Pollo Centro
Last inspected: Mar 26, 2026
52
Score
Public records show 16 inspections at Pollo Centro stretching back to 2022. On Mar 26, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A high risk tier suggests the facility had a rough recent inspection, with multiple violations on record.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around three violations each.
Looking across the full record, “floors walls and ceilings-cleanability” is the recurring theme, flagged seven times.
By comparison, the average Dorchester facility scores 86, putting Pollo Centro on the weaker side. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.
16
Inspections
1
Critical latest
3
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 26, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Food at front steam table 90-100F. Reheated for hot hodling. Monitor food temperatures to ensure safe holding temperatures.
590.003/3-501.16-P1
Common name-working containers (pf)
Inspector notes: Chemical spray bottle without label. Label chemicals to prevent contamination.
590.007/7-102.11-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Service counter hand sink out of soap. Ensure all hand sinks have soap and towels at all times.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Warewashing hand sink out of paper towels. Ensure all hand sinks have soap and towels at all times.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Trash and debris in dumpster area. Clean to avoid attracting pests.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Basement floor pitted and damaged. Resurface for smooth cleanable floor.
590.006/6-501.11-C
Toilet room receptacle covered (c)
Inspector notes: Women's bathroom trash without cover. Provide covered trash bins.
590.005/5-501.17-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Shelves under kitchen tables covered with soiled aluminum foil. Discard foil and discontinue covering shelves.
590.004/4-101.19-C
52
Feb 10, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Backflow prevention air gap (p)
Inspector notes: No air gap at the prep sink provide.
590.005/5-202.13-P
86
Dec 8, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Backflow prevention air gap (p)
Inspector notes: No air gap at the prep sink provide.
590.005/5-202.13-P
86
Nov 21, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Backflow prevention air gap (p)
Inspector notes: No air gap at the prep sink provide.
590.005/5-202.13-P
86
Oct 27, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Backflow prevention air gap (p)
Inspector notes: No air gap at the prep sink provide.
590.005/5-202.13-P
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Clean below storage shelving inside freezer and walk in cooler to remove visible soil.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Some ingredient containers are missing ingredient labels provide with ingredient name.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Remove non inuse equipment from the exterior grounds.
590.006/6-501.114-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Exhausthood sticker expired service by licensed hood cleaner and provide current sticker.
590.006/6-501.14-C
70
Jul 30, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Area surrounding dumpster is soiled with grease build up and excess trash. Observed establishment using a drying agent in an attempt to absorb excessx grease in driveway. Clean to remove all trash and oil resadue.
590.006/6-501.114-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Grease container outside observed overfilled and covered in grease. Ensure proper pick up frequency by grease pick up company.
590.006/6-501.12-C
Receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Grease container in back trash area is soiled with grease build up. Clean to remove all soils.
590.005/5-501.13-C
86
May 19, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Wall and ceiling coverings and coatings (c)
Inspector notes: Some ceiling tiles in the basement area observed missing . Provide
590.006/6-201.16-C
95
Apr 18, 2025
Routine
4 critical violations. 9 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 24 violations
Safe unadulterated and honestly presented (p)
Inspector notes: Oil in the fryeolator observed heavily discolored. Change
590.003/3-101.11-P
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw shelled eggs observed stored above romaine lettuce. Discontinue
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Hot holding : Fried chicken 109F chicken tender 122F all products were discard by chef and PIC. PIC to review hot holding and train staff.
590.003/3-501.16-P1
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Cold holding: chopped tomato 54F pico de gallo 54F all products were discard by chef and PIC. PIC to review cold holding and train staff.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Employee restroom in the basement area observed without paper towel. Provide means to drying hands (corrected on site)
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple dropping observed downstairs in the basement area Clean to remove. Provide detailed IPM report to : inca.prince@boston.gov
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Food labels (pf)
Inspector notes: Individually packed dessert containers stored in the refrigeration unit observed without label. Provide Squeeze bottles and bulk bins observed not labled. Label if removed from original package
590.003/3-602.11-PF
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: :At the time of inspection the staff on site were unable to answer question pertaining to temperature control . Reviewed at the time of inspection. CFPM to train staff on procedures.
