Smoke Shop BBQ
Last inspected: May 1, 2026
95
Score
Smoke Shop BBQ appears in inspection records 18 times, starting in 2022. The latest inspection on file is from May 1, 2026. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near five violations per visit across recent inspections.
Looking across the full record, “controlling pests” is the recurring theme, flagged nine times.
Among Boston restaurants, the typical score is 86; Smoke Shop BBQ is comfortably above that bar. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
18
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 1, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
(a) and (c) good repair and calibration-utensils and temperature and pressure measuring devices (c)
Inspector notes: Observed rinse cycle gauge not operating on high temp dish machine. Contact company for service repair to gauges
590.004/4-502.11-C
95
Apr 13, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Observed pulled pork stored in cambrio @ 126F. Discussed with PIC to maintain hot holding @ 135F and above. Reheated
590.003/3-501.16-P1
Warewashing machines automatic dispensing of detergents and sanitizers (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed low temp (bar) dish machine dispensing 0ppm chlorine sanitizer. Discussed with PIC to contact company for service to ensure effective sanitization. Utilize high temp dish machine or 3 compartment sink at this time
590.004/4-204.117-PF
Temperature measuring devices manual and mechanical warewashing (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide battery for high temp dish machine thermometer
590.004/4-302.13-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed mold-like substances inside ice machine; heavy food spills on steam table @ service line and heavily soiled/stained bulk containers. Thoroughly clean with frequency to remove all spills/soils and mold-like substances
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Provide internal thermometers for all refrigerated units / walk in cooler.
590.004/4-204.112-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Observed plastic bowls being used for bulk dispensing. Remove and provide handled scoopers for dispensing
590.003/3-304.12-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple soiled wiping cloths throughout kitchen areas. Remove and maintain in a sanitizing solution after each use
590.003/3-304.14-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Observed mixing bowls stored directly with food. Remove and ensure food items are properly stored to prevent contamination
590.003/3-307.11-C
(a) and (c) good repair and calibration-utensils and temperature and pressure measuring devices (c)
Inspector notes: Observed rinse cycle gauge not operating on high temp dish machine. Contact company for service repair to gauges
590.004/4-502.11-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Observed food debris / trash and grease on floors throughout kitchen and prep area including underneath fryers. Clean with frequency to remove all trash / food debris and grease
590.006/6-201.11-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Provide employee handwashing signage @ handsink near cooking oven.
590.006/6-301.14-C
45
Sep 5, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
System maintained in good repair (p)
Inspector notes: Hand sink by the prep area is broken.Repair
590.005/5-205.15-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Noted pest activity in the back dry storage area and found dead roaches. Provide a current pest report.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
78
Aug 20, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
System maintained in good repair (p)
Inspector notes: Hand sink by the prep area is broken.Repair
590.005/5-205.15-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Noted pest activity in the back dry storage area and found dead roaches. Provide a current pest report.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Seal all the holes in the dry storage on the ceiling. Replace all missing ceiling tiles in the dry storage. All floors under the dry storage shelves has food residue.Clean with frequency Heavy food residue built under the prep sink on the floor.Clean Remove and clean under the hand sink at the prep area. Heavy food build up under the equipment and on the side of the equipment at the bar.Clean with frequency Remove all rotted lime and clean the top of the refrigeration at the bar. Clean and remove unused items from the employee locker area.
590.006/6-501.11-C
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Remove all dead pest with frequency.
590.006/6-501.112-C
Food storage prohibited areas (c)
Inspector notes: Bread stored in the hallway in the back area.Discontinue and train staff to store all food items inside the restaurant not in the open hallway.COS by the PIC
590.003/3-305.12-C
67
Aug 12, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
System maintained in good repair (p)
Inspector notes: Hand sink by the prep area is broken.Repair
590.005/5-205.15-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Noted pest activity in the back dry storage area and found dead roaches. Provide a current pest report.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Remove all dead pest with frequency.
590.006/6-501.112-C
Food storage prohibited areas (c)
Inspector notes: Bread stored in the hallway in the back area.Discontinue and train staff to store all food items inside the restaurant not in the open hallway.COS by the PIC
590.003/3-305.12-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Seal all the holes in the dry storage on the ceiling. Replace all missing ceiling tiles in the dry storage. All floors under the dry storage shelves has food residue.Clean with frequency Heavy food residue built under the prep sink on the floor.Clean Remove and clean under the hand sink at the prep area. Heavy food build up under the equipment and on the side of the equipment at the bar.Clean with frequency Remove all rotted lime and clean the top of the refrigeration at the bar. Clean and remove unused items from the employee locker area.
