Thinking Cup
Last inspected: Apr 8, 2026
16
Score
Thinking Cup appears in inspection records 15 times, starting in 2022. The most recent report on file is from Apr 8, 2026. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around 19 violations lately compared to roughly eight violations before.
“Certified food protection manager” comes up most often, recorded eight times in the inspection record.
Restaurants in Boston average 86, so Thinking Cup trails the local norm. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.
15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
10
Major latest
17
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 8, 2026
Routine
10 major violations. 17 minor violations.
View 27 violations
Temperature measuring devices manual and mechanical warewashing (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC unable to provide a working irreverssible thermometer (no battery)
590.004/4-302.13-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: RTE containers of prep foods stored in different cold holding unit observed missing date marking. Provide made/discard to all prep foods before storing
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Package integrity (pf)
Inspector notes: Can of black olives observed heavily dented. Discard. PIC voluntarily discard the damaged can of olives
590.003/3-202.15-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Violations noted on the inspection report. PIFC to provide active managerial controls and train staff on violations noted on the inspection report PIC to remove 2022 Letter Grade PIC to label 3 bay sink & Food prep sink
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: Kit for V&D clean up events observed missing supplies Provide and keep accessible
590.002/2-501.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Old rat droppings and mouse droppings observed in the room behind the dishwasher. Clean to remove IPM report was provided on site and not detailed. PIC to provide detailed IPM report citing drop ceiling notation from a licensed exterminator to: inca.prince@boston.gov PIC recommnended to increase visit from licensed exterminator
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Kitchen area handsink observed without paper towel. Provide
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Kitchen handsink observed without handwashing soap. Provide to prevent contamination by hands. Additional handsinks in close proximity observed in compliance
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Excess water from upstairs cold unit observed dispensing inside kitchen handsink. Remove to prevent contamination by hands
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior of ice machine upstrairs in the coffe area observed soiled 3 bay sink (middle/sanitizing bay) observed soiled interior of refrigeration unit observed soiled interior of microwave unit observed soiled warewashing drying shelvings/ rack observed rusty. Clean & sanitize to remove
590.004/4-601.11-PF
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Large hole observed on floor drain/pipe in the room behind dishwasher. Provide repair. Potential entryway for pest/rodents Pipe under display refrigeration unit upstairs (pastry) observed leaking. Repair Handwashing sink upstairs observed not secure in place. Repair
590.005/5-205.15-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Walking freezer observe with heavy ice build up. Repair to find the root cause. Waiting on parts per PIC (4.8.26)
590.004/4-501.11-C
Ventilation hood systems adequacy (c)
Inspector notes: Panini press machine observed stored under shelvings without hood ventilation
590.004/4-301.14-C
Ventilation hood systems drip prevention (c)
Inspector notes: Observed heavily grease buildup and dripping from shelvings where papinin machine is stored. Will refer to BFD
590.004/4-204.11-C
Warewashing machine data plate operation specifications (c)
Inspector notes: High temp dishwasher observed missing date plate. Provide Motor door from 3 cold holding unit observed missing. Repair. Waiting to arrive per PIC (4.8.26)
590.004/4-204.113-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple cold holding unit/walk in observed without a conspicuous thermometer. Install and keep visible
590.004/4-204.112-C
Food storage prohibited areas (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple cases of coffee cups observed stored inside the mop closet. Discontinue Milk open case refrigeration unit observed stored inside mop closet. Discontinue
590.003/3-305.12-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Cases of soy milk and other bottle beverages observed stored on the ground. Discontinue/ Elevate
590.003/3-305.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple wipping cloths observed stored on equipments and counter surfaces. Discontinue stored accordingly
590.003/3-304.14-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Portion cups observed stored inside foods. Discontinue provide handle utensils to dispense.
