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Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

Five Spices House

58 Beach St

Last inspected Jun 17, 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

12 inspections

Inspection

Jun 17, 2026

Report filed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.004/4-202.18-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood filters observed with dust buildup.Clean to remove dust

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 17, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 12, 2025

Passed

8 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-302.11-COther

Official wording

Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Uncovered bulk product in basement and walk in cooler. Cover to prevent potential contamination.

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

Plastic containers observed in bulk spices. Discontinue.

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 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean utensils stored on shelf above mop sink. Discontinue.

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

Multiple foods without date marking. Provide for all foods held longer than 24 hours.

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 590.004/4-101.19-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soiled foil on cookline. Remove. Surfaces must be easily cleanable.

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

3 bay sink in basement observed leaking. 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
minorCode 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Signage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Provide hand wash only signage for all hand sinks.

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 590.007/7-209.11-COther

Official wording

Storage-Other Personal Care Items (C)

Inspector’s notes

Personal items stored in kitchen area. Discontinue.

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, Nov 12, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 4, 2025

Failed

8 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-302.11-COther

Official wording

Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Uncovered bulk product in basement and walk in cooler. Cover to prevent potential contamination.

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

Plastic containers observed in bulk spices. Discontinue.

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 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean utensils stored on shelf above mop sink. Discontinue.

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

Multiple foods without date marking. Provide for all foods held longer than 24 hours.

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 590.004/4-101.19-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soiled foil on cookline. Remove. Surfaces must be easily cleanable.

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

3 bay sink in basement observed leaking. 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
minorCode 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Signage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Provide hand wash only signage for all hand sinks.

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 590.007/7-209.11-COther

Official wording

Storage-Other Personal Care Items (C)

Inspector’s notes

Personal items stored in kitchen area. Discontinue.

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, Nov 4, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 27, 2025

Passed

7 recorded violations

majorCode 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Fire in the establishment basement sprinkler discharged Food items affected smoke odors present & water damage throughout. Power & water were shut off by BFD Upon my arrival I could not gain access to the basement due to 1-2 feet of standing water Assistant Commissioner Dan Prendergast notified. Voluntary closure issued. PIC Instructed to provide all necessary repairs clean/sanitize/disinfect using a professional licensed restoration company provide all documentation be re-inspected by building electrical & health for approval to re-open.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
criticalCode 590.003/3-701.11-PContamination

Official wording

Discarding or Reconditioning Unsafe Adulterated or Contaminated Food (P)

Inspector’s notes

Multiple food items exposed to water & smoke damage loss of power from the resulting basement fire. Contact ISD Health to discuss a food condemnation with a supervisor.

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

Clean/sanitize/disinfect all exposed equipment.counters.tables wares ect... Provide all cleaning documents be re-inspected for approval to re-open.

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 590.005/5-205.15-PFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (P)

Inspector’s notes

Owner stating the sprinkler discharged in the basement.Repair sprinkler from a licensed company. Provide all repair documentation to the Health Department.

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 590.006/6-101.11-COther

Official wording

Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

Floor heavily damaged behind the host stand basement ceiling also. Repair as needed

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

Remove all standing water(basement) Clean/sanitize/disinfect the location throughout(fire/sprinkler discharge-basement) Provide all cleaning documentation to the Health Department.

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 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Fire in the establishment. Provide all necessary repairs to damaged equipment as needed. Provide repair documentation to the health depaertment.

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 27, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 22, 2024

Voluntarily closed

7 recorded violations

majorCode 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Fire in the establishment basement sprinkler discharged Food items affected smoke odors present & water damage throughout. Power & water were shut off by BFD Upon my arrival I could not gain access to the basement due to 1-2 feet of standing water Assistant Commissioner Dan Prendergast notified. Voluntary closure issued. PIC Instructed to provide all necessary repairs clean/sanitize/disinfect using a professional licensed restoration company provide all documentation be re-inspected by building electrical & health for approval to re-open.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
criticalCode 590.003/3-701.11-PContamination

Official wording

Discarding or Reconditioning Unsafe Adulterated or Contaminated Food (P)

Inspector’s notes

Multiple food items exposed to water & smoke damage loss of power from the resulting basement fire. Contact ISD Health to discuss a food condemnation with a supervisor.

