Potluck Cafe
Last inspected: Apr 27, 2026
95
Score
Potluck Cafe has been inspected 13 times since 2022. On Apr 27, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around four violations to closer to seven violations.
Across the inspection history, “nonfood contact surfaces” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded six times.
Restaurants in Boston average 86, so Potluck Cafe is doing better than most peers. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 27, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: There is no mop sink.Provide (PIC stating mop water being disposed in toilet) Provide a plumbers report extension provided
590.005/5-203.13-C
95
Apr 8, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Backflow prevention (p)
Inspector notes: Provide an air gap at the prep sink.
590.005/5-402.11-P
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Prepped items in the refrigeration units observed missing datemarkings.Provide datemarkings on all prepped items held 41F or below for over 24 hours
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide a vomit/diarrhea clean up kit on site (procedures to be emailed to the PIC)
590.002/2-501.11-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the cook line eqipment to remove soils. Clean the interiors of the fryer units to remove grease/soils. Clean the interiors of the reach in refrigeration units to remove soils. Clean the shelving units in the walkin to remove soils
590.004/4-602.13-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: The hood sticker has expired on 2.22.26.Provide a proper hood cleaning from a licensed company.Post the new sticker.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floors throughout the kitchen & walkin refrigeration unit to remove soils & debris.
590.006/6-501.13-C
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: There is no mop sink.Provide (PIC stating mop water being disposed in toilet)
590.005/5-203.13-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: The hood filters were observed heavily soiled.Clean to remove soils.
590.004/4-202.18-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Provide working internal thermometers in the reach in refrigeration units
590.004/4-204.112-C
52
Nov 17, 2025
Routine
4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Slicer observed with food soils. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Common name-working containers (pf)
Inspector notes: Unlabled chemical spray bottle observed in bathroom. Provide label.
590.007/7-102.11-PF
Where to wash (pf)
Inspector notes: Employee observed washing hands in three bay sink. Use hand sinks for hand washing.
590.002/2-301.15-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple prepped meats in walk in cooler observed without date marking. Provde for all foods held longer than 24 hours.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple employees observed without hair restraints. Provide.
590.002/2-402.11-C
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple containers of uncovered food product in stand up refrigerator. Cover to prevent potential contamination.
590.003/3-302.11-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Food product observed stored on ground. Elevate to prevent potential contamination.
590.003/3-305.11-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled cardboard observed inside freezer unit and on the floor of cookline. Remove. Surfaces must be easily cleanable.
590.004/4-101.19-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood filters observed soiled with grease. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-202.18-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Sides of oven are soiled with food debris. Under cookline observed with soils. Sides of fryolater observed with soils. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker observed expired. Schedule cleaning appointment.
590.006/6-501.14-C
47
Feb 28, 2025
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Handwashing sinks-numbers and capacities (pf)
Inspector notes: Renovation done without plan review. No hand sink in proximity to front service line. Provide hand sink in front service counter area.
590.005/5-203.11-PF
90
Jan 30, 2025
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: Chicken in hot box at 125F. Reheated to acceptable temperature. Hold hot foods 135F or above.
590.003/3-501.16-P1
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Dough sheeter observed with soils. Mixer observed with soils. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Handwashing sinks-numbers and capacities (pf)
Inspector notes: Renovation done without plan review. No hand sink in proximity to front service line. Provide hand sink in front service counter area.
590.005/5-203.11-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple foods in walk in cooler observed without date marking. Provide for all foods held longer than 24 hours.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Employees working with food observed with no hair restraints. Provide.
590.002/2-402.11-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood filters observed with soils. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-202.18-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Provide hand wash only signage for back of house production line hand sink.
590.006/6-301.14-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Wiring coming through wall to provide power to hot line in front service area. Referred to electical division.
590.006/6-501.11-C
52
Jul 25, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: At the time of the re-inspection Chicken on steam table at 82F. Address and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at a minimum of 135F and above. Chicken to be reheated to 165F to esnure no bacterial growth.
590.003/3-501.16-P1
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: At the time of the re-inspection the hot water faucet was not functioning. Address and make any necessary repairs.
590.005/5-205.15-C
82
Jul 8, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Chicken on steam table at 78F. Person in charge discarded. Ensure hot held foods at held at 135F or above.
590.003/3-501.16-P1
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw shell eggs stored above ready to eat foods. Corrected on site.
590.003/3-302.11-P
Common name-working containers (pf)
Inspector notes: Chemical spray bottle observed with no label. Provide.
590.007/7-102.11-PF
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood filters observed with grease build up. Clean to remove. Hood sticker is current.
590.004/4-202.18-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Cardboard on ground of walk in cooler. Person in charge removed.
