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Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

Cafenation

378 Washington St

Last inspected May 12, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Repeat problemsSerious findings or closures appear in two or more of the last three inspections. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

11 inspections

Inspection

May 12, 2026

Report filed

2 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.005/5-402.11-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

At the designated food prep sink there is a direct connection to the waste water system; have a licensed plumber pull proper permits and install an indirect connection (air gap) at the 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
minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

In the employee restroom there are multiple missing and damaged ceiling tiles; repair or replace the ceiling tiles.

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, May 12, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

May 1, 2026

Failed (extension granted)

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-501.11-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed multiple damaged gaskets at cold holding units; repair or replace damaged gaskets.

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
criticalCode 590.005/5-402.11-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

At the designated food prep sink there is a direct connection to the waste water system; have a licensed plumber pull proper permits and install an indirect connection (air gap) at the 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
minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

In the employee restroom there are multiple missing and damaged ceiling tiles; repair or replace the ceiling tiles.

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, May 1, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 17, 2026

Failed (extension granted)

9 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed food handlers preparing food without hair restraints; provide effective hair restraints for food handlers.

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

Per the person in charge there are no written procedures for cleaning a vomit and diarrhea event; 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
majorCode 590.002(A)/2-101.11-PFPermits, training, and postings

Official wording

Assignment (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

The designated person in charge was not able to answer questions about illness policy the reportable symptoms and the reportable illnesses; provide a person in charge who is knowlegable about food safety illness policy and sanitization.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
majorCode 590.002(B)/2-102.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A) (B) and (C)(1) (4)-(16) Demonstration (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No certificate for a certified food protection manager and allergen awareness training could be presented during the inspection; provide and post visible to customers.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-204.112-CFood temperature

Official wording

Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed in multiple cold holding units lacking internal thermometers; provide internal thermometers at all cold holding units.

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 590.004/4-501.11-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed multiple damaged gaskets at cold holding units; repair or replace damaged gaskets.

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
criticalCode 590.005/5-402.11-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

At the designated food prep sink there is a direct connection to the waste water system; have a licensed plumber pull proper permits and install an indirect connection (air gap) at the 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
minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

In the employee restroom there are multiple missing and damaged ceiling tiles; repair or replace the ceiling tiles.

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
notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

Post 2026 Health Permit and Site Cleanliness License visible to customers Post allergen poster in back of house for staff Post signage visible to customers stating "A copy of the most recent health inspection is available to view upon request." Provide at least one person on staff that is trained in the choke saving technique and their certification

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Apr 17, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 10, 2026

Failed

9 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed food handlers preparing food without hair restraints; provide effective hair restraints for food handlers.

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

Per the person in charge there are no written procedures for cleaning a vomit and diarrhea event; 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
majorCode 590.002(A)/2-101.11-PFPermits, training, and postings

Official wording

Assignment (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

The designated person in charge was not able to answer questions about illness policy the reportable symptoms and the reportable illnesses; provide a person in charge who is knowlegable about food safety illness policy and sanitization.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
majorCode 590.002(B)/2-102.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A) (B) and (C)(1) (4)-(16) Demonstration (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No certificate for a certified food protection manager and allergen awareness training could be presented during the inspection; provide and post visible to customers.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-204.112-CFood temperature

Official wording

Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed in multiple cold holding units lacking internal thermometers; provide internal thermometers at all cold holding units.

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 590.004/4-501.11-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed multiple damaged gaskets at cold holding units; repair or replace damaged gaskets.

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
criticalCode 590.005/5-402.11-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

At the designated food prep sink there is a direct connection to the waste water system; have a licensed plumber pull proper permits and install an indirect connection (air gap) at the 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
minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

In the employee restroom there are multiple missing and damaged ceiling tiles; repair or replace the ceiling tiles.

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
notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

Post 2026 Health Permit and Site Cleanliness License visible to customers Post allergen poster in back of house for staff Post signage visible to customers stating "A copy of the most recent health inspection is available to view upon request." Provide at least one person on staff that is trained in the choke saving technique and their certification

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Apr 10, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 28, 2025

Report filed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Slow drain under espresso machine. Repair/clear as needed

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, Jul 28, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 22, 2025

Report filed

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Food handlers without hair restraints. Provide hats or hairnets to prevent contamination.

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 590.005/5-501.17-COther

Official wording

Toilet Room Receptacle Covered (C)

Inspector’s notes

Staff bathroom without covered trash bin. Provide covered waste receptacle.

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, Jan 22, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 8, 2024

Passed

3 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.003/3-501.16-PFood temperature

Official wording

(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Inspector’s notes

Deli refrigerator holding at 60F: chicken salad tomatoes cooked onions smoked salmon deli turkey cooked sweet potato discarded by PIC. Service unit as needed. Discontinue storing ready to eat foods in unit until holding 41F or below.

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
majorCode 590.004/4-501.114-PFChemicals

Official wording

Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Chemical Sanitization-Temperature pH Concentration and Hardness (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Sanitizer dispenser not dispensing sanitizer. Sanitizer mixed manually. Service dispenser as needed.

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely
minorCode 590.006/6-501.111-CPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (C)

Inspector’s notes

Rat droppings in store room. PIC stated pest control is due today or tomorrow. Send pest report when available.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jul 8, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 1, 2024

Failed

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.006/6-501.111-CPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (C)

Inspector’s notes

Rat droppings in store room. PIC stated pest control is due today or tomorrow. Send pest report when available.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
criticalCode 590.003/3-501.16-PFood temperature

Official wording

(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Inspector’s notes

Deli refrigerator holding at 60F: chicken salad tomatoes cooked onions smoked salmon deli turkey cooked sweet potato discarded by PIC. Service unit as needed. Discontinue storing ready to eat foods in unit until holding 41F or below.

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
majorCode 590.004/4-501.114-PFChemicals

Official wording

Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Chemical Sanitization-Temperature pH Concentration and Hardness (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Sanitizer dispenser not dispensing sanitizer. Sanitizer mixed manually. Service dispenser as needed.

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jul 1, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 18, 2024

Passed

3 recorded violations

majorCode 590.003/3-501.15-PFFood temperature

Official wording

(A )Cooling Methods (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Cooked mushrooms covered in refrigerator at 137F. Spread out on sheet tray- 97F after 15 minutes. Cool cooked foods uncovered in metal pans completely to 41F within time parameters prior to storing with a lid.

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 590.005/5-501.17-COther

Official wording

Toilet Room Receptacle Covered (C)

Inspector’s notes

No covered waste container in bathroom. Provide covered trash bin.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Mouse droppings in dry storage and around grease trap. Clean and monitor for activity. Reviewed pest reports.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 18, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 10, 2024

Failed

3 recorded violations

majorCode 590.003/3-501.15-PFFood temperature

Official wording

(A )Cooling Methods (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Cooked mushrooms covered in refrigerator at 137F. Spread out on sheet tray- 97F after 15 minutes. Cool cooked foods uncovered in metal pans completely to 41F within time parameters prior to storing with a lid.

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 590.005/5-501.17-COther

Official wording

Toilet Room Receptacle Covered (C)

Inspector’s notes

No covered waste container in bathroom. Provide covered trash bin.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Mouse droppings in dry storage and around grease trap. Clean and monitor for activity. Reviewed pest reports.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 10, 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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