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior of and exterior of oven orange juicer maker in between equipments ice machine filter downstairs in the basement cookline backsplash exterior and interior of refrigeration unit deep freezer observed heavily soiled heavy ice and dust build up heavy carbon build up visible food spills and food encrusted. Clean and sanitize to remove.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Kitchen main handsinks observed blocked by bottle of beer. Discontinue and maintain accessible at all time to prevent contamination by hands . (corrected on site)
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Must designate a knowledgeable PIC all operational hours. PIC to train staff on all violations on the inspection report. PIC to provide active managerial control.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Kitchen main handsinks and food prep area handsinks observed without handsoap. Soap dispenser observed dispensing sanitzer instead. Provide
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Large quantity of prepped foods observed stored in various refrigeration and walkin unit observed without date marking. Provide made/discard date to all foods prep to store in the refrigeration unit. Per PIC foods were prep the nigh before 4.15.25 and earlier today 4.16.25
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Front of the house staff observed working with RTE foods without proper hair restraint. Provide (corrected on site)
590.002/2-402.11-C
Storage or display of food in contact with water or ice (c)
Inspector notes: Peeled potato and yuka observed stored in stagnant water. Discontinue (COS)
590.003/3-303.12-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple cases of food items observed stored inside walking freezer on the floor. Discontinue and elevate
590.003/3-305.11-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood vent at the chicken grilling station observed heavily soiled. Clean to remove Hood sticker expire: June 23rd 2025
590.004/4-202.18-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: In unit 2 door refrigeration unit observed operating at 58F. Repair
590.004/4-501.11-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: All cutting board in line observed heavily scored. Resurface or replace.
590.004/4-501.12-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple equipments observed lined with alumminum foil and walking freezer observed lined with cardboard. Discontinue.
590.006/6-101.11-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Floors under all equipments warewashing downstairs in the basement area walkin cooler and freezer and back of the restaurant observed heavily soiled from debris accumulation and dry food spills. Clean with more frequency to remove
590.006/6-201.11-C
Wall and ceiling coverings and coatings (c)
Inspector notes: Some ceiling tiles in the basement area observed missing . Provide
590.006/6-201.16-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Prep area and employee restroom handsinks observed without handwash sign. Provide
590.006/6-301.14-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Basement area observed heavily clutter by equipments boxes decor. Clean and organize to remove.
590.006/6-501.114-C
13
Apr 16, 2025
Routine
4 critical violations. 9 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 24 violations
Safe unadulterated and honestly presented (p)
Inspector notes: Oil in the fryeolator observed heavily discolored. Change
590.003/3-101.11-P
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw shelled eggs observed stored above romaine lettuce. Discontinue
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Cold holding: chopped tomato 54F pico de gallo 54F all products were discard by chef and PIC. PIC to review cold holding and train staff.
590.003/3-501.16-P
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Hot holding : Fried chicken 109F chicken tender 122F all products were discard by chef and PIC. PIC to review hot holding and train staff.
590.003/3-501.16-P1
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior of and exterior of oven orange juicer maker in between equipments ice machine filter downstairs in the basement cookline backsplash exterior and interior of refrigeration unit deep freezer observed heavily soiled heavy ice and dust build up heavy carbon build up visible food spills and food encrusted. Clean and sanitize to remove.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Large quantity of prepped foods observed stored in various refrigeration and walkin unit observed without date marking. Provide made/discard date to all foods prep to store in the refrigeration unit. Per PIC foods were prep the nigh before 4.15.25 and earlier today 4.16.25
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Kitchen main handsinks observed blocked by bottle of beer. Discontinue and maintain accessible at all time to prevent contamination by hands . (corrected on site)
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple dropping observed downstairs in the basement area Clean to remove. Provide detailed IPM report to : inca.prince@boston.gov
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Food labels (pf)
Inspector notes: Individually packed dessert containers stored in the refrigeration unit observed without label. Provide Squeeze bottles and bulk bins observed not labled. Label if removed from original package
590.003/3-602.11-PF
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: :At the time of inspection the staff on site were unable to answer question pertaining to temperature control . Reviewed at the time of inspection. CFPM to train staff on procedures.