590.006/6-501.11-C
67
Jul 31, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw chicken stored above ready to eat foods in the upright freezer.Discontinue and store chicken below RTE foods
590.003/3-302.11-P
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: No hand soap at the hand sink at the Bar.Provide COS by PIC
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Noted small cockroaches near the dish area. Provide detail pest report
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Missing light shields in the dish area.Repair
590.006/6-501.11-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Noted heavily soiled floor behind the rack next to the Ice Machine and behind the ice machine.Clean with frequency
590.006/6-501.12-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Dirty mop stored next to the clean utensils in the dish area.Discontinue and store all mops in the mop enclosure
590.003/3-307.11-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Single use take out boxes stored in the back hallway on the floor.Discontinue and store 6 inches above the floor
590.003/3-305.11-C
58
May 12, 2025
Routine
4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Bar hand sink being used as a dump sink. Discontinue Train staff to use had sink for only washing hands.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Noted cockroach crawling on the wall in the dish area. Provide detail pest report
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Noted no hand soap available at the bar hand sink. Provide
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Temperature measuring devices manual and mechanical warewashing (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide working irreversible thermometer for high temp dish machine.
590.004/4-302.13-PF
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Noted gauges on the dish machine not working. Repair
590.004/4-501.11-C
Thawing (c)
Inspector notes: Noted frozen turkey packages being thawed in a stagnant water. Discontinue Thaw all frozen products under refrigeration or cold running water
590.003/3-501.13-C
Using dressing rooms and lockers (c)
Inspector notes: Employee belonging stored in contact with single use items in the dry storage. Discontinue and provide lockers for storage
590.006/6-501.110-C
Outdoor storage surface (c)
Inspector notes: Missing ceiling tiles above the walkin. Repair Rotted black board from the base at the bar enterance. Repair Missing light shields at the various locations in the kitchen dish area. Repair
590.005/5-501.11-C
55
Feb 25, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Nov 8, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Metal Protective barrier is loose on the handsink. Remove the old sealant and replace. Observed broken and chipped tile in front of the walk in. Remove and replace
590.006/6-501.11-C
95
Aug 12, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Observed plastic bowls utilized to scoop sauce from the bucket. Provide proper utensils with handles.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Heavy food soils observed on the dishmachine. Clean to remove Grease build up on floor next to ice machine. Clean to remove Food debris behind the mixer. Clean to remove
590.004/4-202.16-C
90
Mar 19, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Handsink faucet very loose. Repair
590.006/6-501.11-C
95
Aug 3, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Heavy presence of fruit flies at bar and in rear hallway. Mice droppings on floor in back dry storage hallway area. Provide updated IPM pest report for treatments upon reinspection. Clean and sanitize all affected areas.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Dead insects on window sill behind bar. Clean and disinfect.
590.006/6-501.112-C
Insect control devices design and installation (c)
Inspector notes: Fly ribbon in use. Remove. Install caged self contained fly trapping device by licensed pest control provider.
590.006/6-202.13-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Wall to left of handsink with damaged materials exposed wood seperating from wall. Repair.
590.004/4-101.19-C
Warewashing machines manufacturers’ operating instructions (c)
Inspector notes: High temp dish machine in kitchen is leaking during cycle. Make all necessary repairs. PIC states parts on order. Unit final rinse is 180F.
590.004/4-501.15-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Sticky soils on surfaces floors and shelving behind bar. Rear hallway with visible soils on floors under shelving. Clean under around and behind equipment of visible soils.
590.004/4-602.13-C
70
Jan 6, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
Cleaning procedure (p)
Inspector notes: No handwashing observed amongst staff with several handsinks obstructed. Retrain staff on the importance of employee handwashing. COS.
590.002/2-301.12-P
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Observed food worker preparing raw ribs in close proximity to cooked chicken. COS. Retrain staff.
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a )cooling methods (pf)
Inspector notes: Cooked fried chicken staged on rolling rack in kitchen at 74F. Product placed under refrigeration to implement cooling process. Ensure product cooling begins when the product reaches 135F after cooking. COS
590.003/3-501.15-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Handsink in warewashing area with utensils inside rear cookline handsink with sanitizer bucket in sink. COS.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Condensation drain leading into hand sink from walkin cooler. Properly plumb to an indirect waste drain.
590.005/5-205.15-C
58
Aug 22, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Outdoor storage surface (c)
Inspector notes: Uneven surfaces with voids in asphalt pooling water in dumpster storage area. Repair grade sloped to drain water from the elements.
590.005/5-501.11-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple burrows along wall on right side of building and as noted on most recent IPM pest report from EcoLab dated 6.7.22. Treat and seal with durable materials.
590.006/6-202.15-C
90
Jul 22, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Outdoor storage surface (c)
Inspector notes: Uneven surfaces with voids in asphalt pooling water in dumpster storage area. Repair grade sloped to drain water from the elements.
590.005/5-501.11-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple burrows along wall on right side of building and as noted on most recent IPM pest report from EcoLab dated 6.7.22. Treat and seal with durable materials.
