Sidewalk Cafe
Last inspected: Sep 25, 2025
95
Score
Public records show 11 inspections at Sidewalk Cafe stretching back to 2022. On Sep 25, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near five violations per visit across recent inspections.
“Certified food protection manager” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing four times across the record.
Compared to the broader South Boston restaurant scene, where the average is 87, this is a stronger showing. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 25, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Observed ice utilized for drinks stored in a cooler without a lid. Provide a proper lid to prevent contamination. The lid should be utilized when you are not scooping ice.
590.003/3-307.11-C
95
Sep 12, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Prohibiting animals (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed a dog inside of establishment at the time of inspection. Retrain staff to ask appropriate questions for prohibiting animals. Provide proper signage. Observed rodent activity in the basement on the staircase next to the freezer chest and on the wood shelving unit. Clean to remove
590.006/6-501.115-PF
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy soils on the exterior of all refrigeration and freezer equipment. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-101.19-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Observed ice utilized for drinks stored in a cooler without a lid. Provide a proper lid to prevent contamination. The lid should be utilized when you are not scooping ice.
590.003/3-307.11-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Observed opening in at the base of the wall with signs of distruction. Repair
590.006/6-101.11-C
78
Apr 4, 2025
Routine
3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Missing consumer advisory and reminder for undercooked items on the menu.Provide
590.003/3-603.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Noted small dropings in the basement. Clean with frequency and provide a pest report
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Ice scoop shows rust in the basement ice machine. Replace
590.004/4-601.11-PF
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Moisture on the basement floor near the ice machine. Repair
590.005/5-205.15-C
Standards of identity (c)
Inspector notes: Noted some food bottles missing labels on the cookline. Provide
590.003/3-601.11-C
Food storage prohibited areas (c)
Inspector notes: Noted single use items stored under the drain pipes in the basement. Remove
590.003/3-305.12-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Noted food stored on the floor in the walkin. Remove and store 6 inches from the floor
590.003/3-305.11-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Missing ceiling tiles above the pizza oven/dish area. Repair
590.006/6-501.11-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood filters heavily soiled with grease.Clean
590.006/6-501.14-C
55
Nov 26, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy food / coffee spills inside deep freezers and refrigerated units @ grill station / pizza station / coffee unit / cookie freezer. Thoroughly clean all stated units to remove all spills and soils Observed ice machine with mold-like substance inside and soiled knives stored on prep table behind pizza station. Clean to remove all substances in ice machine and maintain all knives clean and sanitized properly stored on clean / sanitized surface
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple ready to eat food items stored over 24hrs in refrigerated units / walk in cooler per PIC without date marking. Provide date marking on all ready to eat food items (sliced deli meats chicken / tuna salads sliced or cut produce etc..) stored / held over 24hrs per PIC
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Observed soiled sponges used in warewashing area. Discontinue the use of sponges
590.004/4-101.16-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple squeeze bottles stored in refrigerated units unidentified. Provide a label with the common name of food item stored inside
590.003/3-302.12-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy food debris underneath cooking line units. Clean with frequency to maintain floors clean and free of trash
590.006/6-501.12-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple damaged or missing floor tiles in kitchen. Replace
590.006/6-501.11-C
67
May 23, 2024
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Observed sliced deli meat stored in plastic bags without labels or date marking. Provide to assure proper use by date and proper identification. Retrain staff
590.003/3-302.12-C
Cleaning of plumbing fixtures (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple handsinks with heavy soils. Clean to remove
590.006/6-501.18-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Observed rodent droppings behind the dish machine and behind the handsinks near the pizza oven. Clean to remove. Provide via email the latest pest control report to shemica.debnam@boston.gov.
590.006/6-501.111-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Heavy soils in the interior of refrigeration units. Clean to remove Heavy soils on the exterior of refrigeration multiple deep freezer chest and dishmachine. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-601.11-C
82
Aug 24, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Handwashing sinks-numbers and capacities (pf)
Inspector notes: There is no sink in the front area near the coffee service. Provide a handwash sink in the area. 8.10.23 The owenr is going to have the sink installed. He has already contacted a plumber.
590.005/5-203.11-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: The paper towel dispenser is broken and the towels are stored on top of the dispenser Repair so empolyees can reach the paper towesl and properly dry their hands.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: The floors in the basement are soiled and damaged in places. Clean and resurface to provide a smooth cleanable durable surface. The floor tiles in the kitchen are damaged especially near the dishwasher. Repair to provide a smooth cleanable surface. There is food buildup under the pizza oven. Clean to remove. 8.10.23 The floors have been cleaned and they will do the repairs. The owner has already contacted his handy man.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: There is no mop sink in the establishment. Provide.
590.005/5-203.13-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: The handwash sink is draining slowly. Repair. 8.10.23 They put draino down the sink but it is still draining slow if two people wash their hands in a row. Clean out the blockage so employees can wash hands.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: There are multiple refrigerators with broken gaskets. Repair or replace. The fridge in the basement has no compressor cover. Provide.
590.004/4-501.11-C
67
Aug 2, 2023
Routine
7 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 14 violations
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: There is some buildup on the slicer. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Handwashing sinks-numbers and capacities (pf)
Inspector notes: There is no sink in the front area near the coffee service. Provide a handwash sink in the area.
590.005/5-203.11-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: The paper towel dispenser is broken and the towels are stored on top of the dispenser Repair so empolyees can reach the paper towesl and properly dry their hands.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
(o) person in charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: The manager knew to not let sick employees work but forgot the details of the illness policy. Provide an employee illness policy and train employees.
590.002/2-103.11-PF
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: The consumer advisory is incomplete. Make sure the items available undercooked are clearly identified in a disclaimer.