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Must designate a knowledgeable PIC all operational hours. PIC to train staff on all violations on the inspection report. PIC to provide active managerial control.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Employee restroom in the basement area observed without paper towel. Provide means to drying hands (corrected on site)
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Kitchen main handsinks and food prep area handsinks observed without handsoap. Soap dispenser observed dispensing sanitzer instead. Provide
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Prep area and employee restroom handsinks observed without handwash sign. Provide
590.006/6-301.14-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Front of the house staff observed working with RTE foods without proper hair restraint. Provide (corrected on site)
590.002/2-402.11-C
Storage or display of food in contact with water or ice (c)
Inspector notes: Peeled potato and yuka observed stored in stagnant water. Discontinue (COS)
590.003/3-303.12-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple cases of food items observed stored inside walking freezer on the floor. Discontinue and elevate
590.003/3-305.11-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Basement area observed heavily clutter by equipments boxes decor. Clean and organize to remove.
590.006/6-501.114-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood vent at the chicken grilling station observed heavily soiled. Clean to remove Hood sticker expire: June 23rd 2025
590.004/4-202.18-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: In unit 2 door refrigeration unit observed operating at 58F. Repair
590.004/4-501.11-C
Wall and ceiling coverings and coatings (c)
Inspector notes: Some ceiling tiles in the basement area observed missing . Provide
590.006/6-201.16-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Floors under all equipments warewashing downstairs in the basement area walkin cooler and freezer and back of the restaurant observed heavily soiled from debris accumulation and dry food spills. Clean with more frequency to remove
590.006/6-201.11-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple equipments observed lined with alumminum foil and walking freezer observed lined with cardboard. Discontinue.
590.006/6-101.11-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: All cutting board in line observed heavily scored. Resurface or replace.
590.004/4-501.12-C
13
Aug 26, 2024
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple flies at the basement dry storage area provide a current pest control report.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
90
Aug 19, 2024
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple flies at the basement dry storage area provide a current pest control report.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
90
Aug 1, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple flies at the basement dry storage area provide a current pest control report.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Remove noninuse equipment and empty bottles stored on the exterior grounds.
590.005/5-501.115-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Gap between walk in cooler door and framing repair.
590.006/6-202.15-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Leaky pipe at the basement area near the dry storage area repair.
590.005/5-205.15-C
78
May 3, 2024
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
(a) (b) and (d) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles storing (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue storing food storage containers on exterior grounds provide proper storage.
590.004/4-903.11-C1
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Some cutting boards heavily worn and scoreded replace.
590.004/4-501.12-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Exhausthood sticker expired Service by licensed cleaner and provide current sticker.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Heating ventilation air conditioning system vents (c)
Inspector notes: Ventilation inside restroom not working repair. opening in ceiling repair.
590.006/6-202.12-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: cooking line floor damaged in some areas repairs.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Cleaning receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Grease container heavily soiled clean.
590.005/5-501.116-C
Storage refuse recyclables and returnable (c)
Inspector notes: Excessive boxes of beer bottles on the exterior grounds provide frequent pickup.
590.005/5-501.110-C
Anti-choking
Inspector notes: No anti-choking certified person onsite provide.
590.009(E)
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Remove all non inuse equipment from exterior grounds.
590.006/6-501.114-C
64
Aug 8, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Food contact with equipment utensils and linens (p)
Inspector notes: Several frying baskets heavily soiled and with cacked on foods. Clean to remove.
590.003/3-304.11-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Sliced tomatoes and other produce inside of the open air unit with an elevated temperature of 49F. Foods were removed at the time of the inspection.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Food-contact surfaces-cleanability (pf)
Inspector notes: Toilet seat missing in restroom. Replace. One fan of the walk-in freezer is not operational. Address and mak any necessary repairs. Small open air cooler at the front service station with an elevated temperature of 48F. Disontinue use unless the unit is able to maintain a temperature of below 41F. Foods currently in unit to be reomved and placed into an addtional refrigeation unit.
590.004/4-202.11-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: 3 Door flip top cooler next to the 6 top burner with excess moisture. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Area enclosures and receptacles good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Outside dumpster with damaged/missing lid. Replace.
