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Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

Cafe Polonia

611 Dorchester Av

Last inspected Sep 4, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

16 inspections

Inspection

Sep 4, 2026

Passed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.005/5-304.12-CWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Using a Pump and Hoses Backflow Prevention (C)

Inspector’s notes

No air gap at prep sink in kitchen supply proper air gap at both prep sink

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Sep 4, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 19, 2026

Failed (extension granted)

2 recorded violations

majorCode 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Rolling cart blocking hand sink remove to allow access to properly wash hands

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
minorCode 590.005/5-304.12-CWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Using a Pump and Hoses Backflow Prevention (C)

Inspector’s notes

No air gap at prep sink in kitchen supply proper air gap at both prep sink

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 19, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 5, 2026

Failed

2 recorded violations

majorCode 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Rolling cart blocking hand sink remove to allow access to properly wash hands

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
minorCode 590.005/5-304.12-CWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Using a Pump and Hoses Backflow Prevention (C)

Inspector’s notes

No air gap at prep sink in kitchen supply proper air gap at both prep sink

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 5, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 3, 2026

Passed

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Mar 3, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 20, 2025

Passed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Noted food items stored on the floor in the refrigeration walkin.Remove and store 6 inches from the floor

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
minorCode 590.004/4-903.12-COther

Official wording

Prohibitions (C)

Inspector’s notes

Remove all food items from under the stairwell.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.006/6-304.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Mechanical-Ventilation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood sticker expired in Aug. 25-Service

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 590.006/6-501.110-COther

Official wording

Using Dressing Rooms and Lockers (C)

Inspector’s notes

Store all staff personal items away from the food items.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 20, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 2, 2025

Failed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Noted food items stored on the floor in the refrigeration walkin.Remove and store 6 inches from the floor

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
minorCode 590.004/4-903.12-COther

Official wording

Prohibitions (C)

Inspector’s notes

Remove all food items from under the stairwell.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.006/6-304.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Mechanical-Ventilation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood sticker expired in Aug. 25-Service

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 590.006/6-501.110-COther

Official wording

Using Dressing Rooms and Lockers (C)

Inspector’s notes

Store all staff personal items away from the food items.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 2, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 20, 2025

Passed

6 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.002/2-301.14-POther

Official wording

When to Wash (P)

Inspector’s notes

Did not observe staff washing hands before preparing food. Retrain staff when to wash hands

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-401.11-C1Contamination

Official wording

Equipment Clothes Washers Dryers and Storage Cabinets Contamination Prevention Location (C)

Inspector’s notes

Noted food cans stored under the stairwell in the back room. Remove

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
minorCode 590.006/6-501.12-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Frequency and Restrictions (C)

Inspector’s notes

Floor under the stove heavily soiled with grease. Clean with frequency

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 590.004/4-601.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Noted fan guard in the walkin refrigerator heaily soiled with dust. Clean with frequency

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 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Hand sink blocked by a cart. Remove to provide access to the hand sink during all time of the operation

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s notes

Filters in the hood heavily soiled. Clean with frequency

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, Mar 20, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 13, 2025

Failed

6 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.002/2-301.14-POther

Official wording

When to Wash (P)

Inspector’s notes

Did not observe staff washing hands before preparing food. Retrain staff when to wash hands

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-401.11-C1Contamination

Official wording

Equipment Clothes Washers Dryers and Storage Cabinets Contamination Prevention Location (C)

Inspector’s notes

Noted food cans stored under the stairwell in the back room. Remove

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
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

Noted fan guard in the walkin refrigerator heaily soiled with dust. Clean with frequency

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 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Hand sink blocked by a cart. Remove to provide access to the hand sink during all time of the operation

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
minorCode 590.006/6-501.12-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Frequency and Restrictions (C)

Inspector’s notes

Floor under the stove heavily soiled with grease. Clean with frequency

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 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s notes

Filters in the hood heavily soiled. Clean with frequency

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, Mar 13, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 27, 2024

