Pink Taco
Last inspected: Mar 2, 2026
95
Score
The health department has logged 17 inspections at Pink Taco, the earliest from 2022. The most recent report on file is from Mar 2, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around one violation, down from roughly five violations earlier in the record.
The pattern that stands out is “outer openings protected”, which has been cited seven times.
Among Boston restaurants, the typical score is 86; Pink Taco is comfortably above that bar. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
17
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 2, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: No droppings observed while on site today 2/17/26. On 2/12/26 - report indicated 3 captures inside kitchen. Provide upcoming pest reports to the Health Division upon completion
590.006/6-501.111-C
95
Feb 17, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: No droppings observed while on site today 2/17/26. On 2/12/26 - report indicated 3 captures inside kitchen. Provide upcoming pest reports to the Health Division upon completion
590.006/6-501.111-C
95
Feb 5, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Today 1/29/26 - Observed droppings underneath bench cushions in dining areas and underneath 3 bay compartment sink. Discussed with PIC to clean/monitor and provide pest reports immediately upon completion of services
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: No droppings observed while on site today 2/5/26. Structural voids noted on report 1/15/26 and revisited 1/30/26. PIC stated pest services on weekly basis. Provide upcoming pest report to the Health Division upon completion
590.006/6-501.111-C
86
Jan 29, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Today 1/29/26 - Observed droppings underneath bench cushions in dining areas and underneath 3 bay compartment sink. Discussed with PIC to clean/monitor and provide pest reports immediately upon completion of services
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: No droppings observed while on site but findings indicated on pest report 1/14/26. Discussed with PIC/Mgmt to inquire on increased services -2x per week until activity eliminated
590.006/6-501.111-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Observed bottom of front door with opening. Provide weather stripping to prevent pest entry
590.006/6-202.15-C
82
Jan 21, 2026
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Small rodent droppings observed in storage / locker area under 3 bay sink. Discussed with PIC to ensure droppings are removed and recommendation to increase pest services to 2x per week until no activity
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed filters on ice machine with heavy dust / soiled bulk containers in storage room. Thoroughly clean to remove all dust and soils from stated equipment
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: No droppings observed while on site but findings indicated on pest report 1/14/26. Discussed with PIC/Mgmt to inquire on increased services -2x per week until activity eliminated
590.006/6-501.111-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Observed bottom of front door with opening. Provide weather stripping to prevent pest entry
590.006/6-202.15-C
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: Insulation surrounding the air duct units in the locker area is torn and coming apart / Repair
590.006/6-201.17-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Observed plastic bowls being used for bulk scooping. Provide handled scoopers for all bulk dispensing
590.003/3-304.12-C
67
Jan 9, 2026
Routine
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Small rodent droppings observed in storage / locker area under 3 bay sink. Discussed with PIC to ensure droppings are removed and recommendation to increase pest services to 2x per week until no activity
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No test kits available for bar glass machines and low temp main dish machine / Provide
590.004/4-302.14-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed filters on ice machine with heavy dust / soiled bulk containers in storage room. Thoroughly clean to remove all dust and soils from stated equipment
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: Insulation surrounding the air duct units in the locker area is torn and coming apart / Repair
590.006/6-201.17-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Observed bottom of front door with opening. Provide weather stripping to prevent pest entry
590.006/6-202.15-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Observed plastic bowls being used for bulk scooping. Provide handled scoopers for all bulk dispensing
590.003/3-304.12-C
64
Jan 2, 2026
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No test kits available for bar glass machines and low temp main dish machine / Provide
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Small rodent droppings noted near ice machine under 3 bay sink along back area walls and in employee locker area / Remove and maintain daily cleaning
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Bottom of front door and retractable window with small gaps / Provide weather stripping to seal any light of day out
590.006/6-202.15-C
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: Insulation surrounding the air duct units in the locker area is torn and coming apart / Repair
590.006/6-201.17-C
74
Dec 18, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker exp 9/25. Provide proof of required maintenance. Please send proof of updated maintenance prior to hearing date.
590.006/6-501.14-C
95
Nov 3, 2025
Routine
5 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Preventing contamination from hands (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed staff garnishing drinks with her bare hands. retrain staff to utilize utensils or gloves for service.