590.006/6-202.15-C
90
May 20, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Rodent bait stations (p)
Inspector notes: Exposed rodenticide baits observed in rodent burrows in trash area.
590.007/7-206.12-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Burrows evident on right hand wall of building near trash storage area. Provide detailed updated IPM pest control report for treatment of burrows in outside area. Remove exposed rodenticide not in bait boxes.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Outdoor storage surface (c)
Inspector notes: Uneven surfaces with voids in asphalt pooling water in dumpster storage area. Repair grade sloped to drain water from the elements.
590.005/5-501.11-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple burrows along wall on right side of building. Treat and seal with durable materials.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Remove disrcarded office shelving file cabinet etc from outside trash storage area.
590.005/5-501.115-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Blast chiller is inoperable. Make all necessary repairs. Unit is necessary to the operation due bulk cooling of cooked meats.
590.004/4-501.11-C
64
May 10, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Rodent bait stations (p)
Inspector notes: Exposed rodenticide baits observed in rodent burrows in trash area.
590.007/7-206.12-P
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Foil Pans of cooked meat in walkin cooler not date marked. Provide.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Burrows evident on right hand wall of building near trash storage area. Provide detailed updated IPM pest control report for treatment of burrows in outside area. Remove exposed rodenticide not in bait boxes.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(a )cooling methods (pf)
Inspector notes: Establishment is cooling cooked smoked whole brisket roasts tightly wrapped in plastic temperature at 105F. PIC took corrective action and cooled product prepared 45 minutes prior using indirect contact with ice under refrigeration holding at below 41F to expedite cooling process.
590.003/3-501.15-PF
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: Priority repeat violations cited. Provide active managerial control.
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Blast chiller is inoperable. Make all necessary repairs. Unit is necessary to the operation due bulk cooling of cooked meats.
590.004/4-501.11-C
Light bulbs protective shielding (c)
Inspector notes: Light shield missing on light above ice machine. Replace
590.006/6-202.11-C
Outdoor storage surface (c)
Inspector notes: Uneven surfaces with voids in asphalt pooling water in dumpster storage area. Repair grade sloped to drain water from the elements.
590.005/5-501.11-C
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Remove disrcarded office shelving file cabinet etc from outside trash storage area.
590.005/5-501.115-C
Intensity-lighting (c)
Inspector notes: Light bulbs out above ice machine. Replace.
590.006/6-303.11-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Leaking handsink drain at cookline. Repair.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Food soils under steam tables. Clean to remove. Walkin cooler walls with visible soils. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple burrows along wall on right side of building. Treat and seal with durable materials.
590.006/6-202.15-C
39
May 5, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Rodent bait stations (p)
Inspector notes: Exposed rodenticide baits observed in rodent burrows in trash area.
590.007/7-206.12-P
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Foil Pans of cooked meat in walkin cooler not date marked. Provide.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Burrows evident on right hand wall of building near trash storage area. Provide updated IPM pest control report.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: Priority repeat violations cited. Provide active managerial control.
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
(a )cooling methods (pf)
Inspector notes: Establishment is cooling cooked smoked whole brisket roasts tightly wrapped in plastic temperature at 105F. PIC took corrective action and cooled product prepared 45 minutes prior using indirect contact with ice under refrigeration holding at below 41F to expedite cooling process.
590.003/3-501.15-PF
Cooling heating and holding capacities-equipment (pf)
Inspector notes: Blast chiller is inoperable. Make all necessary repairs. Unit is necessary to the operation due bulk cooling of cooked meats.
590.004/4-301.11-PF
Intensity-lighting (c)
Inspector notes: Light bulbs out above ice machine. Replace.
590.006/6-303.11-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple burrows along wall on right side of building. Treat and seal with durable materials.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Light bulbs protective shielding (c)
Inspector notes: Light shield missing on light above ice machine. Replace
590.006/6-202.11-C
Outdoor storage surface (c)
Inspector notes: Uneven surfaces with voids in asphalt pooling water in dumpster storage area. Repair grade sloped to drain water from the elements.
590.005/5-501.11-C
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Remove disrcarded office shelving file cabinet etc from outside trash storage area.
590.005/5-501.115-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Leaking handsink drain at cookline. Repair.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Food soils under steam tables. Clean to remove. Walkin cooler walls with visible soils. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
37
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Smoke Shop BBQ last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Smoke Shop BBQ on file is from May 1, 2026. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Smoke Shop BBQ?
Across the inspection record, “controlling pests” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Smoke Shop BBQ.
How does Smoke Shop BBQ compare to other restaurants in Boston?
Smoke Shop BBQ most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is higher than the Boston average of 86.
Has Smoke Shop BBQ's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Smoke Shop BBQ have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Smoke Shop BBQ 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 Smoke Shop BBQ inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Smoke Shop BBQ is inspected around five times per year on average.
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