Yellow Door Taqueria

2297 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, MA 02124
Mexican / Latin
Last inspected: Apr 16, 2025
90
Score
Low Risk

Going back to 2022, Yellow Door Taqueria has 12 inspections in the public record. On Apr 16, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.

Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around one violation compared to roughly three violations earlier on.

Across the inspection history, “(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded five times.

Compared to the broader Dorchester restaurant scene, where the average is 86, this is a stronger showing. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 16, 2025
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: The online menu does not have a consumer advisory for raw/undercooked foods / Provide a full consumer advisory.
590.003/3-603.11-PF
90
Apr 14, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
Hot water and chemical-methods (p)
Inspector notes: Sanitizer not registering / repair to provide 50-100ppm chlorine. 3 bay sink will be used. Bar glass machine operating properly and can be used for glass washing
590.004/4-703.11-P
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: The online menu does not have a consumer advisory for raw/undercooked foods / Provide a full consumer advisory.
590.003/3-603.11-PF
78
Mar 27, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Hot water and chemical-methods (p)
Inspector notes: Sanitizer not registering / repair to provide 50-100ppm chlorine. 3 bay sink will be used. Bar glass machine operating properly and can be used for glass washing
590.004/4-703.11-P
86
Oct 22, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Handsink obstructed with fry oil. Corrected on site. Handwashing practices satisfactory.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Mechanical warewashing equipment hot water sanitization temperatures (pf)
Inspector notes: High temperature dish machine 90F final rinse. Make all necessary repairs.
590.004/4-501.112-PF
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Hot water in basement warewashing area is fluating between 70F & 94F water heater has tripped breaker that was reset. PIC has contacted a plumber to assess and make any necessary repairs. Hot water at upstairs cookline and bar is 110F+
590.005/5-205.15-C
78
Jun 14, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Preventing contamination from hands (p)
Inspector notes: Employee observed handling ready to eat produce in the basement preparation area with no gloves. Address and ensure there is no bare hand contact with any ready to eat foods.
590.003(C)/3-301.11-P
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink in the main kitchen area being blocked by plastic container and barrel. Discontinue and ensure all hand sinks are accessible during operational hours. Sink was cleared at the time of the inspection.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Food storage prohibited areas (c)
Inspector notes: Containers of meats and other food products observed being stored on the ground of the walk-in cooler. Discontinue and store all foods elevated a minimum of 6 inches off the ground.
590.003/3-305.12-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops in the basement preparation area. Address and provide the proper sanitizing buckets.
590.003/3-304.14-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Current Food Safety Certification on site with a past expiration date from Nov. 2023. Address and provide up to date Certifications. No one on site with a current Food Allergen Certification. Provide.
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
67
Jan 23, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Hot water and chemical-methods (p)
Inspector notes: Sanitizer not registering / Line broke during inspection / Repair to provide 50-100ppm
590.004/4-703.11-P
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: Hood tag expired in November 2023 / Contact hood cleaning company
590.006/6-201.17-C
82
May 17, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Fresh guacamole on ice with an elevated temperature of 48F. Ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41F. Guacamole to be removed and cooled to below 41F.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Evidence of what appears to be rodent droppings observed in the back basement storage roomnear the soda machine. Clean to remove and provide an up to date pest control report for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Single bay preparation sink in the basement area not draining properly. Address and make any necessary repairs.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and provide a proper sanitizing solution.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Floor under the fryer and grill top with heavy grease build-up and food debris. Clean to remove all.
590.006/6-201.11-C
70
May 11, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Fresh guacamole on ice with an elevated temperature of 48F. Ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41F. Guacamole to be removed and cooled to below 41F.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: At the time of the inspection there were no test strips available. Provide
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Evidence of what appears to be rodent droppings observed in the back basement storaeg roomnear the soda machine. Clean to remove and provide an up to date pest control report for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Single bay preparation sink in the basement area not draining properly. Address and make any necessary repairs.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Floor under the fryer and grill top with heavy grease build-up and food debris. Clean to remove all.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and provide a proper sanitizing solution.
590.003/3-304.14-C
64
Nov 18, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Hood and Ventilation tags with a past espiration date from July 2022. Address and provide up to date tags for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-201.11-C
95
Oct 7, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Cooked chicken and beef observed being left out at room temperature. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at 135F and above. Meats were removed at the time of the inspeciton and reheated on the stove top (165F) to ensure no bacterial growth.
590.003/3-501.16-P1