590.003(C)/3-301.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Missing testing device for low temp dishmachine and 3 compartment sink. Provide and have available at all times.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Cleaning agents and sanitizers availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Missing sanitizer and detergent at the low and high temp dishmachines. Replace and provide at all times
590.004/4-303.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed the handsink blocked with crates of clean utensils. Remove and allow acess at all times to assure proper hand washing.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Handsink missing soap. Provide
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker exp 9/25. Provide proof of required maintenance.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Observed ice buckets on the floor. Clean to remove soils and elevate properly
590.003/3-307.11-C
55
Jun 4, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
When to wash (p)
Inspector notes: Observed staff at the bar not washing his hands between contact with soiled equipment. Retrain staff to properly wash hands in areas of service. Staff stated he washed his hands in the kitchen
590.002/2-301.14-P
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple refrigeratrion and freezer units with visible soils on the exterior. Clean to remove
590.004/4-601.11-C
Cleaning of plumbing fixtures (c)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple handsink fixtures with heavy soils and thick substance visible. Clean to remove grime build up debris.
590.006/6-501.18-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood stiicker exp 3/25. Provide proof of inspection.
590.006/6-501.14-C
74
Feb 24, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Sep 9, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Manual and mechanical warewashing equipment chemical sanitization-temperature ph concentration and hardness (p)
Inspector notes: Low temp dishmachine not operating properly. Provide repair and discontinue use until you are able to get applicable test results. PIC instructed to utilize the dishmachine in the kitchen that registered 100ppm chlorine.
590.004/4-501.114-P
86
Mar 26, 2024
Routine
3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Cleaning agents and sanitizers availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Low temp dish machine at bar missing sanitizer Bottle observed empty. PIC corrected on site. Continue to monitor to assure proper sanitizing.
590.004/4-303.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Missing chlorine test strips for low temp dishmachine. Provide
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple handsinks utilized as dumpsinks at bar location. Designate and label sinks and retrain staff.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Storing maintenance tools (c)
Inspector notes: Observed numerous brooms and dust pans stored not elevated. Provide proper equipment for storage to prevent contamination.
590.006/6-501.113-C
70
Jul 26, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure all foods are being stored elevated off the floors a minimum of six inches during storage in the dry goods room as well as inside all walk-in refrigerated / freezer units
590.003/3-305.11-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure a copy of your " Allergen awareness certificate " is current and available on site and posted alongside your " Food safety certificate "
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Storage areas redeeming machines receptacles and waste handling units location (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure the outdoor gre3ase receptacle is mbeing cleaned frequently as discussed to resuce potential rodent activity - replace if it becomes compromised and / or uncleanable
590.005/5-501.19-C
86
Apr 3, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Covering receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Cardboard dumpster with doors open. Plastic lids blow open with wind in alleyway. Suggested to replace unit with dumpster that has metal lids.
590.005/5-501.113-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Food employee observed without hair restraint. Provide.
590.002/2-402.11-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Front door does not close tightly. Repair.
590.006/6-202.15-C
86
Feb 24, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Covering receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Cardboard dumpster with doors open. Plastic lids blow open with wind in alleyway. Suggested to replace unit with dumpster that has metal lids.
590.005/5-501.113-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Front door does not close tightly. Repair.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Food employee observed without hair restraint. Provide.
590.002/2-402.11-C
86
Aug 1, 2022
Routine
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Dish rack obstructing handsink. COS.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Heavy presence of fruit flies in kitchen and bar area. Provide updated IPM pest control report upon reinspection for treatment of flies.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: No paper towels at warewashing handsink. COS.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Anti-choking
Inspector notes: No choke save certificate on site. Provide.
590.009(E)
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Daylight is emitting below front door. Seal with pest proof materials.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Large hole in drywall in back hallway. Repair with durable materials.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Cleaning receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Rolling trash container in back area with visible soils. Clean to remove.
590.005/5-501.116-C
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Trapped mice in back common area next to water heater. Remove.
590.006/6-501.112-C
58
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pink Taco last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Pink Taco on file is from Mar 2, 2026. The public record contains 17 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Pink Taco?
Across the inspection record, “outer openings protected” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Pink Taco.
How does Pink Taco compare to other restaurants in Boston?
Pink Taco most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is higher than the Boston average of 86.
Has Pink Taco's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Pink Taco have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Pink Taco 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 Pink Taco inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Pink Taco is inspected around five times per year on average.
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