Sonsie
Last inspected: May 6, 2026
32
Score
Public records show 10 inspections at Sonsie stretching back to 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated May 6, 2026. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around 10 violations lately compared to roughly five violations before.
“Handwashing signage” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing four times across the record.
Restaurants in Boston average 86, so Sonsie trails the local norm. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.
10
Inspections
2
Critical latest
6
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 6, 2026
Routine
2 critical violations. 6 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Backflow prevention (p)
Inspector notes: At the dedicated prep sink in the basement kitchen there is a direct connection to the waste water system; have a licensed plumber pull proper permits and install and air gap.
590.005/5-402.11-P
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food disposition (p)
Inspector notes: In the walk-in refrigerator observed a container of pickled cucumbers dated 4-20 and per discussion with the chef they are in-house made and held for more than seven days and no HACCP plan and no variance is approved by the Health Division; hold TCS foods for up to seven days only the person in charge voluntarily discarded and denatured the pickled cucumbers and states they will seek to procure commercially made pickled products.
590.003/3-501.18-P
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: At the downstairs wine bar handwashing sink there is no handwashing cleanser and no approved hand drying device; handwashing sinks should be stocked at all times.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: At the handwashing sink next to the prep sink observed a deli container stored inside the basin | at the first floor bar observed the middle handwashing basin sink blocked by bar supplies | observed an employee dumping water into the basin of a handwashing sink and washing food contact surfaces; handwashing sinks should only be used for handwashing and nothing else retrain staff on proper usage of handwashing sinks.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: There are two chemical warewashing machines at the bar but no testing devices for chlorine could be presented; provide testing devices for chemicals used to sanitize the Health Inspector left some chlorine test strips for the restaurant to use until they can provide their own.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Temperature measuring devices manual and mechanical warewashing (pf)
Inspector notes: The irreversible provided would not remain on through a cycle of the high temperature warewashing machine; repair or replace the irreversible thermometer. A repair person was called and arrived during the inspection and provided a new irreversible thermometer.
590.004/4-302.13-PF
Shell stock maintaining identification (pf)
Inspector notes: Locations keeps their shellstock tags for at least 90 days but observed that no dates were written on the used shellstock tags | in a reach-in cooler with pastries observed a container of live oysters without a shellstock tag accompanied with them; shellstock tags should have the date written of the last served unit and shellstock tags should always accompany the shellstock.
590.003/3-203.12-PF
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: There were multiple critical violations observed during today's inspection please review the report with your staff and take proper corrective actions. The persons in charge during the inspection who are certified food protection managers were not able to answer questions about illness policy and did not take corrective actions of observed violations and the Health Inspector needed to direct corrective actions person in charge need to be able to take active managerial control and be knowlegable about food safety illness policy and sanitization.
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
Cleaning of plumbing fixtures (c)
Inspector notes: The toilet and floors around the toilet in the employee restroom are heavily soiled; clean and sanitize of soils.
590.006/6-501.18-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: In the women's restroom in the basement there is no handwashing signage; provide.
590.006/6-301.14-C
Toilet room receptacle covered (c)
Inspector notes: In the employee restroom provide a covered waste receptacle.
590.005/5-501.17-C
Equipment and utensils air-drying required (c)
Inspector notes: At the bar observed an employee using a reusable cloth to dry wares after they had been through a cycle inside the chemical warewashing machine; cleaned and sanitized wares should be air dried only.
590.004/4-901.11-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: In the basement kitchen observed multiple cold holding units with damaged gaskets | the PSI gauge at the high temperature warewashing machine is broken and missing the dial; repair or replace the broken equipment.
590.004/4-501.11-C
32
Aug 8, 2025
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Frequency-removal (c)
Inspector notes: Dumpster is full bags of trash outside dumpster on ground. Arrange for pickup.
590.005/5-502.11-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Door sweep broken parts missing on back door. Seal with pest proof materials.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Heating ventilation air conditioning system vents (c)
Inspector notes: HVAC vents in basement kitchen with rust. Clean and resurface.
590.006/6-202.12-C
Outdoor storage surface (c)
Inspector notes: Outdoor storage area where grease bins are present with uneven surfaces pot hole near cath basin. The area needs to be regraded to properly drain.
