Poke Works
Last inspected: Apr 6, 2026
58
Score
Going back to 2022, Poke Works has 13 inspections in the public record. The newest entry in the record is dated Apr 6, 2026. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.
The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around three violations each, up from closer to one violation before.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “controlling pests”, showing up eight times.
Compared to other Boston restaurants (averaging 86), there's room to close the gap. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
3
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 6, 2026
Routine
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Rat droppings found in back area near 3 bay sink clean to remove. Supply detailed extermoinator reports with findings and recommendations
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Noted no soap available at the hand sink near the ice machine.Provide
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: No paper towel available at the hand sink by the ice machine.Provide
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Food storage prohibited areas (c)
Inspector notes: Rice bowl and prep sink with left over rice over night clean to remove and ensure all equipment cleaned at end of night and sinks cleared of all foods to help with rodent issues in stall.
590.003/3-305.12-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Remove all unnecessary items from the basement storage area and store all items above the floor
590.006/6-501.114-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Noted ice scoop in the ice machine not stored properly.Store with handle facing up or in a clean container
590.003/3-304.12-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Provide a door sweep to the door in he storage area in the basement/cover the hole next ti the door to prevent pest entry.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Noted several areas of the HVAC pipe exposed over the prep area .Cover the insulation to prevent contamination
590.003/3-307.11-C
58
Sep 30, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Apr 17, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Rat droppings found in back area near 3 bay sink clean to remove. Supply detailed extermoinator reports with findings and recommendations
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Food storage prohibited areas (c)
Inspector notes: Rice bowl and prep sink with left over rice over night clean to remove and ensure all equipment cleaned at end of night and sinks cleared of all foods to help with rodent issues in stall.
590.003/3-305.12-C
86
Dec 6, 2024
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: dropping found on all window sills clean to remove
590.006/6-501.111-PF
90
Nov 8, 2024
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: dropping found on all window sills clean to remove
590.006/6-501.111-PF
90
Mar 15, 2024
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Mice droppings found on all window ledges and under prep sink table in back area clean to remove and supply detailed exterminator reports with findings and recommendations 2-16-24: new hole found in wall under prep table and hole that was spray foamed has been reopened clean to remove and seal properly 3-7-24 Dead Mlouse found in downstairs storage area along with debris and water clean all to remove
590.006/6-501.111-PF
90
Mar 7, 2024
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Mice droppings found on all window ledges and under prep sink table in back area clean to remove and supply detailed exterminator reports with findings and recommendations 2-16-24: new hole found in wall under prep table and hole that was spray foamed has been reopened clean to remove and seal properly 3-7-24 Dead Mlouse found in downstairs storage area along with debris and water clean all to remove
590.006/6-501.111-PF
90
Feb 16, 2024
Routine
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior of ice machine with rust-like substance clean to remove
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Mice droppings found on all window ledges and under prep sink table in back area clean to remove and supply detailed exterminator reports with findings and recommendations 2-16-24: new hole found in wall under prep table and hole that was spray foamed has been reopened clean to remove and seal properly
590.006/6-501.111-PF
82
Feb 2, 2024
Routine
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior of ice machine with rust-like substance clean to remove
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Mice droppings found on all window ledges and under prep sink table in back area clean to remove and supply detailed exterminator reports with findings and recommendations
590.006/6-501.111-PF
82
Aug 3, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy food soils and food debris on interior and exterior of both handsinks. Clean to remove
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Debris and dust build up on exterior of ice chest. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-601.11-C
86
Apr 3, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Oct 19, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Avocado cold holding in top unit at temp 56F. PIC states it was just prepped and placed for service. PIC removed and placed back in refrigerator to continue cooling to proper temp below 41F. Suggested to place avocado in refrigerator to cool prior to prep.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Wall and ceiling coverings and coatings (c)
Inspector notes: Duct tape hanging from ventilation unit over back prep counter. Replace and remove loose tape.
590.006/6-201.16-C
82
May 2, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 12 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Crab and mayo salad on service line at 43F. PIC voluntarily discarded and replaced with another pan with a temperature of 37F.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Paper towels missing from dispenser at hand sink in prep room. Provide.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Consumer advisory font to small on menu. Please change too a larger font or place an additional advisory at point of service. Employee observed improperly rinsing soilded equipment at 3 bay compartment sink. Retrain staff Improper thawing of Ahi tuna in cryovac packging. Retrain staff
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Employees observed with no hair restraints while asembling food at service line. Provide proper hair restraints at all times
590.002/2-402.11-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Pitchers of un labled sauces cold holding unit and Jar with brown top in prep are on shelf not able to identify. Properly label all containers with name and date.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Thawing (c)
Inspector notes: Ahi Tuna thawing incorrectly in refridgetor unit. PIC removed placed on sheet pan and put a cut in bag.
590.003/3-501.13-C
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Observed sponges being used to clean soild equipment and to wipe out prep sink. Discontinue and use proper wiping cloths.
590.004/4-101.16-C
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: HVAC covering is frayed and hanging from exposed tape and insulation on the back wall. Retape to cover properly.
590.006/6-201.17-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Soils and grease build up on exterior or rice cookers refrigeration units rice bins all shelving and counter tops. Clean to remove. Debris and spills under cabinets Soiled interior of ice machine. Clean to remove soils.
590.004/4-601.11-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Thermometers missing in cold units under service line. Replace for proper temperature inside of unit.
590.004/4-204.112-C
Wet cleaning (c)
Inspector notes: Employee observed rinsing soiled equipment in rinse bay instead of properly washed equipment. Retrain
590.004/4-603.14-C
Covering receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Ladies room missing covering for receptacle. Provide
590.005/5-501.113-C
45
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Poke Works last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Poke Works on file is from Apr 6, 2026. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Poke Works?
Across the inspection record, “controlling pests” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Poke Works.
How does Poke Works compare to other restaurants in Boston?
Poke Works most recently scored 58 out of 100, which is lower than the Boston average of 86.
Has Poke Works' inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Poke Works have averaged around three violations per visit, up from roughly one earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Poke Works 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 Poke Works inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Poke Works is inspected around three times per year on average.
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