590.004/4-101.19-C
61
Apr 3, 2024
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: Raw Beef sitting on counter @ 52f ensure proper cold hold of 41f or below. (When prepping or cutting beef take out small amounts cut and then store in walk-in cooler). Manager moved beef to walk-in to chill at time of inspection
590.003/3-501.16-P
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: 1) Hood Vents with heavy grease build up clean to remove 2) Walls and piping to right of cooking line near ansul system with heavy grease build up clean to remove
590.006/6-501.12-C
82
Oct 12, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Containers of raw meat stored above produce and ready to eat foods in walk-in refrigerator. Corrected on site. Store raw meat below cooked food and produce to prevent contamination.
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Prepared chicken wings in hot holding at 100F. Discarded by PIC. Ensure hot holding temperature is 135F and above at all times.
590.003/3-501.16-P1
(a )cooling methods (pf)
Inspector notes: Containers of cooked egg & tomato covered in reach-in refrigerator at 125F. Cool cooked foods uncovered to allow heat to escape. Do not cover until completely cooled to 41F. Cool to 70F in 2 hours then to 41F in 4 more hours.
590.003/3-501.15-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior of microwave with soils. Clean and maintain.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Grease and soils on floor under deep fryer. Soils and spills on spice shelf over cook ine refrigerator. Interior of cook line refrigerator with spills and soils. Clean and maintain.
590.004/4-602.13-C
58
May 3, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Old chicken box used for storing cardboard at counter. Discard chicken box and do not use chicken boxes for storage. Chicken boxes are contaminated with raw chicken. Eggs and raw meats stored above produce and ready to eat foods in walk-in cooler. Store raw meat below produce. Corrected on site.
590.003/3-302.11-P
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Large bottle of hand soap at counter hand sink. Provide pump bottle for hand soap to ensure hand washing. Packaged food only handled at counter. Soap and towels at kitchen hand sink.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker expired. Provide scheduled cleaning date
590.006/6-501.14-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wiping cloths not stored in sanitizing solution. Store cloths in sanitizer between uses to prevent cross contamination.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Soils in bottom of hot holding unit at front counter. Water and soils under cook station cooler. Soils under wok station. Clean to prevent attracting pests.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Toilet room receptacle covered (c)
Inspector notes: Trash bin in bathroom not covered. Provide covered waste receptacle in bathroom
590.005/5-501.17-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Scoops for serving rice in 63F water. Store scoops in hot water over 135F or clean and dry.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Cleaning of plumbing fixtures (c)
Inspector notes: Back splash at kitchen hand sink soiled. Clean to prevent contamination.
590.006/6-501.18-C
58
Nov 30, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Cooked chicken pieces at 60F on counter at cook line. PIC stated chicken had been cooked with the last two hours. Placed in refrigerator. Corrected on site. Do not leave cooked ready to eat food at room temperature- store under refrigeration at 41F or below.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Packages of mushrooms stored in old chicken box under containers of raw chicken. Old chicken boxes used to store canned goods. Disard old chicken boxes and discontinue using boxes for storage. Assmue chicekn boxes are contaminated with chicken blood.
590.003/3-302.11-P
Toilet room receptacle covered (c)
Inspector notes: No cover for waste bin in restroom. Provide covered trash receptacle.
590.005/5-501.17-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Stove with heavy build-up of carbon and debris. Clean to avoid attracting pests or possible fire hazard.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled cardboard covering prep table. Foil covering shelves above stove. Discard and discontinue using cardboard and foil to cover tables and shelves. Use materials that are cleanable durable and non-absorbent
590.004/4-101.19-C
64
Jun 13, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker expired. Cleaning scheduled for Friday 6/10/22
590.006/6-501.14-C
95
Jun 2, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Old chicken boxes used for storage in kitchen. Discard and discontinue using old chicken boxes on site. Raw chicken in walk-in cooler stored above raw produce. Raw eggs stored above cooked foods. Raw animal products must be stored below ready-to-eat foods and produce.
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Cooked pork out at cook line at 52F. Store cold foods cold under refrigeration. Corrected on site.
590.003/3-501.16-P
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior of microwave heavily soiled with food and spills. Clean and maintain. Interior and exterior of undercounter reach-in cooler at cook line with spills and soils. Clean and maintain.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker expired. Provide date for scheduled cleaning.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Debris under prep tables and in corner of kitchen behind prep sink. Clean under shelves and tables discard unused items and monitor for any pest activity.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Old soiled cardboard covering prep table. Discard and discontinue using cardboard on tables or shelves. Use materials that are durable and non-absorbent.
590.004/4-101.19-C
58
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Potluck Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Potluck Cafe on file is from Apr 27, 2026. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Potluck Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood contact surfaces” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Potluck Cafe.
How does Potluck Cafe compare to other restaurants in Boston?
Potluck Cafe most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is higher than the Boston average of 86.
Has Potluck Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Potluck Cafe have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Potluck Cafe 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 Potluck Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Potluck Cafe is inspected around three times per year on average.
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