590.003/3-304.12-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: PIC unable to provide current Servsafe Certificate. Post current/ updated CFPM certificate
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Observed staff working with RTE foods without proper hair restraint. Provide
590.002/2-402.11-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Hole observed in the wall next to the staff restroom. Repair to prevent pest/rodent entry Ceiling tile observed missing in the mop closet. Repair
590.006/6-501.11-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: IPM report was provided on site and not detailed. PIC to provide detailed IPM report citing drop ceiling notation from a licensed exterminator to: inca.prince@boston.gov PIC recommnended to increase visit from licensed exterminator IPM report in process due to emergency from the owner (out of the country report is emailed to the owner) 4.8.26
590.006/6-501.111-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Door sweep observed missing from back door. Install to prevent entryway from rodent/ pests.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Floor throughout the facility (upstairs/downstairs) in need of cleaning due to debris accumulations and crumbs. Clean to remove Stagnant water observed in kitchen floor. Clean to remove Floor inside walking freezer observed wth ice build up. Clean to remove Kitchen floor observed line up with cardboard. Discontinue
590.006/6-201.11-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Several food storage containers/ bulk bins observed without labels. Provide labels when removed from original containers
590.003/3-302.12-C
16
Mar 30, 2026
Routine
10 major violations. 16 minor violations.
View 26 violations
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Excess water from upstairs cold unit observed dispensing inside kitchen handsink. Remove to prevent contamination by hands
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior of ice machine upstrairs in the coffe area observed soiled 3 bay sink (middle/sanitizing bay) observed soiled interior of refrigeration unit observed soiled interior of microwave unit observed soiled warewashing drying shelvings/ rack observed rusty. Clean & sanitize to remove
590.004/4-601.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Violations noted on the inspection report. PIFC to provide active managerial controls and train staff on violations noted on the inspection report PIC to remove 2022 Letter Grade PIC to label 3 bay sink & Food prep sink
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Temperature measuring devices manual and mechanical warewashing (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC unable to provide a working irreverssible thermometer (no battery)
590.004/4-302.13-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Kitchen area handsink observed without paper towel. Provide
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: RTE containers of prep foods stored in different cold holding unit observed missing date marking. Provide made/discard to all prep foods before storing
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Old rat droppings and mouse droppings observed in the room behind the dishwasher. Clean to remove IPM report was provided on site and not detailed. PIC to provide detailed IPM report citing drop ceiling notation from a licensed exterminator to: inca.prince@boston.gov PIC recommnended to increase visit from licensed exterminator
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Kitchen handsink observed without handwashing soap. Provide to prevent contamination by hands. Additional handsinks in close proximity observed in compliance
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Package integrity (pf)
Inspector notes: Can of black olives observed heavily dented. Discard. PIC voluntarily discard the damaged can of olives
590.003/3-202.15-PF
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: Kit for V&D clean up events observed missing supplies Provide and keep accessible
590.002/2-501.11-PF
Food storage prohibited areas (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple cases of coffee cups observed stored inside the mop closet. Discontinue Milk open case refrigeration unit observed stored inside mop closet. Discontinue
590.003/3-305.12-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple wipping cloths observed stored on equipments and counter surfaces. Discontinue stored accordingly
590.003/3-304.14-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Portion cups observed stored inside foods. Discontinue provide handle utensils to dispense.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Several food storage containers/ bulk bins observed without labels. Provide labels when removed from original containers
590.003/3-302.12-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Door sweep observed missing from back door. Install to prevent entryway from rodent/ pests.
590.006/6-202.15-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: PIC unable to provide current Servsafe Certificate. Post current/ updated CFPM certificate
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Observed staff working with RTE foods without proper hair restraint. Provide
590.002/2-402.11-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Hole observed in the wall next to the staff restroom. Repair to prevent pest/rodent entry Ceiling tile observed missing in the mop closet. Repair
590.006/6-501.11-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Floor throughout the facility (upstairs/downstairs) in need of cleaning due to debris accumulations and crumbs. Clean to remove Stagnant water observed in kitchen floor. Clean to remove Floor inside walking freezer observed wth ice build up. Clean to remove Kitchen floor observed line up with cardboard. Discontinue
590.006/6-201.11-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Large hole observed on floor drain/pipe in the room behind dishwasher. Provide repair. Potential entryway for pest/rodents Pipe under display refrigeration unit upstairs (pastry) observed leaking. Repair Handwashing sink upstairs observed not secure in place. Repair
590.005/5-205.15-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: High temp dishwasher final rinse gauge observed not operating (EE message). Provide Repair Walking freezer observe with heavy ice build up. Repair to find the root cause.