590.005/5-501.11-C
Anti-choking
Inspector notes: No choke save certificate available. Provide. (A) Anti-choking Procedures in Food Service Establishments. (1) Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 94 § 305D restaurants with a certain seating capacity are required to have one or more employees trained in a manual choke-saving procedure in accordance with 105 CMR 605.000: Approved Choke-saving Procedures. (2) Each food service establishment with a seating capacity that conforms with M.G.L. c. 94 § 305D shall: (a) Have on its premises while food is being served an employee trained in manual procedures approved by the Department to remove food lodged in a person's throat; and (b) Make adequate provision for insurance to cover employees trained in rendering such assistance.
590.009(E)
78
Jul 7, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Mice droppings behind and under pizza oven evidence of mice activity in basement. Clean and sanitize all affected areas. Provide updated pest report upon reinspection that addresses all open conditions listed on report on site dated this day.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: No allergen certificate available upon inspection. Provide or proof of enrollment.
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils-frequency (c)
Inspector notes: Inside ice machine with visible soils. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Heavy soils under equipment in pizza station area dust on duct work above basement warewashing area. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Other liquid wastes and rainwater (c)
Inspector notes: Puddles water in back area from condensate drain exiting rear of building sump pump present in catch basin to pump rain water into nearby alleyway. To refer BWSC. Make all necessary repairs to ensure area is draining properly.
590.005/5-403.12-C
Area enclosures and receptacles good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Clean or replace grease receptacles relocate grease containers to area away from catch basin to avoid contamination of waterways. When cleaning the outside area ensure all grey water is captured and disposed of into a direct waste drain.
590.005/5-501.111-C
Outdoor storage surface (c)
Inspector notes: Outdoor storage area where grease bins are present with uneven surfaces pot hole near cath basin. The area needs to be regraded to properly drain.
590.005/5-501.11-C
Frequency-removal (c)
Inspector notes: Dumpster is full bags of trash outside dumpster on ground. Arrange for pickup.
590.005/5-502.11-C
Heating ventilation air conditioning system vents (c)
Inspector notes: HVAC vents in basement kitchen with rust. Clean and resurface.
590.006/6-202.12-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Door sweep broken parts missing on back door. Seal with pest proof materials.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Handwash sink missing sign. Provide.
590.006/6-301.14-C
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Dead mouse on glue trap in basment clean equipment storage room behind dish washer. Remove. Clean and sanitize all affected areas.
590.006/6-501.112-C
Anti-choking
Inspector notes: No choke save certificate available. Provide. (A) Anti-choking Procedures in Food Service Establishments. (1) Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 94 § 305D restaurants with a certain seating capacity are required to have one or more employees trained in a manual choke-saving procedure in accordance with 105 CMR 605.000: Approved Choke-saving Procedures. (2) Each food service establishment with a seating capacity that conforms with M.G.L. c. 94 § 305D shall: (a) Have on its premises while food is being served an employee trained in manual procedures approved by the Department to remove food lodged in a person's throat; and (b) Make adequate provision for insurance to cover employees trained in rendering such assistance.
590.009(E)
47
Jun 30, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 12 violations
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: No allergen certificate available upon inspection. Provide or proof of enrollment.
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Mice droppings behind and under pizza oven evidence of mice activity in basement. Clean and sanitize all affected areas. Provide updated pest report upon reinspection that addresses all open conditions listed on report on site dated this day.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils-frequency (c)
Inspector notes: Inside ice machine with visible soils. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.11-C
Other liquid wastes and rainwater (c)
Inspector notes: Puddles water in back area from condensate drain exiting rear of building sump pump present in catch basin to pump rain water into nearby alleyway. To refer BWSC. Make all necessary repairs to ensure area is draining properly.
590.005/5-403.12-C
Area enclosures and receptacles good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Clean or replace grease receptacles relocate grease containers to area away from catch basin to avoid contamination of waterways. When cleaning the outside area ensure all grey water is captured and disposed of into a direct waste drain.
590.005/5-501.111-C
Outdoor storage surface (c)
Inspector notes: Outdoor storage area where grease bins are present with uneven surfaces pot hole near cath basin. The area needs to be regraded to properly drain.
590.005/5-501.11-C
Heating ventilation air conditioning system vents (c)
Inspector notes: HVAC vents in basement kitchen with rust and soils. Clean and resurface.
