The Dot Tavern

840 Dorchester Av, Dorchester, MA 02125
Bar / Pub
Last inspected: Nov 10, 2025
95
Score
Low Risk

Inspectors have visited The Dot Tavern five times, with records going back to 2023. The newest entry in the record is dated Nov 10, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.

Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around one violation across recent inspections versus roughly six violations before.

When inspectors have written things up, “cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.

Compared to the broader Dorchester restaurant scene, where the average is 86, this is a stronger showing. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.

5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 10, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker expired Dec. 2024.Service
590.006/6-501.14-C
95
Oct 10, 2025
Routine
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide test strips for the low temp dish machine at the bar.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Handwashing sinks-location and placement (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide a hand sink at the bar location.
590.005/5-204.11-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide paper towel at the hand sink in the kitchen area.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker expired Dec. 2024.Service
590.006/6-501.14-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Visible dust and old beer bottle caps under the equipment at the bar.Cean with frequency
590.006/6-501.12-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Visible dust on the hood filters.Clean with frequency
590.006/6-501.14-C
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Remove the grease barrel which is not in use.
590.005/5-501.115-C
61
Oct 2, 2025
Routine
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide test strips for the low temp dish machine at the bar.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Handwashing sinks-location and placement (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide a hand sink at the bar location.
590.005/5-204.11-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide paper towel at the hand sink in the kitchen area.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Visible dust on the hood filters.Clean with frequency
590.006/6-501.14-C
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Remove the grease barrel which is not in use.
590.005/5-501.115-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Visible dust and old beer bottle caps under the equipment at the bar.Cean with frequency
590.006/6-501.12-C
64
May 30, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Cleaning agents and sanitizers availability (pf)
Inspector notes: 3 compartment sink missing sanitizer and detergent. Provide.
590.004/4-303.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Missing testing device for 3 compartment sink and high temp dishmachine. Provide
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Observed wood boards loose on the entrance way to the back staircase to the basement. Repair
590.006/6-501.11-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker expired. Provide an updated sticker
590.006/6-501.14-C
74
Mar 17, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Uspension of permit with notice (p)
Inspector notes: No permit. Apply at once.
590.014(B)/SummaryS-P
Uspension of permit with notice (p)
Inspector notes: No permit. Apply at once.
590.014(B)/SummaryS-P
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Cooking equipment disconnected from gas lines at cookline. Hood system exhaust under repair. Obtain all necessary permits from ISD plumbing & building. To refer to Lek Moy BFD.
590.006/6-501.11-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Cooking equipment disconnected from gas lines at cookline. Hood system exhaust under repair. Obtain all necessary permits from ISD plumbing & building. To rfer to Lek Moy BFD.
590.006/6-501.11-C
67

Frequently Asked Questions

When was The Dot Tavern last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at The Dot Tavern on file is from Nov 10, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at The Dot Tavern?

Across the inspection record, “cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at The Dot Tavern.

How does The Dot Tavern compare to other restaurants in Dorchester?

The Dot Tavern most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is higher than the Dorchester average of 86.

Has The Dot Tavern's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at The Dot Tavern have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at The Dot Tavern 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 Dot Tavern inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, The Dot Tavern is inspected around two times per year on average.