The Merchant

60 Franklin St, Boston, MA 02110
American
Last inspected: Apr 28, 2026
100
Score
Low Risk

Across the available record, The Merchant has five inspections on file, the first dated 2022. The most recent report on file is from Apr 28, 2026. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.

Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around zero violations compared to roughly four violations earlier on.

“(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot” comes up most often, recorded two times in the inspection record.

Among Boston restaurants, the typical score is 86; The Merchant is comfortably above that bar. Overall, the inspection record reads well.

5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 28, 2026
Routine
No violations found.
100
Feb 12, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Rice at 115F in steam table. Person in charge removed and reheated to acceptable temperature. Ensure hot holding at 135F or above.
590.003/3-501.16-P1
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Ice machine at bar area observed with black soils inside the interior of the unit. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Common name-working containers (pf)
Inspector notes: Chemical spray bottle observed without label. Provide.
590.007/7-102.11-PF
Receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Grease container in the back trash area obsevred with soils on the exterior. Clean to remove.
590.005/5-501.13-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Provide hand sink only signage at warewash area hand sink.
590.006/6-301.14-C
64
Oct 15, 2025
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple white cutting boards observed heavily scored in the main kitchen area. Resurface/ Replace
590.004/4-501.12-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Observed employee without hair restraints / provide proper hair restraints for all food prep workers
590.002/2-402.11-C
Drying mops (c)
Inspector notes: Mop not in use is being stored inside mop bucket in front of mop sink.Hang mops to dry ( Corrected on site)
590.006/6-501.16-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: clean and sanitize the interior and exterior of the ice machine to remove possible mold-like substance
590.004/4-601.11-C
82
May 10, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Rice and black beans on production line at 120F. Person in charge discarded. Hold hot items at 135F or higher.
590.003/3-501.16-P1
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed live and dead roach in basement around ice machine. Provide updated pest reports.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Black build up observed inside interior of ice machine. Confirmed by chef. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker observed expired in March. Schedule cleaning appointment.
590.004/4-202.18-C
67
Sep 7, 2022
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: clean the floor area under the ice machine in the back kitchen area.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: In the dishroom remove rust buildup on the top part of the grease trap.
590.004/4-501.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: keep all in use wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution when not in use.
590.003/3-304.14-C
86

Frequently Asked Questions

When was The Merchant last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at The Merchant on file is from Apr 28, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at The Merchant?

Across the inspection record, “(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at The Merchant.

How does The Merchant compare to other restaurants in Boston?

The Merchant most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Boston average of 86.

Has The Merchant's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at The Merchant have averaged around zero violations per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at The Merchant 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 Merchant inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, The Merchant is inspected roughly once per year on average.