The Avenue Grille
Last inspected: Jan 28, 2026
86
Score
The health department has logged 14 inspections at The Avenue Grille, the earliest from 2022. The most recent visit was on Jan 28, 2026. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around six violations to closer to three violations per visit over the last few inspections.
When inspectors have written things up, “wiping cloths use limitation” has been the most frequent reason, cited seven times.
That falls roughly in the middle of the pack for Dorchester restaurants. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
14
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 28, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Reheating for hot holding (p)
Inspector notes: Meatballs & Rice being hot held @ 100f ensure proper reheating when taking products from the walk in and not just put in steam unit.
590.003/3-403.11-P
86
Jul 23, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink blocked by a chair in the front area.Discontinue
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Black mold in the walkin walls.Clean with frequency
590.006/6-501.12-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Noted leak above the 3 bay sink.Repair
590.005/5-205.15-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Light shield cracked near the pizza oven and infront of the walkin freezer door in the basement.Repair
590.006/6-501.11-C
Using dressing rooms and lockers (c)
Inspector notes: Noted staff belongings in contact with the single use items in the basement.Discontinue and store all personal items away from the food/single use items
590.006/6-501.110-C
74
Mar 24, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Noted in the walkin refrigerator black mold like spots on the ceiling. Clean Noted rusting on the shelf in the walkin. Clean or Replace
590.004/4-602.13-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Noted pealing paint near the meat slicer. Clean and provide smooth surface
590.006/6-101.11-C
90
Mar 3, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
(a )cooling methods (pf)
Inspector notes: Noted cooked chicken in a deep pan for cooling. Provide/Retrain staff. COS by the PICcool in a shallow pan.
590.003/3-501.15-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink behind the front counter blocked by chair and serving spoon in the sink. Remove and retrain staff not to block the hand sink
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Prohibitions (c)
Inspector notes: Remove all single use items stored under the sewrage lines in the basement.
590.004/4-903.12-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Noted in the walkin refrigerator black mold like spots on the ceiling. Clean Noted rusting on the shelf in the walkin. Clean or Replace
590.004/4-602.13-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Noted pealing paint near the meat slicer. Clean and provide smooth surface
590.006/6-101.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled cloth on the cutting board in the kitchen cookline. Remove and retrain staff to store soiled cloth in the sanitizer
590.003/3-304.14-C
67
Feb 12, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Dec 3, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw shrimp stored above the produce RTE foods. Discontinue and store raw animal product below ready to eat foods.COS by the PIC
590.003/3-302.11-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed dropings on the shelf in the basement. Provide Pest report.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed no paper towels in the front counter/prep area hand sink. Provide COS by the PIC
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink in the front counter blocked by a chair and empty jugs hanging on the partition. Remove All hand sinks ned to be accesible for hand washing only.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: The freezer floor in the basement has a heavy build of dirt. Clean The shelvs in the basement has pest dropings. Clean The walkin ceiling has black mold like spots. Clean
590.004/4-101.19-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Side door near the 3 bay sink has an opening. Replace the weather strip to prevent any pest entry.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Light bulbs protective shielding (c)
Inspector notes: Light shield above the 3 bay sink is broken.Replace
590.006/6-202.11-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Leaking pipe under the 3 bay sink. Repair
590.005/5-205.15-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: No beard restrain worn by the PIC. Provide
590.002/2-402.11-C
(a) (b) and (d) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles storing (c)
Inspector notes: Single serve take put containers stored under the sewrage/drain pipe in the basement room with the heater. Remove
590.004/4-903.11-C1
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wet soiled cloth on the cooking counter. Discontinue. Store in a sanitizer bucket
590.003/3-304.14-C
45
Oct 17, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Black substance on walls and ceiling. Some parts of the refrigerator is clean but still keep on cleaning the hard to reach areas. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: The ceiling in the kitchen area is clean and replaced with acoustic tiles. Replace with smooth durable cleanable material or request a variance.
590.006/6-101.11-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Cutting boards at cook line station scored. Resurface or replace.
590.004/4-501.12-C
86
Sep 19, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 18 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Cooked chicken on cook line 70F and at pizza station 45F. Ensure TCS foods are held at or below 41F.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Backflow prevention device when required (p)
Inspector notes: No air gap on food prep sink. Provide.
590.005/5-203.14-P
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink at service counter blocked with a chair. Ensure access by service and pizza station for hand washing when preparing pizza or dispensing beverages.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Burgers and steak tips offered undercooked. No consumer advisory for disclosure / reminder. Provide.
590.003/3-603.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Monitor staff for holding temperatures proper warewashing access to hand sinks and cooling methods as stated and staff understanding of illness policy . Retrain staff.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Observed ceiling in the food prep area/kitchen appeared to be accoustic style heavily soiled are not cleanable. Replace with smooth durable cleanable material.
590.006/6-101.11-C
Prohibitions (c)
Inspector notes: Pizza boxes stored below sewag lines. Remove.
590.004/4-903.12-C
Washing fruits and vegetables (c)
Inspector notes: Lettuce not washed prior to cutting. Produce must be washed.