590.006/6-202.12-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Heavy soils under equipment in pizza station area dust on duct work above basement warewashing area. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Handwash sink missing sign. Provide.
590.006/6-301.14-C
Anti-choking
Inspector notes: No choke save certificate available. Provide. (A) Anti-choking Procedures in Food Service Establishments. (1) Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 94 § 305D restaurants with a certain seating capacity are required to have one or more employees trained in a manual choke-saving procedure in accordance with 105 CMR 605.000: Approved Choke-saving Procedures. (2) Each food service establishment with a seating capacity that conforms with M.G.L. c. 94 § 305D shall: (a) Have on its premises while food is being served an employee trained in manual procedures approved by the Department to remove food lodged in a person's throat; and (b) Make adequate provision for insurance to cover employees trained in rendering such assistance.
590.009(E)
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Dead mouse on glue trap in basment clean equipment storage room behind dish washer. Remove. Clean and sanitize all affected areas.
590.006/6-501.112-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Door sweep broken parts missing on back door. Seal with pest proof materials.
590.006/6-202.15-C
50
Apr 23, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: First dip well at bar leaks water onto floor. Seal or pitch to prevent water from pooling on floor.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Storage or display of food in contact with water or ice (c)
Inspector notes: Bean sprouts stored in water. Discontinue storing sprouts in water- increases possible bacteria growth. Corrected on site.
590.003/3-303.12-C
90
Oct 18, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Hot water faucet at prep area hand sink is loose. Repair as needed
590.005/5-205.15-C
Toilet room receptacle covered (c)
Inspector notes: Trash bin in employee bathroom without cover. Provide covered waste bin.
590.005/5-501.17-C
90
Apr 11, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Discarding or reconditioning unsafe adulterated or contaminated food (p)
Inspector notes: Mutiple containers of prepped foods held past 7 days. Garlic mayo 3/22 steak butter 12/19 tartar sauce 3/18 marmaletta 3/18. Discarded by PIC. Prepped foods can only be held 7 days.
590.003/3-701.11-P
Shell stock maintaining identification (pf)
Inspector notes: Shellfish tags not dated for last piece sold. Date tags for last piece sold and hold for 90 days.
590.003/3-203.12-PF
Common name-working containers (pf)
Inspector notes: Chemical spray bottle at bar without label. Label all chemical spray bottles to prevent contamination.
590.007/7-102.11-PF
Cleaning of plumbing fixtures (c)
Inspector notes: Hand sink next to cookline with soils. Clean and maintain- hand sinks for hand wash only
590.006/6-501.18-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Soda gun holders at bar are not plumbed to drains. Plumb holders to avoid build-up of syrup and attracting pests.
590.003/3-307.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Mouse droppings in chemical room. Clean and montior for activity. Provide current pest report
590.004/4-602.13-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Hand sink drain at warewashing area leaks. Repair as needed.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Dead mouse on glue trap in liquor room. Discard dead pests to prevent contamination.
590.006/6-501.112-C
55
Aug 3, 2023
Routine
3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Temperature measuring devices manual and mechanical warewashing (pf)
Inspector notes: No irreversible thermometer available for the high temperature dishwasher- Provide Unit measured within limits on gauges
590.004/4-302.13-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No test kit available for chlorine sanitizer- Provide
590.004/4-302.14-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Internal panel of ice machine located in the lower level with mold like buildup- Clean with proper frequency
590.004/4-601.11-PF
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Knives stored between equipment- Discontinue
590.003/3-304.12-C
70
May 20, 2022
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Equipment and utensils air-drying required (c)
Inspector notes: No allowing for proper airdrying before stacking/storing clean equipment - Ware washing
590.004/4-901.11-C
Warewashing sinks and drain boards self-draining (c)
Inspector notes: Install adequate drain boards to accomodate all airdrying needs
590.004/4-204.119-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Ceiling and floor in disrepair in back room outside of walk in unit Floor in keg walk in in dispair
590.006/6-501.11-C
Intensity-lighting (c)
Inspector notes: Storage room at back door no lighting - Provide
590.006/6-303.11-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Grease barrel does not have a tight fitting lids
590.005/5-501.15-C
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: No service sink - PIC stated that the mop water is dumped into 3 bay sink - Provide a service sink to fill and dump all mop water
590.005/5-203.13-C
74
Apr 11, 2022
Routine
4 critical violations. 6 major violations. 16 minor violations.
