Pikalox
Last inspected: Feb 9, 2026
70
Score
Going back to 2022, Pikalox has 16 inspections in the public record. The most recent report on file is from Feb 9, 2026. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around seven violations per visit lately, up from roughly five violations before.
Across the inspection history, “floors walls and ceilings-cleanability” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded 10 times.
Pikalox's latest score of 70 falls below the Dorchester average of 86. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
16
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 9, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to provide paper towels at the hand sink in the kitchen.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Single-service and single-use articles-use limitations (c)
Inspector notes: PIC has multiple Polar Springs 1 gallon jugs that are being reused for drinks. Discontinue and use a container that is washable and cen be sanitized.
590.004/4-502.13-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Product in walk in stored on the floor. Must be off the floor 6 inches.
590.003/3-305.11-C
Thawing (c)
Inspector notes: Container of cooked chicken thawing at room temperature. Please thaw the day before or under running water.
590.003/3-501.13-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to clean the inplace equipment in kitchen. Interior of the refrigeration will need to be cleaned. The shelves in the kitchen and basment. Please clean bulk food containers.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to clean the floor under and behind equipment in the kitchen and basement.
590.006/6-201.11-C
70
Nov 5, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Hood and Ventilation tags with a past expiration date from June 2025. Address and provide up to date tags for the re-inspection. Hood inspection has been scheduled for 10/31/2025.
590.006/6-201.11-C
95
Oct 30, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Discarding or reconditioning unsafe adulterated or contaminated food (p)
Inspector notes: Several bags of corn meal with what appears to be gnaw markings. Address and discard all adulterated bags.
590.003/3-701.11-P
Discarding or reconditioning unsafe adulterated or contaminated food (p)
Inspector notes: Several bags of corn meal with what appears to be gnaw markings. Address and discard all adulterated bags.
590.003/3-701.11-P
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No test strips available for the chlorine sanitizer. Provide.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No test strips available for the chlorine sanitizer. Provide.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Squeeze bottles filled with sauces and dressings with no labels. Provide.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Squeeze bottles filled with sauces and dressings with no labels. Provide.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and provide a proper sanitizing solution.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and provide a proper sanitizing solution.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Several ceiling tiles in the main kitchen area damaged and missing. Replace.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Several ceiling tiles in the main kitchen area damaged and missing. Replace.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Compressor to the walk-in freezer with excess frost build-up. Defrost and clean to remove. Excess grese pooling behind the fryers. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Compressor to the walk-in freezer with excess frost build-up. Defrost and clean to remove. Excess grese pooling behind the fryers. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Drainage pipe under the single bay sink in the front service area is leaking. Address and make any necessary repairs.
590.005/5-205.15-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Drainage pipe under the single bay sink in the front service area is leaking. Address and make any necessary repairs.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Hood and Ventilation tags with a past expiration date from June 2025. Address and provide up to date tags for the re-inspection. Hood inspection has been scheduled for 10/31/2025.
590.006/6-201.11-C
35
Oct 22, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Discarding or reconditioning unsafe adulterated or contaminated food (p)
Inspector notes: Several bags of corn meal with what appears to be gnaw markings. Address and discard all adulterated bags.
590.003/3-701.11-P
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No test strips available for the chlorine sanitizer. Provide.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Compressor to the walk-in freezer with excess frost build-up. Defrost and clean to remove. Excess grese pooling behind the fryers. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Hood and Ventilation tasg with a past expiration date from June 2025. Address and provide up to date tags for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-201.11-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Drainage pipe under the single bay sink in the front service area is leaking. Address and make any necessary repairs.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Several ceiling tiles in the main kitchen area damaged and missing. Replace.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and provide a proper sanitizing solution.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Squeeze bottles filled with sauces and dressings with no labels. Provide.
590.003/3-302.12-C
58
Apr 10, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
Cooling (p)
Inspector notes: About 6lbs of chicken empanada mix stored in deep container prepped the night before observed temp 50F-53F . PIC to retrain staff on cooling methods. PIC voluntarily discarded the products
590.003/3-501.14-P
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Warewashing handsink observed blocked by multiple dishes. Discontinue and maintain accessible at all time to prevent contamination by hands. Corrected on site by PIC Observed additional hand washing by staff during the inspection
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior and exterior of multiple refrigeration unit observed soiled with visible hand prints. Cook range and cook line observed soiled flat grilled observed soiled by carbon build up. Clean and sanitize to remove
590.004/4-601.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC to retrain staff on all P's and PF's violations noted on the inspection report.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Floor behing and under cooking equipments observed soiled with visible grease grime floor under 3 bay sink observed soiled with debris accumulation floor inside walking freezer observed with ice build up. Clean to remove.