590.005/5-501.111-C
Cleaning receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Outside grounds around the dumpster/grease bin with visible soils. Grounds shall be maintained and free from any excess debris/grease build-up.
590.005/5-501.116-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Hood and Ventilation tags with a past expiration date from July 2023. Address and provide up to adte tags for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Evidence of light fruit fly activity noted in the basement storage area. Address and provide an up to date pest control report for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: At the time of the inspecition there was no Food Allergen Ceritifcation. Provide.
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Several squeeze bottles filled with sauces and dressings have no labels. Provide.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Food storage prohibited areas (c)
Inspector notes: Bag of onions observed being stored on the ground near the basement staircase. Discontinue and store all foods elevated a minimum of 6 inches off the ground. Boxes of meats and other foods observed being stored on the ground of the walk-in freezer/refrigerator. Discontinue.
590.003/3-305.12-C
45
Apr 6, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Reheating for hot holding (p)
Inspector notes: Cut chicken at burrito station was at 89F. PIC will need to properly reheated to 165F food before its put into hot holding to stay above 135F. Discontinue to use the hot holding unit to reheat foods.
590.003/3-403.11-P
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Whole grilled chicken at 127F at front counter. PIC will need to turn up the holding unit and monitor temperatures.
590.003/3-501.16-P1
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink on cooking line blocked with mops brooms and containers. PIC moved. Please keep all hand sinks available for staff to wash hands properly.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Food-contact surfaces-cleanability (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to replace cracked / broken lid to one of the large bulk food containers in kitchen as discussed.
590.004/4-202.11-PF
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Exterior of bulk food containers will need to be cleaned. Shelves in kitchen will need to be cleaned and tin foil removed. Exterior hands of refrigerators.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to clean the filters on the cooking line. Hood sticker is due this month please have cleaned or provide a date when it will be cleaned.
590.004/4-202.18-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Large white cutting board at front counter will need to be resurfaced or replaced. Board has dark deep scores.
590.004/4-501.12-C
(a) and (c) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles-storing (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue to store knives and other equipment between wall and three bay sink.
590.004/4-903.11-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Food containers in refrigerators and in walk in will need to have covers for protection as discussed.
590.003/3-305.11-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to clean the floor under and behind shelves and cooking equipment. Walk in had a water build up. PIC stated that they were just cleaning the floor. Please remove water.
590.006/6-201.11-C
45
Apr 15, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Pressure (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sinks and three bay sink will need to have more pressure.
590.005/5-103.12-PF
Food-contact surfaces-cleanability (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to replace broken or cracked containers in kitchen and walk in.
590.004/4-202.11-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to clean the floor in the walk in freezer and refrigerator. Both have water ice build up.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to provide a sanitizer bucket to properly store wiping cloths. PIC corrected this at this time.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: Disconintue to store grey buckets of sauces and marinade on pipe under prep sink.
590.003/3-302.11-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to clean to remove or replace small and large cutting boards in the kitchen and prep areas. Visibly soiled with dark scores and cracks as discussed.
590.004/4-501.12-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to remove ice build up in walk in freezer. As discussed.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Outdoor enclosure (c)
Inspector notes: Dumpster out back overloaded and open.
590.005/5-501.12-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: PIC will need to provide drain plugs for all three bays of the three bay sink. Discontinue to used gloves and wiping cloths.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue to store product on the floor in the walk ins. Must be 6 inchs off the floor at all times. Discontinue to use three bay sink for food prep when you are setting up sanitizer in the last bay. Use prep sink.
590.003/3-305.11-C
(a) (b) and (d) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles storing (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue to store clean equipment between wall and back of three bay sink.
590.004/4-903.11-C1
52
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pollo Centro last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Pollo Centro on file is from Mar 26, 2026. The public record contains 16 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Pollo Centro?
Across the inspection record, “floors walls and ceilings-cleanability” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Pollo Centro.
How does Pollo Centro compare to other restaurants in Dorchester?
Pollo Centro most recently scored 52 out of 100, which is lower than the Dorchester average of 86.
Has Pollo Centro's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Pollo Centro have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Pollo Centro 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 Pollo Centro inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Pollo Centro is inspected around four times per year on average.
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