on site by PIC
590.003/3-501.13-C
50
Apr 3, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Manual and mechanical warewashing equipment chemical sanitization-temperature ph concentration and hardness (p)
Inspector notes: Low temp dishwasher sanitzer concentration too low. Repair to read according to the data plate specification and labels. PIC to use 3 bay sink until repair is done.
590.004/4-501.114-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple rodent droppings observed downstairs on the floor under shelvings in the basement area. Clean to remove. PIC to provide current detailed IPM reprot from a licensed exterminator to: inca.prince@boston.gov
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Priority violations noted. Provide active managerial control.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Several containers of prepped food stored in various refrigeration units observed without date marking. Provide made and discard date . Per PIC foods were prepped the day before 3.17.25 and some today 3.18.25
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Cookline main cutting board observed heavily scored. Resurface/ replace
590.004/4-501.12-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Pipe under 3 bay sink observed leaking. Repair
590.005/5-205.15-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Walls around handsink and prep sink at the warewashing area observed soiled by visible food spills and water splash. Clean to remove.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Outside basement area observed heavily clutter by boxes and old equipments. Clean to remove.
590.006/6-501.114-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Containers of different oils store at the cookline observed without labes. Provide labels when removing from original containers.
590.003/3-302.12-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Food dispensing utensils observed stored in stagnant water. Discontinue (corrected on site) Observed measuring cups without handles used to dispensing foods from bulk storage. Discontinue and provide proper utensils. (corrected on site)
590.003/3-304.12-C
47
Jun 18, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 6 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw shrimp observed stored on top of half and half on top of milk and on top of ready to eat sauces. Discontinue
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Person in charge not demonstrating proper cleaning of equipment not monitoring cleaning warewashing and HACCP. CFPM to retrain all staff on all violations noted. Calibration buffer solution observed expired 4.24. Provide updated buffer solution.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple house flies throught the kitchen and basment area/ mice droppings observed on shelving downstairs in the basement area. Provide detailed IPM report from licensed exterminator.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Reduced oxygen packaging criteria (pf)
Inspector notes: Discontinue ROP condiments packaging and contact ISD Health discuss HACCP or variance.
590.003/3-502.12-PF
Warewashing machines temperature measuring devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No irreversible thermometer available on site. Provide
590.004/4-204.115-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior and exterior of microwave observed soiled interior and exterior ice machine observed soiled interior and gasket of multiples refrigeration unit observed soiled chest freezer observed with heavy ice build up interior and around all hand sinks observed soiled. Clean and sanitize all surfaces mentioned above.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink observed without splash guard . Provide
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Warewashing machines manufacturers’ operating instructions (c)
Inspector notes: Dishwasher observed without data plate. Provide
590.004/4-501.15-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Replace all cutting boards observed heavily soiled.
590.004/4-501.12-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Labels on condiment containers and squeeze bottles at cook line and refrigertation unit is missing. Provide labels.
590.003/3-302.12-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Observed measuring cups without handles used to dispensing foods from bulk storage. Discontinue and provide proper utensils.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple cases of meat and containers of food observed stored on the floor inside walking unit and kitchen area. Discontinue.
590.003/3-305.11-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Floor in the warewashing are obsvered in poor condinton observed broken tile inside walking refrigeration unit. Repair.
590.006/6-501.11-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Observed open employee food stored next to sales food. Discontinue.
590.003/3-307.11-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Clean under all equipments in the kitchen and warewashing are with visible grease build up and debris build up.
