GOOD INFORMATION. BETTER PEACE OF MIND.Español · Always free. No signup required.

Eating & Drinking w/ Take Out · Boston, MA

211 Better Bagels

211 Congress St

Last inspected Jul 8, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Passed

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when 211 Better Bagels has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

No account needed. Unsubscribe at any time.

SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

13 inspections

Inspection

Jul 8, 2026

Passed

2 recorded violations

majorCode 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Ice machine observed with soils inside the interior of the unit. Clean to remove.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Vent fans in walk in cooler have heavy dust build up. Clean to remove.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jul 8, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 30, 2026

Failed

2 recorded violations

majorCode 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Ice machine observed with soils inside the interior of the unit. Clean to remove.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Vent fans in walk in cooler have heavy dust build up. Clean to remove.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jun 30, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 30, 2026

Passed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood sticker observed expired. Schedule cleaning appointment.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 30, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 22, 2026

Failed (extension granted)

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Employee beverage and cell phone in prep area. Remove to prevent potential contaminants.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
majorCode 590.003/3-501.17-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Date Marking (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Cream cheese observed without date marking in walk in cooler. Date mark all products held for longer than 7 days.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Sides of mixer are soiled. Under equiptment has soils. Clean to remove.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.006/6-303.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Intensity-Lighting (C)

Inspector’s notes

Missing light in back of the walk in cooler. Replace.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood sticker observed expired. Schedule cleaning appointment.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 22, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 15, 2026

Failed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Employee beverage and cell phone in prep area. Remove to prevent potential contaminants.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
majorCode 590.003/3-501.17-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Date Marking (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Cream cheese observed without date marking in walk in cooler. Date mark all products held for longer than 7 days.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Sides of mixer are soiled. Under equiptment has soils. Clean to remove.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.006/6-303.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Intensity-Lighting (C)

Inspector’s notes

Missing light in back of the walk in cooler. Replace.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood sticker observed expired. Schedule cleaning appointment.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 15, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 16, 2025

Passed

8 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Food Handling staff observed without hair restraints Provide hair cover for all food service staff.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
majorCode 590.002/2-501.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No Vomit and diarrheal clean up kit on site with procedures/ Provide

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official wording

Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C)

Inspector’s notes

Multiple squeeze bottles observed without labels. Provide labels when removed from original containers

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Bulk foods/floor sugar/provide proper scoop with handle for bulk food bin Portion cup observed in use to dispense foods from bulks. Discontinue and provide scoop with handle to prevent contamination by hands

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
minorCode 590.004/4-501.12-COther

Official wording

Cutting Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed Cutting boards with scores and soils resurface or replace

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-601.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(B) and (C) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (C)

Inspector’s notes

Black mold-like substance on interior chute of ice machine. Clean/sanitize to prevent contamintation interior of microwave observed soiled/ clean to remove

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

kitchen/clean floor area under around and behind all shelving reach in units to remove debris kitchen/clean walls to remove dust and debris storage room clean the floor to remove debris front service area clean the floor to remove flour build up. clean under the cabinet to remove debris

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.006/6-201.17-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Walls and Ceilings Attachments (C)

Inspector’s notes

Storage room and in front of walk-in fridge missing ceiling tile Repair

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 16, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 8, 2025

Failed

8 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Food Handling staff observed without hair restraints Provide hair cover for all food service staff.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
majorCode 590.002/2-501.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No Vomit and diarrheal clean up kit on site with procedures/ Provide

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official wording

Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C)

Inspector’s notes

Multiple squeeze bottles observed without labels. Provide labels when removed from original containers

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Bulk foods/floor sugar/provide proper scoop with handle for bulk food bin Portion cup observed in use to dispense foods from bulks. Discontinue and provide scoop with handle to prevent contamination by hands

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
minorCode 590.004/4-501.12-COther

Official wording

Cutting Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed Cutting boards with scores and soils resurface or replace

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-601.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(B) and (C) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (C)

Inspector’s notes

Black mold-like substance on interior chute of ice machine. Clean/sanitize to prevent contamintation interior of microwave observed soiled/ clean to remove

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

kitchen/clean floor area under around and behind all shelving reach in units to remove debris kitchen/clean walls to remove dust and debris storage room clean the floor to remove debris front service area clean the floor to remove flour build up. clean under the cabinet to remove debris

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.006/6-201.17-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Walls and Ceilings Attachments (C)

Inspector’s notes

Storage room and in front of walk-in fridge missing ceiling tile Repair

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 8, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 27, 2024

Passed

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.006/6-201.12-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings Utility Lines (C)

Inspector’s notes

Walls and rails around windows with soils clean to remove

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
criticalCode 590.004/4-602.11-PCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils-Frequency (P)

Inspector’s notes

Cutting boards with scores and soils resurface or replace

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jun 27, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 14, 2024

Failed

2 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.004/4-602.11-PCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils-Frequency (P)

Inspector’s notes

Cutting boards with scores and soils resurface or replace

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.006/6-201.12-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings Utility Lines (C)

Inspector’s notes

Walls and rails around windows with soils clean to remove

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jun 14, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 11, 2024

Passed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood sticker expires this month. Scheduled 1/10/24

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 11, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 3, 2024

Not required

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 3, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 29, 2023

Failed (extension granted)

7 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Food handling staff without hair restraints. Provide hats or hairnets for all food service staff.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Wiping cloths stored on counter. Store wiping cloths in sanitizing solution to prevent cross contamination. Corrected on site.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Wrapped cookies for self-service wihout labels. All self-service foods require labels.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
majorCode 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Black mold-like substance on interiot chute of ice machine. Clean/sanitize to prevent contamintation

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Walk-in refrigerator floor with food debris. Clean to avoid attracting pests

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Hand sink at warewashing out of towels. Corrected on site. Ensure hand sinks have soap and towels at all times.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood sticker expires this month. Scheduled 1/10/24

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Dec 29, 2023 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 19, 2023

Failed

7 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Food handling staff without hair restraints. Provide hats or hairnets for all food service staff.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Wiping cloths stored on counter. Store wiping cloths in sanitizing solution to prevent cross contamination. Corrected on site.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Wrapped cookies for self-service wihout labels. All self-service foods require labels.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
majorCode 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Black mold-like substance on interiot chute of ice machine. Clean/sanitize to prevent contamintation

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Walk-in refrigerator floor with food debris. Clean to avoid attracting pests

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Hand sink at warewashing out of towels. Corrected on site. Ensure hand sinks have soap and towels at all times.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood sticker expires this month. Provide cleaning date.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Dec 19, 2023 · Original Source

More restaurants nearby