590.003/3-302.15-C
Warewashing sinks and drain boards self-draining (c)
Inspector notes: Solid shelf used for draining equipment. Provide proper drainage after cleaning equipment.
590.004/4-204.119-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Cutting boards at cook line station scored. Resurface or replace.
590.004/4-501.12-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Black substance on walls and ceiling ceiling fan covers of walkin. Floor of walkin freezer soiled Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Tongs on the oven handle and rice utensil stored in stagnant water. Store properly.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Exit door in basement without weatherstrip. Provide to exclude vermin.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: No beard restraint. Provide.
590.002/2-402.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wet cloths used on raw food counter not stored in sanitizer solution. Provide as stated.
590.003/3-304.14-C
(b) cooling methods (c)
Inspector notes: PIC states soup cooled at room temperature then refrigerated. Monitor cooling from 135F - 70F in 2 hours then 70F -41F in 4 hours by using proper cooling methods.
590.003/3-501.15-C
Rinsing procedures (c)
Inspector notes: Three compartment sink using wash and sanitizer bays but not rinsing. Wash - Rinse-Sanitize.
590.004/4-603.16-C
Characteristics-materials for construction and repair (c)
Inspector notes: Wooden shelf used to stored food contact equipment. Pizza made made of wood. Provide cleanable durable food contact surfaces. Remove cardboard from food prep areas shelving.
590.004/4-101.11-C
29
Sep 12, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 17 violations
Backflow prevention device when required (p)
Inspector notes: No air gap on food prep sink. Provide.
590.005/5-203.14-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Cooked chicken on cook line 70F and at pizza station 45F. Ensure TCS foods are held at or below 41F.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink at service counter blocked with a chair. Ensure access by service and pizza station for hand washing when preparing pizza or dispensing beverages.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: Burgers and steak tips offered undercooked. No consumer advisory for disclosure / reminder. Provide.
590.003/3-603.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Monitor staff for holding temperatures proper warewashing access to hand sinks and cooling methods as stated and staff understanding of illness policy . Retrain staff.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Prohibitions (c)
Inspector notes: Pizza boxes stored below sewag lines. Remove.
590.004/4-903.12-C
Rinsing procedures (c)
Inspector notes: Three compartment sink using wash and sanitizer bays but not rinsing. Wash - Rinse-Sanitize.
590.004/4-603.16-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Cutting boards at cook line station scored. Resurface or replace.
590.004/4-501.12-C
Warewashing sinks and drain boards self-draining (c)
Inspector notes: Solid shelf used for draining equipment. Provide proper drainage after cleaning equipment.
590.004/4-204.119-C
Characteristics-materials for construction and repair (c)
Inspector notes: Wooden shelf used to stored food contact equipment. Pizza made made of wood. Provide cleanable durable food contact surfaces. Remove cardboard from food prep areas shelving.
590.004/4-101.11-C
(b) cooling methods (c)
Inspector notes: PIC states soup cooled at room temperature then refrigerated. Monitor cooling from 135F - 70F in 2 hours then 70F -41F in 4 hours by using proper cooling methods.
590.003/3-501.15-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wet cloths used on raw food counter not stored in sanitizer solution. Provide as stated.
590.003/3-304.14-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Tongs on the oven handle and rice utensil stored in stagnant water. Store properly.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Washing fruits and vegetables (c)
Inspector notes: Lettuce not washed prior to cutting. Produce must be washed.
590.003/3-302.15-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: No beard restraint. Provide.
590.002/2-402.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Black substance on walls and ceiling ceiling fan covers of walkin. Floor of walkin freezer soiled Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Exit door in basement without weatherstrip. Provide to exclude vermin.
590.006/6-202.15-C
30
Feb 28, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Cooked chicken chopped in the pizza area 59 F in cold holding unit- Store in unit or on ice until it reach proper cold holding temperature
590.003/3-501.16-P
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: There were no sanitizer strips for 3 bay sink or sanitizer buckets - Provide
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Inside Cooler and reach in cooler there is no date marking on prepared foods - date all foods prepared and stored for 24 hours of more
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence Rat droppings in basement and under the fryolator - Provide an updated IPM style report from a licensed pest control company.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Several knives tongs spatulas are either stored on the handle of stoves or hang up and placed in clean containers- Discontinue storing soiled food contact equipment and Clean to remove soils
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Walk in cooler door handle is completely off and have a gallon of oil keeping it closed - Repar
590.004/4-501.11-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Stove grill inside refrigerators lowboy fryolators in under and around is heavily soiled with caked on grease and debris on under and inbetween - Clean thoroughly o remove grime grease and debris
590.004/4-601.11-C
Ventilation hood systems adequacy (c)
Inspector notes: Dust on and around the pipes over the Pizza area and in food prep area - CLean to remove dusts
590.004/4-301.14-C
Frozen food (c)
Inspector notes: Several cases of shaved steak stored on the floor in boxes and was covered by cardboard box to go undetected- Remove and store in walk in cooler- Discontinue thawing TCS foods in ambient air all foods should be kept 6 inches off the floor.
