Lincoln Tavern
Last inspected: Mar 25, 2026
33
Score
The health department has logged 11 inspections at Lincoln Tavern, the earliest from 2023. The most recent report on file is from Mar 25, 2026. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around one violation to closer to eight violations per visit.
The pattern that stands out is “hand drying provision”, which has been cited four times.
Restaurants in South Boston average 87, so Lincoln Tavern trails the local norm. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.
11
Inspections
2
Critical latest
5
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 25, 2026
Routine
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Observed raw shell eggs stored above ready to eat produce inside reach in unit @ Egg / Saute station. Discussed with PIC to remove and ensure all raw and ready to eat foods are properly stored seperated. COS
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Observed cut chicken (pizza station) and cooked wings (walk in) stored @ 45F. Discussed with PIC to maintain cold holding @ 41F or below. COS
590.003/3-501.16-P
Shell stock maintaining identification (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed shell stock tags (oysters) stored in complete. Discussed with PIC to ensure shell stock tags include the last date sold to complete requirement
590.003/3-203.12-PF
Conformance with approved procedures (pf)
Inspector notes: HACCP plan submitted 2023 for specialized processes; PIC stated only use is standard packaging for marinating only -provided updated HACCP as required yearly
590.008/8-103.12-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed mold-like substance inside chute on ice machine and dusty filters; Food spills inside single door freezer unit near fry station & inside 2 door upright freezer unit in basement; syrup spills on sink at the back bar. Thoroughly clean all stated equipment and maintain clear of spills / soils
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed rodent droppings on prep table / slicer in basement prep room. Clean all dropings and submit next service report - PIC provided weekly pest report 3/18/26 - service scheduled Tues/Wed next week
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple handsinks without paper towels. Discussed with PIC to monitor and ensure all handsinks are fully stocked for effective handwashing. COS
590.006/6-301.12-PF
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Provide handled scoopers for all bulk dispensing including ice @ bars.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Provide internal thermometers for all refrigerated units including walk in cooler.
590.004/4-204.112-C
Intensity-lighting (c)
Inspector notes: Observed no lighting in refrigerated units throughout kitchen. Provide lighting for all reach in units
590.006/6-303.11-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Observed food stored inside open can inside refrigerated unit @ salad station. Remove and ensure all foods are removed from cans once opened
590.003/3-305.11-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Discussed findings on pest report with PIC; Due to activity of pest services will be increased 2x per week until remedied - Discussed services Tuesdays & Fridays
590.006/6-501.111-C
Storage-other personal care items (c)
Inspector notes: Observed food handlers drinking personal beverages while food prepping. Discontinue
590.007/7-209.11-C
33
Mar 19, 2026
Routine
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Observed raw shell eggs stored above ready to eat produce inside reach in unit @ Egg / Saute station. Discussed with PIC to remove and ensure all raw and ready to eat foods are properly stored seperated. COS
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Observed cut chicken (pizza station) and cooked wings (walk in) stored @ 45F. Discussed with PIC to maintain cold holding @ 41F or below. COS
590.003/3-501.16-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed rodent droppings on prep table / slicer in basement prep room. Clean all dropings and submit next service report - PIC provided weekly pest report 3/18/26 - service scheduled Tues/Wed next week
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Conformance with approved procedures (pf)
Inspector notes: HACCP plan submitted 2023 for specialized processes; PIC stated only use is standard packaging for marinating only -provided updated HACCP as required yearly
590.008/8-103.12-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple handsinks without paper towels. Discussed with PIC to monitor and ensure all handsinks are fully stocked for effective handwashing. COS
590.006/6-301.12-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed mold-like substance inside chute on ice machine and dusty filters; Food spills inside single door freezer unit near fry station & inside 2 door upright freezer unit in basement; syrup spills on sink at the back bar. Thoroughly clean all stated equipment and maintain clear of spills / soils
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Shell stock maintaining identification (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed shell stock tags (oysters) stored in complete. Discussed with PIC to ensure shell stock tags include the last date sold to complete requirement
590.003/3-203.12-PF
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Provide internal thermometers for all refrigerated units including walk in cooler.
590.004/4-204.112-C
Intensity-lighting (c)
Inspector notes: Observed no lighting in refrigerated units throughout kitchen. Provide lighting for all reach in units
590.006/6-303.11-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Observed food stored inside open can inside refrigerated unit @ salad station. Remove and ensure all foods are removed from cans once opened
590.003/3-305.11-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Provide handled scoopers for all bulk dispensing including ice @ bars.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Storage-other personal care items (c)
Inspector notes: Observed food handlers drinking personal beverages while food prepping. Discontinue
590.007/7-209.11-C
35
Oct 6, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Aug 5, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Missing paper towels at the handsink. Provide at all times
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Missing handsoap at sink. Provide at all times.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Observed a black mold substance inside the lid of the ice machines in the basement. Clean to remove. Heavy food soils and debris observed on top of the dishmachine. Clean to remove
590.004/4-601.11-C
78
Feb 18, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Dec 10, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Oct 28, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jul 29, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Feb 28, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Aug 8, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Cleaning procedure (p)
Inspector notes: Retrain staff on handwashing practices.
590.002/2-301.12-P
Preventing contamination from hands (p)
Inspector notes: Observed food employee at cookline handle french fries with bare hands. Product discarded. COS. Retrain staff.
590.003(C)/3-301.11-P
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide hand towels at bar handsinks.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Strainers blocking several top of handsinks at bar. Corrected on site.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Provide signs bar handsinks.
590.006/6-301.14-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Seal holes in brick wall in dry equipment storage room with pest proof materials.
590.006/6-202.15-C
55
May 30, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Cooked chicken at pizza station 45F. Product removed from service.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Light bulbs protective shielding (c)
Inspector notes: Light fixture above three compartment sink without shield. Provide.
590.006/6-202.11-C
Variances (c)
Inspector notes: Fill out and return variance application with approved HACCP/ROP plan on record. Emailed form.
590.008/8-103.15-C
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lincoln Tavern last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Lincoln Tavern on file is from Mar 25, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Lincoln Tavern?
Across the inspection record, “hand drying provision” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Lincoln Tavern.
How does Lincoln Tavern compare to other restaurants in South Boston?
Lincoln Tavern most recently scored 33 out of 100, which is lower than the South Boston average of 87.
Has Lincoln Tavern's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Lincoln Tavern have averaged around eight violations per visit, up from roughly one earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Lincoln Tavern 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 Lincoln Tavern inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Lincoln Tavern is inspected around four times per year on average.
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