Groundwater Cafe
Last inspected: Dec 11, 2025
100
Score
Going back to 2023, Groundwater Cafe has five inspections in the public record. The most recent visit was on Dec 11, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around zero violations, down from roughly five violations earlier in the record.
Across the inspection history, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded five times.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Scituate restaurant scores 89. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 11, 2025
Environmental Complaint
No violations found.
100
Dec 2, 2025
Re-Inspection
1 major violation. 2 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Food label missing or inaccurate
Inspector notes: Sandwiches and lasagna packaged in the food establishment are lacking complete labels. Food packaged in a food establishment must be labeled with the common name of the food, a list of ingredients (including sub ingredients), the quantity of the contents, and the business name/address. PIC informed inspector that new templates are in process.
3-602.11
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Bags of ice and buckets of food were observed stored on the floor in the walk-in freezer. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor. PIC received new crates and began to place food items during inspection.
3-305.11
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: The following were observed in poor repair: -table-top prep unit -gaskets to 2-door reach -in -bakery display case (tape holding door).
4-501.11
82
Nov 18, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 7 violations
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Turkey, chourice, cheese, sausage were observed held at 47-48 degrees Fahrenheit in table-top prep unit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. Foods that were placed in unit this morning were moved to other refrigeration; foods that had been in unit overnight were disposed.
3-501.16(A)
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
Inspector notes: Ambient temperature of sandwich hot-hold unit was observed at 117 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. Temperature setting was increased during inspection.
3-501.16(A)
Food label missing or inaccurate
Inspector notes: Sandwiches, lasagna, parfaits packaged in the food establishment are lacking complete labels. Food packaged in a food establishment must be labeled with the common name of the food, a list of ingredients (including sub ingredients), the quantity of the contents, and the business name/address.
3-602.11
Improper cooling methods used
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Per interview of staff, chicken was placed hot in the refrigerator in a plastic container greater than four inches deep. Staff placed in shallow pan and brought to freezer to rapidly chill.
3-501.15
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
Inspector notes: Ice was observed stored on the floor in the walk-in freezer. Cases of beverages were observed stored on the floor in dry storage areas. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.
3-305.11
Cleaned equipment or utensils stored improperly
Inspector notes: Utensils in the utensil crock (over ovens) are displayed with the lip surface up. Utensils are to be stored so that only the handles are touched by employees and consumers if consumer self-service is provided.
4-903.11(A)
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: The following were observed in poor repair: -table-top prep unit (not maintaining 41 degrees or colder) -gaskets to 2-door reach-in -bakery display case (tape holding door).
4-501.11
52
Sep 5, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
Expired or improperly marked ready-to-eat food not discarded
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Linguiça was observed in refrigerator beyond 7 days from opening. PIC voluntarily disposed.
3-501.18
Food label missing or inaccurate
Inspector notes: Pasta salad, soups, and ice creams packaged in the food establishment are lacking complete labels. Food packaged in a food establishment must be labeled with the common name of the food, a list of ingredients, the quantity of the contents, and the business name/address.
3-602.11
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: The table-top prep unit located in the kitchen area was not in good repair. Inspector observed a leak in the unit under food pans.
4-501.11
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: Refrigerator door gasket on 3-door reach-in was observed in poor repair.
4-501.11
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: Bakery case located in the service area was not in good repair. Inspector observed digital display on unit at 45 degrees, and internal probe reading 47 degrees. No items requiring refrigeration to be stored in this unit until it maintains 41 degrees or colder.
4-501.11
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the back room, is not tight-fitting, observed with a gap in the lower corner. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight-fitting doors.
6-202.15
64
Jun 26, 2023
Opening
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: The door to the front and back toilet room is not self-closing.
6-501.19
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The stove hoods in kitchen area has an accumulation of soil residue and food debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.11
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed in the back kitchen area. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions.
6-501.114
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Groundwater Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Groundwater Cafe on file is from Dec 11, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Groundwater Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Groundwater Cafe.
How does Groundwater Cafe compare to other restaurants in Scituate?
Groundwater Cafe most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Scituate average of 89.
Has Groundwater Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Groundwater Cafe have averaged around zero violations per visit, down from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Groundwater Cafe 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 Groundwater Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Groundwater Cafe is inspected around two times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants
Explore More
→
All locations in Scituate