590.004/4-501.11-C
Ventilation hood systems adequacy (c)
Inspector notes: Panini press machine observed stored under shelvings without hood ventilation
590.004/4-301.14-C
Ventilation hood systems drip prevention (c)
Inspector notes: Observed heavily grease buildup and dripping from shelvings where papinin machine is stored. Will refer to BFD
590.004/4-204.11-C
Warewashing machine data plate operation specifications (c)
Inspector notes: High temp dishwasher observed missing date plate. Provide Motor door from 3 cold holding unit observed missing. Repair
590.004/4-204.113-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple cold holding unit/walk in observed without a conspicuous thermometer. Install and keep visible
590.004/4-204.112-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Cases of soy milk and other bottle beverages observed stored on the ground. Discontinue/ Elevate
590.003/3-305.11-C
17
Oct 16, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Post " Hand Washing Only " signage at all designated hand sinks locations of the restaurant
590.006/6-301.14-C
Equipment and utensils-durability and strength (c)
Inspector notes: Self service refrigeration unit by thr front counter is rusting out in several locations inside the unit -m rsurface as discussed
590.004/4-201.11-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Remove old drains in the floors harboiring fruit flies
590.006/6-501.111-C
86
Oct 7, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 10 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Many fruit flies in the trash / receptacle back area as well as the basement - address acordingly
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Wood use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Remove all compromised wooden utensils in the coffee station where needed
590.004/4-101.17-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Remove old drains in the floors harboiring fruit flies
590.006/6-501.111-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Post " Hand Washing Only " signage at all designated hand sinks locations of the restaurant
590.006/6-301.14-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Post copies of both your food safety and allergen awareness certificates on site for the PIC
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove all rusted surfaces under prep tables inside freezer and refrigeration units where needed
590.004/4-101.19-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Clearly label to identify all food containers accordingly as discussed to properly identify the contents
590.003/3-302.12-C
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: Maintain clean after use
590.005/5-203.13-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean inside all under counter refrigeration / freezer units - exterior on all table top cooking equipmemt - all coffee canisters food storage bins used when mixing drinks from visible food spills stains and soils
590.004/4-602.13-C
Equipment and utensils-durability and strength (c)
Inspector notes: Self service refrigeration unit by thr front counter is rusting out in several locations inside the unit -m rsurface as discussed
590.004/4-201.11-C
Clean condition-outer clothing (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled aprons shall be changed out throughout the day on an " as needed basisi " -[ when there is an accumulation of visible food soils present ]
590.002/2-304.11-C
55
Sep 26, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Many fruit flies in the trash / receptacle back area as well as the basement - address acordingly
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Post copies of both your food safety and allergen awareness certificates on site for the PIC
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Clearly label to identify all food containers accordingly as discussed to properly identify the contents
590.003/3-302.12-C
Wood use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Remove all compromised wooden utensils in the coffee station where needed
590.004/4-101.17-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove all rusted surfaces under prep tables inside freezer and refrigeration units where needed
590.004/4-101.19-C
Equipment and utensils-durability and strength (c)
Inspector notes: Self service refrigeration unit by thr front counter is rusting out in several locations inside the unit -m rsurface as discussed
590.004/4-201.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean inside all under counter refrigeration / freezer units - exterior on all table top cooking equipmemt - all coffee canisters food storage bins used when mixing drinks from visible food spills stains and soils
590.004/4-602.13-C
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: Maintain clean after use
590.005/5-203.13-C
Clean condition-outer clothing (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled aprons shall be changed out throughout the day on an " as needed basisi " -[ when there is an accumulation of visible food soils present ]
590.002/2-304.11-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Post " Hand Washing Only " signage at all designated hand sinks locations of the restaurant
590.006/6-301.14-C
58
Mar 19, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
(a) ceasing operations and reporting (pf)
Inspector notes: Flood in basement resulting in approximately 4 inches of standing water. Unable to gain access to warewash or prep area. Notify when area has been cleaned and sanitized. Email isdhealth@boston.gov.
