The Playwright

654 E Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127

Bar / Pub

Last inspected: Feb 17, 2026

100

Score

Low Risk

The Playwright has been inspected nine times since 2024. The latest inspection on file is from Feb 17, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.

Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near three violations per visit.

Across the inspection history, “hand drying provision” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded two times.

The Playwright's latest score of 100 sits above the South Boston average of 87. Taken together, the history is a positive one.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Feb 17, 2026

Routine

No violations found.

100

Feb 3, 2026

Routine

1 major violation. 4 minor violations.

View 5 violations

Hand drying provision (pf)

Inspector notes: Observed no paper towels at multiple handsinks @ bar. Discussed with PIC to maintain paper towels at all times of operation at handsinks. COS

590.006/6-301.12-PF

Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)

Inspector notes: Observed multiple mixing bowls stored on top of food inside multiple reach in units. Remove and ensure no items are stored on top or with food items to prevent contamination Observed handled scooper and plastic cup stored in ice well at bar. Disussed with Mgr Rose to ensure no other items are stored with ice except handled scoopers.

590.003/3-307.11-C

Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)

Inspector notes: Observed multiple bottles caps and debris next to dish machines and hand sinks at the bar area. Thoroughly clean to remove all trash / debris.

590.006/6-201.11-C

Nonfood contact surfaces (c)

Inspector notes: Observed ice build up inside walk in freezer. Remove

590.004/4-602.13-C

Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)

Inspector notes: Observed multiple bulk containers stored in basement and squeeze bottles at the bar without labels of identification. Provide a label on all squeeze bottles and bulk containers with the common name of food item stored inside

590.003/3-302.12-C

Nov 19, 2025

Routine

2 major violations. 2 minor violations.

View 4 violations

Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)

Inspector notes: Multiple handsinks missing hand soap. PIC replaced once notified. Continue to monitor frequenty

590.006/6-301.11-PF

Controlling pests (pf)

Inspector notes: Observed heavy fruit fly activity. Provide pest control services and clean and sanitize areas.

590.006/6-501.111-PF

Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)

Inspector notes: Observed debris next to the ice machine in the basement. Clean to remove. Observed food debris between multiple dishmachines. Clean to remove. This issue could be contributing the fly activity.

590.006/6-501.114-C

Cleaning of plumbing fixtures (c)

Inspector notes: Handsinks observed with food heavy food soil build up. Clean to remove

590.006/6-501.18-C

Jun 5, 2025

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)

Inspector notes: Observed heavy grease build up and broken equipment stored outside. Clean to remove

590.005/5-501.115-C

May 28, 2025

Routine

3 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Nonfood contact surfaces (c)

Inspector notes: Observed debris and food soils under the ice machine. Clean to remove

590.004/4-602.13-C

Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)

Inspector notes: Observed plastic dispensing bottles w/out proper labels. Provide at all times

590.003/3-302.12-C

Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)

Inspector notes: Observed heavy grease build up and broken equipment stored outside. Clean to remove

590.005/5-501.115-C

Feb 27, 2025

Routine

2 major violations. 1 minor violation.

View 3 violations

Hand drying provision (pf)

Inspector notes: Multiple paper towel dispensers empty . Provide at all times

590.006/6-301.12-PF

Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)

Inspector notes: Observed multiple handsinks at the front bar being utilized for dumpstations. Retrain staff on proper use of handsinks. Remove plastic catch bins from designated handsinks.

590.005/5-205.11-PF

Handwashing signage (c)

Inspector notes: Handsink designation gnage missing. Replace

590.006/6-301.14-C

Aug 15, 2024

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)

Inspector notes: Hood sticker exp 6/24. Provide updated sticker from required cleaning

590.006/6-501.14-C

Aug 7, 2024

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)

Inspector notes: Hood sticker exp 6/24. Provide updated sticker from required cleaning

590.006/6-501.14-C

Mar 15, 2024

Routine

No violations found.

100

Show all 9 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was The Playwright last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at The Playwright on file is from Feb 17, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at The Playwright?

Across the inspection record, “hand drying provision” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at The Playwright.

How does The Playwright compare to other restaurants in South Boston?

The Playwright most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the South Boston average of 87.

Has The Playwright's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Playwright have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at The Playwright 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 Playwright inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, The Playwright is inspected around five times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Olympic House of Pizza

Score: 67 — Medium Risk

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→ All locations in South Boston → Bar / Pub restaurants in Boston → Bar / Pub restaurants in South Boston