View 26 violations
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Potatoes under heat lamp 129 F Properly stored TCS foods Potatoes dumped and hot hold unit was put in service by PIC
590.003/3-501.16-P1
When to wash (p)
Inspector notes: Multiple food handlers/employees leaving and returning to work stations without washing hands Multiple food handlers leaving and returning to work stations and not changing gloves Multiple food handlers donning on clean gloves without washing hands
590.002/2-301.14-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Raw Egg 55 F Goat cheese 52 F Mozzarella 53 F Removed from unit by PIC
590.003/3-501.16-P
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw eggs stored on top of salad/pre units with foods that don't require heat treating - Corrected on site by PIC
590.003/3-302.11-P
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Missing asterisk next to egg on menu (menu items implicated in food borne illness)
590.003/3-603.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Proof that employees have not been trained in food safety and sanitation as it relates to their assigned duties per code Proof that the PIC is not overseeing day to day operations per code See complete inspection for all violations cited
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: No written procedures and kit for the responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
590.002/2-501.11-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand soap dispenser broken in Pizza prep - Corrected by PIC
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Access to hand sink blocked by mixer - PIC took corrective action
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Built up soils on interior of ice machine - Basement
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Built up soils on walls ceiling and all attachments - doors pipes etc.- Kitchen/prep/ware washing/storage areas Built up soils on floor under and behind equipment - Kitchen/prep/ware washing/storage areas
590.006/6-201.11-C
Outside receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Grease barrel does not have a tight fitting lids
590.005/5-501.15-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Provide employee hand wash signs in bathrooms used by employees (Basment bathrooms)
590.006/6-301.14-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Built up soils on exterior and interior of refrigeration units - Kitchen/prep(s)/bar areas Built up soils on exterior of ice machine
590.004/4-602.13-C
Intensity-lighting (c)
Inspector notes: Storage room at back door no lighting - Provide
590.006/6-303.11-C
Toilet room receptacle covered (c)
Inspector notes: No cover for waste receptacle in employee bathroom
590.005/5-501.17-C
Storing maintenance tools (c)
Inspector notes: Mops brooms etc not stored 6' above the floor - Storage/kitchen/prep areas
590.006/6-501.113-C
Equipment and utensils air-drying required (c)
Inspector notes: No allowing for proper airdrying before stacking/storing clean equipment - Ware washing
590.004/4-901.11-C
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: No service sink - PIC stated that the mop water is dumped into 3 bay sink - Provide a service sink to fill and dump all mop water
590.005/5-203.13-C
Covering receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: No covers for trash receptacles - Kitchen/prep
590.005/5-501.113-C
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Unnecessary articles etc outside trash/grease storage - Remove Grease shed heavily soiled with grease Ground area soiled
590.005/5-501.115-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Worn cutting boards - Kitchen/prep areas
590.004/4-501.12-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Opening in wall filled with above food prep Ceiling in bracket in prep areas rusted Missing ceiling tiles in corner in prep area at end of cooking line Ceiling and floor in disrepair in back room outside of walk in unit Floor in keg walk in in dispair Repair walls where needed throughout kitchen/prep/ware washing areas Repair walls at steps to basement to and from bar area Delay valves on hand sinks in bathrooms used by customers and employees are not maintaining a 15 delay before reactivation
590.006/6-501.11-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Plugs on 3 bay sink not closing - Repair Door on 2 door refrigeration units loose and not tight fitting/closing
590.004/4-501.11-C
Warewashing sinks and drain boards self-draining (c)
Inspector notes: Install adequate drain boards to accomodate all airdrying needs
590.004/4-204.119-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Tongs stored on oven door handles on cooking line Knife stored in sanitizer
590.003/3-304.12-C
14
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Sonsie last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Sonsie on file is from May 6, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Sonsie?
Across the inspection record, “handwashing signage” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Sonsie.
How does Sonsie compare to other restaurants in Boston?
Sonsie most recently scored 32 out of 100, which is lower than the Boston average of 86.
Has Sonsie's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Sonsie have averaged around 10 violations per visit, up from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Sonsie 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 Sonsie inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Sonsie is inspected around two times per year on average.
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