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

Clean/sanitize/disinfect all exposed equipment.counters.tables wares ect... Provide all cleaning documents be re-inspected for approval to re-open.

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 590.005/5-205.15-PFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (P)

Inspector’s notes

Owner stating the sprinkler discharged in the basement.Repair sprinkler from a licensed company. Provide all repair documentation to the Health Department.

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 590.006/6-101.11-COther

Official wording

Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

Floor heavily damaged behind the host stand basement ceiling also. Repair as needed

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

Remove all standing water(basement) Clean/sanitize/disinfect the location throughout(fire/sprinkler discharge-basement) Provide all cleaning documentation to the Health Department.

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 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Fire in the establishment. Provide all necessary repairs to damaged equipment as needed. Provide repair documentation to the health depaertment.

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 22, 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

Jul 5, 2024

Passed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.005/5-501.15-COther

Official wording

Outside Receptacles (C)

Inspector’s notes

Grease barrels observed with heavy grease build up. Clean to remove.

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, Jul 5, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 27, 2024

Failed (extension granted)

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.005/5-501.15-COther

Official wording

Outside Receptacles (C)

Inspector’s notes

Grease barrels observed with heavy grease build up. Clean to remove.

In plain English

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

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

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Rodent droppings observed in back alley way. Referred to environmental services.

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
minorCode 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Inspector’s notes

Back alley way observed with excess items and trash outside. 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 27, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 20, 2024

Failed

3 recorded violations

majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Rodent droppings observed in back alley way. Referred to environmental services.

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
minorCode 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Inspector’s notes

Back alley way observed with excess items and trash outside. 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
minorCode 590.005/5-501.15-COther

Official wording

Outside Receptacles (C)

Inspector’s notes

Grease barrels observed with heavy grease build up. Clean to remove.

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, Jun 20, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Feb 22, 2024

Passed

9 recorded violations

notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

2024 Health permit is unpaid. Email isdhealth@boston.gov for a link for payment.

In plain English

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

More about inspection finding
minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Employee on production line without proper hair restraint. Person in charge corrected.

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 590.003/3-302.11-COther

Official wording

Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Items in stand up refrigerator observed uncovered. Cover to prevent potential contamination.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed spices being stored on the ground in basement area. Elevate to prevent potential contamination.

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 590.004/4-202.18-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)

Inspector’s notes

Grease build up observed on hood filters. 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
majorCode 590.004/4-303.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Agents and Sanitizers Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Low temperature dish machine at 0ppm after multiple attempts. Person in charge called for service. Tech on site at end of 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 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Ceiling above three bay sink observed with soils. Walk in cooler fan is heavily 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 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Dish machine observed leaking. Repair as necessary.

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 590.006/6-501.112-CPests

Official wording

Removing Dead or Trapped Birds Insects Rodents and other Pest (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soiled traps in basement. Remove.

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 22, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Feb 15, 2024

Failed

9 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Employee on production line without proper hair restraint. Person in charge corrected.

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 590.003/3-302.11-COther

Official wording

Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Items in stand up refrigerator observed uncovered. Cover to prevent potential contamination.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed spices being stored on the ground in basement area. Elevate to prevent potential contamination.

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 590.004/4-202.18-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)

Inspector’s notes

Grease build up observed on hood filters. 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
majorCode 590.004/4-303.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Agents and Sanitizers Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Low temperature dish machine at 0ppm after multiple attempts. Person in charge called for service. Tech on site at end of 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 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Ceiling above three bay sink observed with soils. Walk in cooler fan is heavily 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 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Dish machine observed leaking. Repair as necessary.

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 590.006/6-501.112-CPests

Official wording

Removing Dead or Trapped Birds Insects Rodents and other Pest (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soiled traps in basement. Remove.

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
notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

2024 Health permit is unpaid. Email isdhealth@boston.gov for a link for payment.

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, Feb 15, 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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