590.008/8-404.11-PF
(a) ceasing operations and reporting (pf)
Inspector notes: Flood in basement resulting in approximately 4 inches of standing water. Unable to gain access to warewash or prep area. Notify when area has been cleaned and sanitized. Email isdhealth@boston.gov.
590.008/8-404.11-PF
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Provide all necessary repairs needed from water damage.
590.006/6-501.11-C
78
Feb 3, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
(a) (b) and (d) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles storing (c)
Inspector notes: When storing plastic cutlery available for self service- ensure the handles are facing outward to minimize potential contamination from other customers
590.004/4-903.11-C1
95
Nov 14, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Aug 16, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Manager on site is not the same person on the food safety certificate - address
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Other forms of information (c)
Inspector notes: Missing the allergen awareness verbiage on the menu boards - Address where needed
590.003/3-602.12-C
90
Aug 5, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food labels (pf)
Inspector notes: Labels for several packaged baked goods out for retail sale are incomplete - address to iclude the allergen ingredients
590.003/3-602.11-PF
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Manager on site is not the same person on the food safety certificate - address
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue the use of sponges to clean any food contact surfaces
590.004/4-101.16-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Clearly identify all clear plastic bottles out by the coffee counter to reduce potential contamination
590.003/3-302.12-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Post a current copy of the PIC's food safety certificate
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Other forms of information (c)
Inspector notes: Missing the allergen awareness verbiage on the menu boards - Address where needed
590.003/3-602.12-C
70
Jul 30, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food labels (pf)
Inspector notes: Labels for several packaged baked goods out for retail sale are incomplete - address to iclude the allergen ingredients
590.003/3-602.11-PF
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Post a current copy of the PIC's food safety certificate
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Clearly identify all clear plastic bottles out by the coffee counter to reduce potential contamination
590.003/3-302.12-C
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Discontinue the use of sponges to clean any food contact surfaces
590.004/4-101.16-C
78
Apr 9, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Assignment (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC on site with no current food safety certificate - address as discussed
590.002(A)/2-101.11-PF
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: No thermometer in the front open air refrigeration unit - provide as discussed
590.004/4-204.112-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Label all bulk foof storage bins as well as all clear plastic spray bottles to properly identify the contents
590.003/3-302.12-C
(a) and (c) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles-storing (c)
Inspector notes: Invert all self service plasticware available for customers so thastn the handles are facing outward so customers are only touching the handles in stead of the sections that are inserted into the coffee
590.004/4-903.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean all counter tops from visible food spills where customers are provided milk cream and sugars for their coffee on a self service basis
590.004/4-602.13-C
74
Sep 13, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jan 5, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Aug 1, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations.
View 2 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: cold hold of cake batters and frostings @ 50f ensure proper cold hold of 41f or below
590.003/3-501.16-P
Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils-frequency (p)
Inspector notes: Interior of ice machine with mold-like build up ensure proper cleaning of interior
590.004/4-602.11-P
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Thinking Cup last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Thinking Cup on file is from Apr 8, 2026. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Thinking Cup?
Across the inspection record, “certified food protection manager” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Thinking Cup.
How does Thinking Cup compare to other restaurants in Boston?
Thinking Cup most recently scored 16 out of 100, which is lower than the Boston average of 86.
Has Thinking Cup's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Thinking Cup have averaged around 19 violations per visit, up from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Thinking Cup 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 Thinking Cup inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Thinking Cup is inspected around four times per year on average.
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