590.006/6-201.11-C
32
Jan 3, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Nov 28, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove all loose trash and debris - work with neighboring businesses pertaining to the common trash area used by commercial establishments as well as residential trash from apartments above the facility
590.005/5-501.15-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Remove all heaviily soiled vents in the hood and soak for an extended period of time until all heavy grease deposits have been removed
590.004/4-202.18-C
90
Nov 22, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Ensure all menu items offered under cooked are clearly identifed on the menu with the proper consuker advisory
590.003/3-603.11-PF
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Remove all heaviily soiled vents in the hood and soak for an extended period of time until all heavy grease deposits have been removed
590.004/4-202.18-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove all loose trash and debris - work with neighboring businesses pertaining to the common trash area used by commercial establishments as well as residential trash from apartments above the facility
590.005/5-501.15-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Clean floors of ter kitchen under and behind all cooking equipment on the line to remove visible grease and grime deposits
590.006/6-101.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean under gaskets and runners inside all refrigeration/ freezer units where needed from visible food spills
590.004/4-602.13-C
Storage of soiled linens (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue keeping soiled aprons and wiping cloths stored in a laundry bag on the kitchen floor of the restaurant - elevate a minimum of six inches to reduce potential rodent activity
590.004/4-803.11-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Remove the last two vents in the hood containing black grease deposite - soak in bleach overnight inside the three bay sink - repeat as needed
590.004/4-202.18-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure all utensils being used to dispense condimemnts are food grade and have a scoop with a handle as discussed
590.003/3-304.12-C
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Remove sponges inside the three bay sink - do not use on pots and pans - [ non food contact surfaces oinly ]
590.004/4-101.16-C
61
Nov 15, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Ensure all menu items offered under cooked are clearly identifed on the menu with the proper consuker advisory
590.003/3-603.11-PF
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Clean floors of ter kitchen under and behind all cooking equipment on the line to remove visible grease and grime deposits
590.006/6-101.11-C
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Remove sponges inside the three bay sink - do not use on pots and pans - [ non food contact surfaces oinly ]
590.004/4-101.16-C
Storage of soiled linens (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue keeping soiled aprons and wiping cloths stored in a laundry bag on the kitchen floor of the restaurant - elevate a minimum of six inches to reduce potential rodent activity
590.004/4-803.11-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure all utensils being used to dispense condimemnts are food grade and have a scoop with a handle as discussed
590.003/3-304.12-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Remove the last two vents in the hood containing black grease deposite - soak in bleach overnight inside the three bay sink - repeat as needed
590.004/4-202.18-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean under gaskets and runners inside all refrigeration/ freezer units where needed from visible food spills
590.004/4-602.13-C
67
Feb 28, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Conformance with approved procedures (pf)
Inspector notes: Appears there are a couple sections not filled out properly on the checklist HACCP plan - ensure all areas are finalized initialed and verified upon completion
590.008/8-103.12-PF
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Need to addrtess all items offered raw or under cooked on all menus including weekends and any specials thatare offered - address as we discussed duiring the interview
590.003/3-603.11-PF
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Set up seperately in each work station [ raw foods - ready to eat foods ] color coordinate sanitizing buckets if needed to reduce potential confusion
590.003/3-304.14-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure all scoops dispensing foods have a proper handle on them as discussed
590.003/3-304.12-C
Wood use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Remove any wooden boards being used for direct food contact surfaces that are not made of hard wood - mwooden surfaces that are not commercial grade shall need parchment paper or another form of barrier if PIC continueS to use
590.004/4-101.17-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Clearly identify all bulk food storage bins to properly the contents
590.003/3-302.12-C
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure all areas of the lower basin maintain a proper barrier where needed to reduce spills and splashes
590.005/5-203.13-C
(a) (b) and (d) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles storing (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure all clean linen aprons are stored with other clean items - do not store side by side with contaminated articles of the same group
590.004/4-903.11-C1
61
Jun 17, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: New electric memu boards do not have the proper disclosure / reminder on them - maddress as discussed
590.003/3-603.11-PF
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure all raw foods are visibly segragated from ready to eat foods during cold holding starage at all refrigeration units
590.003/3-302.11-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Clearly and properly label all food grade containers to identify the contents [ rice-flour-sugar-salt ]
590.003/3-302.12-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Clearly and properly identify all hanfd sinks where needed " hand washing only "
590.006/6-301.14-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean interior and exterior of all cooking equipment on the line - freezer units and refrigeration units from all visible soils
590.004/4-602.13-C
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Laughing Monk Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Laughing Monk Cafe on file is from Jan 6, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Laughing Monk Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “food storage containers identified with common name of food” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Laughing Monk Cafe.
How does Laughing Monk Cafe compare to other restaurants in Boston?
Laughing Monk Cafe most recently scored 45 out of 100, which is lower than the Boston average of 86.
Has Laughing Monk Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Laughing Monk Cafe have averaged around nine violations per visit, up from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Laughing Monk Cafe 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 Laughing Monk Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Laughing Monk Cafe is inspected around three times per year on average.
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