590.006/6-201.11-C
61
Nov 14, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Backflow prevention (p)
Inspector notes: Observed staff washing produce in the 3 bay sink. PIC to request variance with procedures to state how an alternative safe prep will be provided while using 3 bay sink to wash produce or install air gap in the front of the house prep sink.
590.005/5-402.11-P
86
Nov 1, 2024
Routine
4 critical violations. 3 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 16 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: 6lbs of beef mix for empanadas and 6lbs of chicken mix for empanadas observed stored in the in line refrigeration unit temp 54F-57F. Per PIC mix was prepped on 10.30.24. PIC voluntary discard both mixes. PIC will need to monitor cold holding and retrain staff on cold holding.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Cooling (p)
Inspector notes: 6lbs of beef empanada mix and chicken empanada mix stored in deep container prepped 2 days ago observed temp 54F-57 . PIC to retrain staff on cooling methods.
590.003/3-501.14-P
When to wash (p)
Inspector notes: Observed staff working the register and making juice after without washing hands first. PIC to train staff on when to wash (Corrected on site)
590.002/2-301.14-P
Backflow prevention (p)
Inspector notes: Observed staff washing produce in the 3 bay sink. PIC to request variance with procedures to state how an alternative safe prep will be provided while using 3 bay sink to wash produce or install air gap in the front of the house prep sink.
590.005/5-402.11-P
Warewashing equipment determining chemical sanitizer concentration (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC unable to provide sanitizer concentration test strips. Provide . Inspector test strip was used.
590.004/4-501.116-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC to retrain staff on all P's and PF's violations 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: Numerous containers of food stored in the refrigeration unit observed without date marking. Per PIC foods were prep earlier today and the night before. Provide date marking with made/discard date.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Characteristics-materials for construction and repair (c)
Inspector notes: Observed shelvings in the kitchen area lined with aluminum foil. Discontinue
590.004/4-101.11-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Single use plastic containers being used to dispense out of bulk food bins. . Discontinue and use handled scoop to prevent contamination by hand.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood vent observed heavily soiled. Clean to remove. Hood sticker expires: 12.17.24
590.004/4-202.18-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Numerous refrigeration units and walkins observed without a conspicious thermometer. Provide
590.004/4-204.112-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Front of the house prep sink observed leaking. Repair
590.005/5-205.15-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Floor behing and under cooking equipments observed soiled with visible grease grime floor under 3 bay sink observed soiled with debris accumulation floor inside walking freezer observed with ice build up. Clean to remove.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Ktchen area observed missing ceiling tiles. Provide
590.006/6-501.11-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: No labels on some bulk food containers and multiple squeeze bottles. Provide labels when removed from original containers.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple boxes of food observed stored on the floor inside walkin. Discontinue and elevate.
590.003/3-305.11-C
26
Feb 6, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: No hand washing soap at hand sink near service counter provide.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Food temperature measuring devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No food thermometer for monitoring foods provide.
590.004/4-302.12-PF
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: No labels on some bulk food containers and squeeze bottles provide.
590.003/3-302.12-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: No Food safety certification for person in charge on site only has allergen certification provide.
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Clean floor to remove visible soil.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Inuse wiping cloths stored on counter no sanitizer provide.
590.003/3-304.14-C
67
Sep 8, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Repair ceiling in basement from water leak. Address any stained tiles in the kitchen.
590.006/6-101.11-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Clean hood filters on cooking line soiled. Hood sticker good until Sept 2023
590.004/4-202.18-C
90
Aug 7, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink at front counter was blocked with drink containers. Inside the sink and in front of it. Discontinue
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of rodent droppings and fruit flies in the basement. Please address with pest control and provide me with past reports.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Outdoor storage surface (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to clean back alley of any weeds and loose trash.
590.005/5-501.11-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Repair ceiling in basement from water leak. Address any stained tiles in the kitchen.
590.006/6-101.11-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floor in the basement of droppings. Clean the floor in the kitchen under and behind all equipment of dry food and grime build up. Clean wall at front counter from dust from A/C
590.006/6-201.11-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean in place equipment. Soiled. Clean exterior of bulk food containers. Clean interior and exterior of refrigeration. Clean shelves under stairs.and by vegetables storage.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Clean hood filters on cooking line soiled. Hood sticker good until Sept 2023
590.004/4-202.18-C
(a) (b) and (d) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles storing (c)
Inspector notes: Above three bay sink found soiled equipment store with clean equipment. Please properly rewash equipment.