590.003/3-603.11-PF
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: There is no vomit cleanup kit available. Provide.
590.002/2-501.11-PF
Temperature measuring devices manual and mechanical warewashing (pf)
Inspector notes: There is no irreversible thermometer provided for the high temp. Provide a thermometer to verify the high temp dishwasher temperatures. (My sticker thermometer verified that the machine was reaching over 160F at the plate)
590.004/4-302.13-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: The floors in the basement are soiled and damaged in places. Clean and resurface to provide a smooth cleanable durable surface. The floor tiles in the kitchen are damaged especially near the dishwasher. Repair to provide a smooth cleanable surface. There is food buildup under the pizza oven. Clean to remove.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: There are multiple refrigerators with no thermometer. Provide thermometers in all the refrigeration units.
590.004/4-204.112-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: There are multiple refrigerators with broken gaskets. Repair or replace. The fridge in the basement has no compressor cover. Provide.
590.004/4-501.11-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: There is excess clutter in the basement. Remove unecessary items.
590.006/6-501.114-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: There is some debris buildup on the walls in the basement light switches behind the coffee area and shelving above the dishwasher. Clean surfaces to remove debris.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: There is no mop sink in the establishment. Provide.
590.005/5-203.13-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: The handwash sink is draining slowly. Repair.
590.005/5-205.15-C
35
Jan 26, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: No certifications posted - Provide a current CFPM certification from an accredited food safety program
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
95
Jan 18, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: No certifications posted - Provide a current CFPM certification from an accredited food safety program
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Other forms of information (c)
Inspector notes: Consumer warnings on menu is small. There is no warning of if consumer that have allergies- Provide warning and disclosure that 11Pts in size for consumers
590.003/3-602.12-C
90
Jan 3, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: No certifications posted - Provide a current CFPM certification from an accredited food safety program
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Other forms of information (c)
Inspector notes: Consumer warnings on menu is small. There is no warning of if consumer that have allergies- Provide warning and disclosure that 11Pts in size for consumers
590.003/3-602.12-C
90
Nov 29, 2022
Routine
5 critical violations. 6 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 21 violations
Food temperature measuring devices (p)
Inspector notes: No food Thermometer at the time of inspection _ provide a working food thermometer
590.004/4-201.12-P
Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils-frequency (p)
Inspector notes: Soiled knives inside of clean knife rack with food particles; several knives on counter soiled with food particles - Properly clean by wash rinsing and sanitizing then air dry before hanging on clean rack
590.004/4-602.11-P
Food contact with equipment utensils and linens (p)
Inspector notes: Raw Beef stored on top of ready to eat food inside Low boy cooler and raw chicken stored over cheese - Discontinue storing raw meat over ready to eat food
590.003/3-304.11-P
Cooling (p)
Inspector notes: Rice was in container and individually packaged the rice was 84F- Train staff to properly cool rice using proper cooling method
590.003/3-501.14-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Eggs Stored over an hour at 65 F - Staff said it was an hour out - store eggs inside of cooler
590.003/3-501.16-P
Where to wash (pf)
Inspector notes: Handwashing is taken place in the 2 Bay sink- Discontinue and provide a handsink to wash hands properly not in bathroom or in 2 bay sink
590.002/2-301.15-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No testing strips for low temp dishwasher - Provide test strips for low temp dishwasher
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Handwashing sinks-location and placement (pf)
Inspector notes: No handwash sink for staff to wash hands- Provide a handwash sink in the area of food prep for staff handling food to wash hands
590.005/5-204.11-PF
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: No Vomit and diarrhea kit available- Provide supplies and instruction for vomit and diarrhea kit
590.002/2-501.11-PF
Assignment (pf)
Inspector notes: No PIC assigned or available at the time of inspection- Provide a Certified food protection manager or PIC
590.002(A)/2-101.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: I observed live rodents in basement area running around there is a number of immature flies and mature flies- Provide a detailed pest control report from a licensed pest control company
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: All cookline equipment is soiled the fryolator is heavily soiled and stove pannini pressed is encrusted with soils - Clean to remove soils and grease
590.004/4-602.13-C
Characteristics-materials for construction and repair (c)
Inspector notes: Cutting board heavily soiled and scored- Replace
590.004/4-101.11-C
Standards of identity (c)
Inspector notes: Squeeze bottles without labels - Label all squeeze bottles
590.003/3-601.11-C
Warewashing machines flow pressure device (c)
Inspector notes: Flow pressure is broken on Low temp dishwasher - Repair
590.004/4-204.118-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Walk in cooler is 53F- Remove all food and place in working coolers - Repair- Owner states repair is taking place immediately
590.004/4-501.11-C
Other forms of information (c)
Inspector notes: Consumer warnings on menu is small. There is no warning of if consumer that have allergies- Provide warning and disclosure that 11Pts in size for consumers
590.003/3-602.12-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Walls throughout needs cleaning - Clean all walls throughout remove food splashes and soils
590.006/6-201.11-C
Ventilation hood systems adequacy (c)
Inspector notes: The vents has alot of dusts in kitchen and food area - Clean to remove dust and soils
590.004/4-301.14-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: No certifications posted - Provide a current CFPM certification from an accredited food safety program
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths throughout - Store all wiping cloths in sanitizer solution
590.003/3-304.14-C
16
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Sidewalk Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Sidewalk Cafe on file is from Sep 25, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Sidewalk Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “certified food protection manager” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Sidewalk Cafe.
How does Sidewalk Cafe compare to other restaurants in South Boston?
Sidewalk Cafe most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is higher than the South Boston average of 87.
Has Sidewalk Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Sidewalk Cafe have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Sidewalk 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 Sidewalk Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Sidewalk Cafe is inspected around four times per year on average.
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