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Eating & Drinking w/ Take Out · Boston, MA

Checkmate Cafe

900 South St

Last inspected Sep 25, 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

14 inspections

Inspection

Sep 25, 2026

Failed (extension granted)

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Preparation sink in the back storage area has no air gap. Provide air gap on the preparation sink as discussed.

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, Sep 25, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 22, 2026

Failed (extension granted)

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out non counter tops. Discontinue and provide a proper sanitizing solution.

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 590.004/4-202.16-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Single door upright freezer does not appear to be fucntioning properly. Address and ensure the freezer is functioning properly or discontinue use. Foods inside of the unit were at below 40F at the time of the inspection.

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 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Preparation sink in the back storage area has no air gap. Provide air gap on the preparation sink as discussed.

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 590.006/6-501.111-CPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (C)

Inspector’s notes

Evidence of what appears to be rodent droppings observed on the shelf where pizza pans are being stored. Address clean to remove and provide an up to date pest control report for the re-inpection date specified. At the time of the visit there were no other signs of any activity noted. Droppings were possibly older as stated by owner.

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, Apr 22, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 13, 2026

Failed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out non counter tops. Discontinue and provide a proper sanitizing solution.

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 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Original plastic containers containing dressings being re-used and have a mold like substance on the openings. Discontinue re-using dressing containers.

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 590.004/4-202.16-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Single door upright freezer does not appear to be fucntioning properly. Address and ensure the freezer is functioning properly or discontinue use. Foods inside of the unit were at below 40F at the time of the inspection.

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

Preparation sink in the back storage area has no air gap. Provide air gap on the preparation sink as discussed.

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 590.006/6-501.111-CPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (C)

Inspector’s notes

Evidence of what appears to be rodent droppings observed on the shelf where pizza pans are being stored. Address clean to remove and provide an up to date pest control report for the re-inpection date specified. At the time of the visit there were no other signs of any activity noted. Droppings were possibly older as stated by owner.

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, Apr 13, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 25, 2025

Passed

6 recorded violations

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

In walk in found sliced meats with no date markings. Please provide.

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 590.004/4-202.16-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean shelves below prep table in back room. Clean slicer and pizza machine. Clean plastic tubs in walk in of grime and some mold build up.

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 590.004/4-202.18-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood filters on cooking line will need to be cleaned. Hood expres this month. Please have the cleaned.

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 590.004/4-501.114-PChemicals

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

At the three bay sink no sanitizer is available. No warewashing taken place at this time. PIC has address this at this time.

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 590.006/6-101.11-COther

Official wording

Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

Door to walk in is peeling and rusty. Please scrap and paint.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean wall and floor behind and under the cooking line equipment.

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, Nov 25, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 18, 2025

Failed

6 recorded violations

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

In walk in found sliced meats with no date markings. Please provide.

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 590.004/4-202.16-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean shelves below prep table in back room. Clean slicer and pizza machine. Clean plastic tubs in walk in of grime and some mold build up.

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 590.004/4-202.18-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood filters on cooking line will need to be cleaned. Hood expres this month. Please have the cleaned.

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 590.004/4-501.114-PChemicals

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

At the three bay sink no sanitizer is available. No warewashing taken place at this time. PIC has address this at this time.

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 590.006/6-101.11-COther

Official wording

Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

Door to walk in is peeling and rusty. Please scrap and paint.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean wall and floor behind and under the cooking line equipment.

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, Nov 18, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 1, 2025

Passed

1 recorded violation

majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

PIC will need to clean up the floor in back room under prep table and two door refrigerator of the old droppings. When this is done please have pest control come out and check for any holes that should be filled. Please provide a pest control report at re-inspection. Pest control report should have notes for you to address areas that need repairs. Basement is not being use please have pest control check it out for any holes or cracks and to bait. 3-3-25 PIC has done a deep cleaning and will have pest control come back out in two weeks. I will be back out to review the report. Please stay on top of the cleaning. 3-24-25 PIC has been keeping up with the cleanings but pest control did not show up. PIC stated that they are coming out Friday. If they do not show please try another company.

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, Apr 1, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 24, 2025

Failed (extension granted)

1 recorded violation

majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

PIC will need to clean up the floor in back room under prep table and two door refrigerator of the old droppings. When this is done please have pest control come out and check for any holes that should be filled. Please provide a pest control report at re-inspection. Pest control report should have notes for you to address areas that need repairs. Basement is not being use please have pest control check it out for any holes or cracks and to bait. 3-3-25 PIC has done a deep cleaning and will have pest control come back out in two weeks. I will be back out to review the report. Please stay on top of the cleaning. 3-24-25 PIC has been keeping up with the cleanings but pest control did not show up. PIC stated that they are coming out Friday. If they do not show please try another company.

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, Mar 24, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 3, 2025

Failed (extension granted)

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-202.16-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

PIC will need to clean.. Inplace cooking equipment Plastic containers in the walk in Wire shelves in the walk in Fan cover and condencer in the walk in.

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 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

PIC will need to clean the floor under and behind the cooking equipment and under prep table in back room. Evidence of dry food debris and old rodent droppings.

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 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

PIC will need to clean up the floor in back room under prep table and two door refrigerator of the old droppings. When this is done please have pest control come out and check for any holes that should be filled. Please provide a pest control report at re-inspection. Pest control report should have notes for you to address areas that need repairs. Basement is not being use please have pest control check it out for any holes or cracks and to bait. 3-3-25 PIC has done a deep cleaning and will have pest control come back out in two weeks. I will be back out to review the report. Please stay on top of the cleaning.

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, Mar 3, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Feb 24, 2025

Failed

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-202.16-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

PIC will need to clean.. Inplace cooking equipment Plastic containers in the walk in Wire shelves in the walk in Fan cover and condencer in the walk in.

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 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

PIC will need to clean the floor under and behind the cooking equipment and under prep table in back room. Evidence of dry food debris and old rodent droppings.

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 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

PIC will need to clean up the floor in back room under prep table and two door refrigerator of the old droppings. When this is done please have pest control come out and check for any holes that should be filled. Please provide a pest control report at re-inspection. Pest control report should have notes for you to address areas that need repairs. Basement is not being use please have pest control check it out for any holes or cracks and to bait.

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, Feb 24, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 14, 2024

Report filed

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-202.16-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

In walk in please clean the wire shelf the fan cover and the exterior of the food containers as discussed.

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 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

PIC will need to clean the floor behind the cooking line. Visibly soiled.

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, Nov 14, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 26, 2024

Passed

1 recorded violation

majorCode 590.008/8-404.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A) Ceasing Operations and Reporting (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

At this time spoke with PIC. The location did have a smell of smoke from fire two door down. He has Clean Joe Emergency Services coming in today with air scrubbers and first thing in the morning 7am clearner will be in to clean the place top to bottom. Location did not lose power and no fire damage inside the location.

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, Apr 26, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 25, 2024

Voluntarily closed

1 recorded violation

majorCode 590.008/8-404.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A) Ceasing Operations and Reporting (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

At this time spoke with PIC. The location did have a smell of smoke from fire two door down. He has Clean Joe Emergency Services coming in today with air scrubbers and first thing in the morning 7am clearner will be in to clean the place top to bottom. Location did not lose power and no fire damage inside the location.

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, Apr 25, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Feb 26, 2024

Report filed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.004/4-202.16-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean wire shelves in walk in. Visibly soiled. Clean plastic containers in walk in visibly soiled. Clean exterior refrigeration and cooking equipment.

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, Feb 26, 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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