590.004/4-903.11-C1
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: All bulk food containers need to be lableled.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue to store containers on the floor under shelves in walk in. Must be 6 inches off the floor.
590.003/3-305.11-C
55
Feb 23, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Food Safety Certificate posted is expired. Provide an up to date Certificate. 2-16-23 PIC will need to provide an up to date Food Safety or paperwork to when a class will be taken
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
95
Feb 9, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw whole eggs stored on multiple shelves in two door refrigerator above and on top of ready to eat foods. As discussed all eggs must be stored on bottom shelf.
590.003/3-302.11-P
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink in back of kitchen was blocked with personal items trash bags and empty water bottles. Hand sink needs to be available at all time.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Food Safety Certificate posted is expired. Provide an up to date Certificate.
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Clkean floor under equipment.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Outside storage prohibitions (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to clean up loose trash and have trash barrels closed. Barrels are overloaded at this time.
590.005/5-501.112-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Provide drain plugs for all three bays of the three bay sink. I found wiping cloth being used at this time.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Drain boards (c)
Inspector notes: Three bay sink has one drain board. Provide an area to store soiled equipment. Maybe a small cart. Discontinue to store on grease trap and in rinse bay.
590.004/4-301.13-C
61
Oct 31, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of rodent droppings in basement under and on shelves. Clean to remove and report to pest control.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Clean floor in basement and under cooking equipment.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to paint or replace ceiling tiles in kitchen.
590.006/6-201.17-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to clean up ice build up in walk in freezer in basement.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood filters will need to be cleaned. Hood sticker expires Oct 29Th. Please have both cleaned.
590.004/4-202.18-C
Outdoor storage surface (c)
Inspector notes: Back alley will need to be cleaned up and grease barrel cleaned and covered.
590.005/5-501.11-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: If back door is going to be left open the screen door will need to be used.
590.006/6-101.11-C
(a) (b) and (d) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles storing (c)
Inspector notes: Cutting board stored on faucet of the three bay sink. Discontiue
590.004/4-903.11-C1
64
May 20, 2022
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood filters will need to be cleaned and the hood has expired hood sticker. Have both cleaned.
590.004/4-202.18-C
Single-service and single-use articles-use limitations (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple Poland Spring bottles being used for juices made in bulk. Some are soiled and labels falling off. Provide containers to make juices in that can be properly washed and sanitized.
590.004/4-502.13-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue to store product on the floor in the walk in. provide shelves.
590.003/3-305.11-C
86
May 13, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food labels (pf)
Inspector notes: Grab and go deserts in retail area will need to have ingredients listed along with inform already on the label.
590.003/3-602.11-PF
Food labels (pf)
Inspector notes: Sauces and any bulk food containers will need to have labels to whats in the container.
590.003/3-602.11-PF
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue to store cutting boards on faucet handles.
590.004/4-501.12-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood filters will need to be cleaned and the hood has expired hood sticker. Have both cleaned.
590.004/4-202.18-C
Single-service and single-use articles-use limitations (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple Poland Spring bottles being used for juices made in bulk. Some are soiled and labels falling off. Provide containers to make juices in that can be properly washed and sanitized.
590.004/4-502.13-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue to store product on the floor in the walk in. provide shelves.
590.003/3-305.11-C
67
May 5, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food labels (pf)
Inspector notes: Grab and go deserts in retail area will need to have ingredients listed along with inform already on the label.
590.003/3-602.11-PF
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue to store product on the floor in the walk in. provide shelves.
590.003/3-305.11-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Sauces and any bulk food containers will need to have labels to whats in the container.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood filters will need to be cleaned and the hood has expired hood sticker. Have both cleaned.
590.004/4-202.18-C
Single-service and single-use articles-use limitations (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple Poland Spring bottles being used for juices made in bulk. Some are soiled and labels falling off. Provide containers to make juices in that can be properly washed and sanitized.
590.004/4-502.13-C
(a) (b) and (d) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles storing (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue to store cutting boards on faucet handles.
590.004/4-903.11-C1
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pikalox last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Pikalox on file is from Feb 9, 2026. The public record contains 16 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Pikalox?
Across the inspection record, “floors walls and ceilings-cleanability” has been cited 10 times, more than any other issue at Pikalox.
How does Pikalox compare to other restaurants in Dorchester?
Pikalox most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Dorchester average of 86.
Has Pikalox's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Pikalox have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Pikalox means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Pikalox inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Pikalox is inspected around four times per year on average.
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