Passed

8 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

soiled cloth need to be stored in a sanitizer bucket.Provide and retrain staff

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 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Several food items stored on the floor in the walkin. Remove and store above 6 inches from the floor

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
minorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hand soap stored on the prep table near the food. Remove

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
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Filters on the hood heavily soiled. Clean with frequency

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 590.004/4-903.12-COther

Official wording

Prohibitions (C)

Inspector’s notes

Food containers stored under the drain pipe in the basement.Remove Onions and other food items stored under the stairwell. Remove

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Hand washing blocked by a food cart. Remove All hand sinks should be accesible to wash hands

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
minorCode 590.005/5-501.115-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures (C)

Inspector’s notes

Outside trash area remove all the unnecessary items and clean with frequency.

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 590.006/6-501.12-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Frequency and Restrictions (C)

Inspector’s notes

Floors under the stove has a heavy grease build. Clean Heavy dust on the side of the hood near the ansul system. Clean Dust on the ceiling near the hood .Clean

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 27, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 19, 2024

Failed

8 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

soiled cloth need to be stored in a sanitizer bucket.Provide and retrain staff

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 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Several food items stored on the floor in the walkin. Remove and store above 6 inches from the floor

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
minorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hand soap stored on the prep table near the food. Remove

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
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Filters on the hood heavily soiled. Clean with frequency

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 590.004/4-903.12-COther

Official wording

Prohibitions (C)

Inspector’s notes

Food containers stored under the drain pipe in the basement.Remove Onions and other food items stored under the stairwell. Remove

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Hand washing blocked by a food cart. Remove All hand sinks should be accesible to wash hands

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
minorCode 590.005/5-501.115-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures (C)

Inspector’s notes

Outside trash area remove all the unnecessary items and clean with frequency.

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 590.006/6-501.12-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Frequency and Restrictions (C)

Inspector’s notes

Floors under the stove has a heavy grease build. Clean Heavy dust on the side of the hood near the ansul system. Clean Dust on the ceiling near the hood .Clean

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, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 6, 2024

Passed

1 recorded violation

criticalCode 590.005/5-202.13-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention Air Gap (P)

Inspector’s notes

Produce sink observed without a backflow preventor. Provide or PIC to request variance with procedures to state how an alternative safe prep will be provided while using.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Dec 6, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 4, 2024

Failed (extension granted)

2 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.005/5-202.13-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention Air Gap (P)

Inspector’s notes

Produce sink observed without a backflow preventor. Provide or PIC to request variance with procedures to state how an alternative safe prep will be provided while using.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
criticalCode 590.005/5-205.15-PFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (P)

Inspector’s notes

Ac excess water tube observed dispensing inside dishwasher sink. Discontinue .

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, Dec 4, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 5, 2024

Failed (extension granted)

4 recorded violations

majorCode 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Wrong test strips to measure sanitizer concentration on site. Insppector test was used. 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
criticalCode 590.005/5-202.13-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention Air Gap (P)

Inspector’s notes

Produce sink observed without a backflow preventor. Provide or PIC to request variance with procedures to state how an alternative safe prep will be provided while using.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
criticalCode 590.005/5-205.15-PFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (P)

Inspector’s notes

Ac excess water tube observed dispensing inside dishwasher sink. Discontinue .

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 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Signage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Restroom observed without employee must wash hand signage. Provide.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Nov 5, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 31, 2024

Not required

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 31, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 29, 2024

Failed

4 recorded violations

majorCode 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Wrong test strips to measure sanitizer concentration on site. Insppector test was used. 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
criticalCode 590.005/5-202.13-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention Air Gap (P)

Inspector’s notes

Produce sink observed without a backflow preventor. Provide or PIC to request variance with procedures to state how an alternative safe prep will be provided while using.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
criticalCode 590.005/5-205.15-PFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (P)

Inspector’s notes

Ac excess water tube observed dispensing inside dishwasher sink. Discontinue .

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 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Signage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Restroom observed without employee must wash hand signage. Provide.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 29, 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

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