ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
Quick Answers
When was Gardner Museum Cafe last inspected?
The most recent inspection on record was on Oct 8, 2026. The result listed by Boston Inspectional Services Department was “Passed”.
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?
Yes: 1 violation recorded, none marked critical. Each one is listed below with the official wording.
How many inspections are on record?
13 inspections on record, from Jan 3, 2024 to Oct 8, 2026.
Has Gardner Museum Cafe ever been closed by the health department?
No closure appears in the 13 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Jan 3, 2024.
The Full Inspection History
13 inspections
Inspection
Oct 8, 2026
Passed
1 recorded violation
minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Upon reinspection the person in charges states they have scheduled the hood cleaning for 9-29-2026; provide a photograph of the updated hood inspection stickers after the approved hood cleaner has performed service on the hoods.
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.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 8, 2026 · Original Source
Inspection
Oct 1, 2026
Failed (extension granted)
2 recorded violations
majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests
Official Wording
Controlling Pests (Pf)
Inspector’s Notes
9-24-2026 upon reinspection the pest control report from the morning of 9-24-2026 indicates the pest control operator observed a live mouse in the first floor prep area. The Health Inspector observed no activity during their inspection and that sanitation has improved with all the droppings and soils on the floors in the basement having been cleaned and sanitized to an acceptable level; continue to have your pest control operator perform services until a clean pest control report can be provided showing no captures no evidence all structural voids and issues have been fixed and that sanitation is at an acceptable level.
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.
minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Upon reinspection the person in charges states they have scheduled the hood cleaning for 9-29-2026; provide a photograph of the updated hood inspection stickers after the approved hood cleaner has performed service on the hoods.
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.
The water from the two-compartment prep sink leaks onto the floor when running from the pipe leading to the air gap; repair or replace so that the water is not spilling onto the ground when the sinks are in use.
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.
The two doors of the cafe leading to the museum were observed propped open during the inspection and a door in the basement prep kitchen was observed propped open; outer doors should remain closed to prevent pest entry.
In Plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
9-24-2026 upon reinspection the pest control report from the morning of 9-24-2026 indicates the pest control operator observed a live mouse in the first floor prep area. The Health Inspector observed no activity during their inspection and that sanitation has improved with all the droppings and soils on the floors in the basement having been cleaned and sanitized to an acceptable level; continue to have your pest control operator perform services until a clean pest control report can be provided showing no captures no evidence all structural voids and issues have been fixed and that sanitation is at an acceptable level.
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.
minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Upon reinspection the person in charges states they have scheduled the hood cleaning for 9-29-2026; provide a photograph of the updated hood inspection stickers after the approved hood cleaner has performed service on the hoods.
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.
The water from the two-compartment prep sink leaks onto the floor when running from the pipe leading to the air gap; repair or replace so that the water is not spilling onto the ground when the sinks are in use.
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.
The two doors of the cafe leading to the museum were observed propped open during the inspection and a door in the basement prep kitchen was observed propped open; outer doors should remain closed to prevent pest entry.
In Plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
Observed small dark rodent droppings throughout the basement on the floors but no activity on foods or food contact surfaces a pest control report from 9-15-2026 indicates mice were captured in the first floor kitchen basement kitchen and basement hallway but does not explain if there are any structural voids or recommends any actions by the account holder. Have your pest control operator perform a service prior to the reinspection on 9-24-2026 and as many as required to provide a clean IPM pest control report with no captures no evidence any structural voids and issues have been resolved and that sanitation is at an acceptable level. It is highly suggested to increase visits from your pest control operator to more than the current visit every two weeks and to have the PCO check for any activity inside the drop ceilings of the first floor and basement. The person in charge states they do not always close the doors at the cafe that lead to the museum after closing and we discussed needing to close those doors to prevent pest entry. Send the IPM reports to isdhealth@boston.gov
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.
minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Observed the yellow hood inspection stickers expired July 2026; have an approved hood cleaner perform service and provide updated hood inspection stickers at the first floor and basement hoods.
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.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Sep 17, 2026 · Original Source
Inspection
Dec 17, 2025
Report filed
7 recorded violations
criticalCode 590.002/2-301.11-PHandwashing
Official Wording
Clean condition-Hands and Arms (P)
Inspector’s Notes
Observed limited hand washing and employees multitasking wearing disposable gloves
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.
minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)
Inspector’s Notes
In use wiping cloths not stored in a 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.
majorCode 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)
Inspector’s Notes
In storage food containers a visably soiled Interior of ice machine visably 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.
Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)
Inspector’s Notes
2 hand sinks in upstairs prep show evidence of being used as a dumping sink - Heavily stained/discolored
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.
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Heavy build up of soils on floor walls and ceiling in prep areas
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.
Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Walls and attachment with chipped peeling paint throughout Steps to basement rusted At top of steps cracked tiles on floor Lid to ice machine broken
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.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Dec 17, 2025 · Original Source
Inspection
Dec 11, 2025
Failed
7 recorded violations
criticalCode 590.002/2-301.11-PHandwashing
Official Wording
Clean condition-Hands and Arms (P)
Inspector’s Notes
Observed limited hand washing and employees multitasking wearing disposable gloves
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.
minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)
Inspector’s Notes
In use wiping cloths not stored in a 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.
majorCode 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)
Inspector’s Notes
In storage food containers a visably soiled Interior of ice machine visably 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.
Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)
Inspector’s Notes
2 hand sinks in upstairs prep show evidence of being used as a dumping sink - Heavily stained/discolored
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.
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Heavy build up of soils on floor walls and ceiling in prep areas
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.
Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Walls and attachment with chipped peeling paint throughout Steps to basement rusted At top of steps cracked tiles on floor Lid to ice machine broken
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.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Dec 11, 2025 · Original Source
Inspection
Jul 31, 2025
Report filed
13 recorded violations
minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Wiping cloths not stored in a sanitizing solution between uses.
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.
minorCode 590.003/3-602.11-CFood source and labeling
Official Wording
Food Labels (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Food containers not labeled with common name Food container lids are labeled fish and fish products are not being stored. Being used for other food items
In Plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
Characteristics-Materials for Construction and Repair (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Ice machine door broken
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.
Temperature Measuring Devices Manual and Mechanical Warewashing (Pf)
Inspector’s Notes
No irreversible measuring device for high temp dish washer
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.
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Built up soils on interior and exterior of refrigeration/freezer units Rust on shelving in some refrigeration units (on cooking line in upper prep area) Soils on exterior of ware washing facilities Build up dust on wire shelving in basement
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.
Kitchenware and Tableware-Preventing Contamination (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Plates and cups are not inverted Tongs stored on oven door handles
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.
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Grease build up on hood above cooking equipment (Upper food prep cooking line)
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.
Flies observed in dining room Provide extermination and exterminators report prior to reinspection
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.
Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Rust on floor (grease trap)
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.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jul 31, 2025 · Original Source
Inspection
Jul 3, 2025
Failed
13 recorded violations
minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Wiping cloths not stored in a sanitizing solution between uses.
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.
minorCode 590.003/3-602.11-CFood source and labeling
Official Wording
Food Labels (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Food containers not labeled with common name Food container lids are labeled fish and fish products are not being stored. Being used for other food items
In Plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
Characteristics-Materials for Construction and Repair (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Ice machine door broken
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.
Temperature Measuring Devices Manual and Mechanical Warewashing (Pf)
Inspector’s Notes
No irreversible measuring device for high temp dish washer
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.
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Built up soils on interior and exterior of refrigeration/freezer units Rust on shelving in some refrigeration units (on cooking line in upper prep area) Soils on exterior of ware washing facilities Build up dust on wire shelving in basement
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.
Kitchenware and Tableware-Preventing Contamination (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Plates and cups are not inverted Tongs stored on oven door handles
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.
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Grease build up on hood above cooking equipment (Upper food prep cooking line)
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.
Flies observed in dining room Provide extermination and exterminators report prior to reinspection
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.
Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Opening in ceiling in women's locker room Rust on floor (grease trap)
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.
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Black substance on wall along back of high temp dish machine
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.
Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Steps to basement rusted and in disrepair Cracked floor tiles on cooking line (upper prep aera)
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.
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Black substance on wall along back of high temp dish machine
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.
Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Steps to basement rusted and in disrepair Chipped paint on floor grease trap (upper prep area) Cracked floor tiles on cooking line (upper prep aera)
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.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 25, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
Feb 22, 2024
Passed
11 recorded violations
minorCode 590.003/3-602.11-CFood source and labeling
Official Wording
Food Labels (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Food containers wiith dry goods labeled Seafood
In Plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
Using milk crates for shelving No splash guard between hand sink and clean equipment - Ware washing
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.
Thermometers missing from a few refrigeration units - Prep areas
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.
majorCode 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)
Inspector’s Notes
Build up soils of interior and exterior of ice machine
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.
No signage at hand sink in ware washing employee bathrooms
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.
Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Resurface exterior of grease trap
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.
Post allergen poster not posted No proof the certified food protection manager is certified in allergen awareness No proof of an employee in anti choking
In Plain English
A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Feb 22, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
Feb 5, 2024
Failed
11 recorded violations
minorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination
Official Wording
Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Using milk crates for shelving No splash guard between hand sink and clean equipment - Ware washing
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.
minorCode 590.003/3-602.11-CFood source and labeling
Official Wording
Food Labels (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Food containers wiith dry goods labeled Seafood
In Plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
Thermometers missing from a few refrigeration units - Prep areas
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.
majorCode 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)
Inspector’s Notes
Build up soils of interior and exterior of ice machine
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.
No signage at hand sink in ware washing employee bathrooms
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.
Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Resurface exterior of grease trap
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.
Post allergen poster not posted No proof the certified food protection manager is certified in allergen awareness No proof of an employee in anti choking
In Plain English
A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.