590.003/3-501.11-C
Standards of identity (c)
Inspector notes: All squeeze bottles with different contents with no labels - label all squeeze bottles with their commom name.
590.003/3-601.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths are stored throughout without being inside sanitizer solution- Store all wiping cloths in sanitizer solution
590.003/3-304.14-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Floors throughout are soiled heavily with food - Clean to remove soils
590.006/6-201.11-C
41
Nov 1, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: No date marking available- Date mark all prepared foods thats stored in refrigerator for 24hours or more to ensure 1st in and 1st out method
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Several mature flies was at the entrance and also in the kitchen area- Provide a detailed pest control report from a license pest control company
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood ventilation is expired September 2022- Provide a inspection and hood cleaning from a licensed hood cleaning company. Vents over the kitchen area as a whole is heavily soiled - Clean to remove soils
590.004/4-202.18-C
78
Oct 18, 2022
Routine
4 critical violations. 6 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Raw Fish stored over ready to eat foods; Raw Chicken stored over raw beef whole shell eggs stored over ready to eat foods and produce- Store all poultry on bottom shelf and all others meats according to their internal cookling temperature. Corrected on site
590.003/3-302.11-P
Cleaning procedure (p)
Inspector notes: At both handsink there was no papertowels and at one sink in warewash area there is no paper-towels or soap to ensure Proper handwashing - Train all staff the importance of handwashing at all time even the staff that is behind front counter to ensure good handwashing pratices.- Corrected on site
590.002/2-301.12-P
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Cooked grilled chicken held in hot holding unit at 125F / Fried chicken held in hot holding unit at 120F- Reheat chicken to 165 then hot hold 135F or above.
590.003/3-501.16-P1
Food temperature measuring devices (p)
Inspector notes: There was one thermometer not measuring cold holding temperatures- Provide a working thermometer that will temp cold and hot foods
590.004/4-201.12-P
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: At the handsink up front near the cookline there was no papertowel and also at the handsink in back near warewash area - Provide drying towels to ensure proper handwashing - Corrected on site
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Several mature flies was at the entrance and also in the kitchen area- Provide a detailed pest control report from a license pest control company
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: No date marking available- Date mark all prepared foods thats stored in refrigerator for 24hours or more to ensure 1st in and 1st out method
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: No Vomit and diarrhe kit available nor instructions- Provide supplies and instructions for vomit kit.
590.002/2-501.11-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: There was no cleanser at the handsink in the back near warewash area- Provide Hand cleanser to enure staff washes hands properly
590.006/6-301.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Food contact equipment slicers and also skillets have food soils and splashes on them - Properly clean by wash rinse and sanitize Staff observed rinsing a few spatulas in the prep sink- DIscontinue and properly wash rinse and sanitize equipment properly to ensure no cross contamination.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood ventilation is expired September 2022- Provide a inspection and hood cleaning from a licensed hood cleaning company. Vents over the kitchen area as a whole is heavily soiled - Clean to remove soils
590.004/4-202.18-C
Can openers (c)
Inspector notes: Can Openers is rusted and crusted - Replace blade
590.004/4-202.15-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: The floors are soiled all throughout the kitchen area- Clean to remove soils
590.006/6-201.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: soiled wiping cloths around the restaurant kitchen area- Provide a sanitizer buckets with the correct concentration for wiping cloths - Corrected on site
590.003/3-304.14-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Encrusted grease and soils on the sides of the fryolators soiled stove and under the grill; bottom interior refrigerators and inside the oven unecessary clutter- Clean to remove soils Slicer in back has old food soils- Clean to remove soils
590.004/4-601.11-C
23
Apr 29, 2022
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Handwashing sinks-location and placement (pf)
Inspector notes: There is only one handsink available in the kitchen near the cookline there are other stations with no handsink near- Install handsink near the warewash area.
590.005/5-204.11-PF
90
Apr 14, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: In walk in cooler there is raw beef stored next to raw chicken- Discontinue storing near one another - store all raw chicken on bottom shelf. PIC corrected on site
590.003/3-302.11-P
Handwashing sinks-location and placement (pf)
Inspector notes: There is only one handsink available in the kitchen near the cookline there are other stations with no handsink near- Install handsink near the warewash area.
590.005/5-204.11-PF
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: There are soiled wiping cloths all over with no sanitizer solution- Store all soiled and clean wiping cloths in sanitizer solution
590.003/3-304.14-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: 3 bay sink has a large leak underneath and also the prep sink - Repair leaks underneath both sinks
590.005/5-205.15-C
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Avenue Grille last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Avenue Grille on file is from Jan 28, 2026. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Avenue Grille?
Across the inspection record, “wiping cloths use limitation” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at The Avenue Grille.
How does The Avenue Grille compare to other restaurants in Dorchester?
The Avenue Grille most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is about the same as the Dorchester average of 86.
Has The Avenue Grille's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at The Avenue Grille have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at The Avenue Grille 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 The Avenue Grille inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Avenue Grille is inspected around four times per year on average.
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