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Various toippings for tacos located in the open air cooler in the main kitchen with elevated temperatures of 59F. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41F. Raw meats inside of the under the stove top cooler with an elevated temperature of 61F. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41F. All foods not at the appropriate temperature to be removed and placed back under proper refrigeration to enusure no bacterial growth.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink located basement preparation area observed being blocked by a fan placed on top of it. Discontinue and ensure all hand sinks remain accessible during operational hours
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Thawing (c)
Inspector notes: Previously frozen packaged meats observed being thawed at room temperature. Discontinue and ensure proper thawing methods are in place.
590.003/3-501.13-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Sanitizing buckets set up at the different preparation stations but not registering any sanitizer. Address and ensure all staff have been properly trained on how to set up and test sanitizer.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Open air cooler storing various foods/toppings doesn not appear to be functioning properly. 4 Drawer under the stove top cooler does not appear to be functioning properly. Address make any necessary repairs and discontinue use unless the units are able to maintain a temperature of below 41F. All foods to be removed at the time of the inspection and placed into a refrigeration unit that is operating below 41F.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Innterior of the single door Blodgett oven located in the basement preparation room with excess carbon build-up. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Several squeeze bottles filled with sauces and dressings have no labels. Provide.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Hood and Ventilation tags with a past espiration date from July 2022. Address and provide up to date tags for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-201.11-C
50
Jun 7, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Diced onions sauteed peppers cole slaw and cooked corn inside of the main kitchen cold holding unit with elevated temperatures between 57-60F. Shredded cheese in the 4 drawer cooler with an elevated temperature of 55F. Discontinue and esnure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41F. All foods out of temperature to be removed and placed into a refrigeration unit that is below 41F.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of fruit fly activity noted in the basement preparation area. Address and provide up to date pest control report for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Food temperature measuring devices (pf)
Inspector notes: At the time of the inspection there were no food thermometers available. Provide.
590.004/4-302.12-PF
Thawing (c)
Inspector notes: Frozen seafood observed being thawed in stagnant water in the 3 bay sink. Discontinue and ensure proper thawing methods are in place.
590.003/3-501.13-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Lower shelf of the True freezer in the basement preparation area with food spills and visible soils. Defrost and clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Wiping cloths air drying location (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and provide a proper sanitizing solution.
590.004/4-901.12-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Long cold holding unit in the main kitchen area does not appear to be working properly. Address and make any necessary repairs. Unit is not to be used unless it is able to maintain a temperature of below 41F. Small electric fryer observed being used in the main kitchen and not under any type of suppression system. Discontinue use unless otherwise authorized.
590.004/4-202.16-C
58
May 26, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Diced onions sauteed peppers cole slaw and cooked corn inside of the main kitchen cold holding unit with elevated temperatures between 57-60F. Shredded cheese in the 4 drawer cooler with an elevated temperature of 55F. Discontinue and esnure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41F. All foods out of temperature to be removed and placed into a refrigeration unit that is below 41F.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of fruit fly activity noted in the basement preparation area. Address and provide up to date pest control report for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Test strips located at the 3 bay sink with what appears to be water damage. Replace.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Food temperature measuring devices (pf)
Inspector notes: At the time of teh inspection there were no food thermometers available. Provide.
590.004/4-302.12-PF
Wiping cloths air drying location (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and provide a proper sanitizing solution.
590.004/4-901.12-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Long cold holding unit in the main kitchen area does not appear to be working properly. Address and make any necessary repairs. Unit is not to be used unless it is able to maintain a temperature of below 41F. Small electric fryer observed being used in the main kitchen and not under any type of suppression system. Discontinue use unless otherwise authorized.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Lower shelf of the True freezer in the basement preparation area with food spills and visible soils. Defrost and clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Thawing (c)
Inspector notes: Frozen seafood observed being thawed in stagnant water in the 3 bay sink. Discontinue and ensure proper thawing methods are in place.
590.003/3-501.13-C
52

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Yellow Door Taqueria last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Yellow Door Taqueria on file is from Apr 16, 2025. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Yellow Door Taqueria?

Across the inspection record, “(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Yellow Door Taqueria.

How does Yellow Door Taqueria compare to other restaurants in Dorchester?

Yellow Door Taqueria most recently scored 90 out of 100, which is higher than the Dorchester average of 86.

Has Yellow Door Taqueria's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Yellow Door Taqueria have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly three earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Yellow Door Taqueria 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 Yellow Door Taqueria inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Yellow Door Taqueria is inspected around four times per year on average.