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Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

Hot Pot Buffet

70 Beach St

Last inspected Jun 26, 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

9 inspections

Inspection

Jun 26, 2026

Passed

7 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

The posted certified food managers & allergen awareness certificates have expired. Provide current certifications from a full time employee.

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
minorCode 590.004/4-202.18-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood filters at the cook line observed with soils.Clean to remove soils.

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 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Clean the interior white panel of the ice machine to remove soils.

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

Clean the cook line equipment o remove built up soils & grease Clean the cook line exhaust fan to remove grease buildup. Clean the wall vents at the 2nd floor service location to remove dust buildup Clean the exteriors of the reach in refrigeration units to remove soils.

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

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

Provide an 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 590.006/6-501.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Floors Dustless Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean the floors under/around all kitchen equipment to remove grease & soils. Clean the 2nd floor service area floor to remove soils/debris.

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
notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

Provide a current choke safe certificate from a full time employee

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, Jun 26, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 17, 2026

Failed

7 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

The posted certified food managers & allergen awareness certificates have expired. Provide current certifications from a full time employee.

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
minorCode 590.004/4-202.18-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood filters at the cook line observed with soils.Clean to remove soils.

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 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Clean the interior white panel of the ice machine to remove soils.

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

Clean the cook line equipment o remove built up soils & grease Clean the cook line exhaust fan to remove grease buildup. Clean the wall vents at the 2nd floor service location to remove dust buildup Clean the exteriors of the reach in refrigeration units to remove soils.

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

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

Provide an 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 590.006/6-501.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Floors Dustless Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean the floors under/around all kitchen equipment to remove grease & soils. Clean the 2nd floor service area floor to remove soils/debris.

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
notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

Provide a current choke safe certificate from a full time employee

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, Jun 17, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 5, 2026

Passed

3 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.003/3-501.16-P1Food temperature

Official wording

(A)(1) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Inspector’s notes

Rice in cooker from previous day at 120F. Discarded by PIC. Cook rice daily and discard or cool and store in refrigerator. Do not reheat rice that has been at room temperature over night.

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
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

Dish machine not testing for chlorine sanitizer. Sanitize all dishes and equipment in 3 compartment sink with chlorine. Service call has been placed.

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 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soils and debris under dish machine and on pipes under dish machine. Clean and sanitize to avoid attracting pests.

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, Jan 5, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 29, 2025

Failed

3 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.003/3-501.16-P1Food temperature

Official wording

(A)(1) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Inspector’s notes

Rice in cooker from previous day at 120F. Discarded by PIC. Cook rice daily and discard or cool and store in refrigerator. Do not reheat rice that has been at room temperature over night.

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
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

Dish machine not testing for chlorine sanitizer. Sanitize all dishes and equipment in 3 compartment sink with chlorine. Service call has been placed.

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 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soils and debris under dish machine and on pipes under dish machine. Clean and sanitize to avoid attracting pests.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Dec 29, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 8, 2025

Passed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-305.12-COther

Official wording

Food Storage Prohibited Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

Boxes of food products observed being stored on the ground of the basement walk-in coolers. Discontinue and store all foods elevated a minimu of 6 inche off the ground.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Wall to the entrance of the main kitchen area visibly 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 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Floor under storage rack on the second floor visibly soiled and with food debris. 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 590.006/6-501.16-COther

Official wording

Drying Mops (C)

Inspector’s notes

Mop sink located in the basement storage are not fully enclosed. Address and fully enclose mop sink.

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 8, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 13, 2025

Failed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-305.12-COther

Official wording

Food Storage Prohibited Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

Boxes of food products observed being stored on the ground of the basement walk-in coolers. Discontinue and store all foods elevated a minimu of 6 inche off the ground.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Wall to the entrance of the main kitchen area visibly 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 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Floor under storage rack on the second floor visibly soiled and with food debris. 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 590.006/6-501.16-COther

Official wording

Drying Mops (C)

Inspector’s notes

Mop sink located in the basement storage are not fully enclosed. Address and fully enclose mop sink.

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 13, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 25, 2024

Passed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-401.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Eating Drinking or Using Tobacco (C)

Inspector’s notes

Open package of cigarettes observed stored in close proximity to food on production line. 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 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Bottle of water stored in ice machine. Person in charge removed. Effected ice removed.

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 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Soils inside the interior of the ice machine. Clean to remove. Meat slicer upstairs observed with food debris. 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
majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Heavy amount of immature flies in upstairs service area. Provide updated 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, Jun 25, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 13, 2024

Failed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-401.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Eating Drinking or Using Tobacco (C)

Inspector’s notes

Open package of cigarettes observed stored in close proximity to food on production line. 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 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Bottle of water stored in ice machine. Person in charge removed. Effected ice removed.

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 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Soils inside the interior of the ice machine. Clean to remove. Meat slicer upstairs observed with food debris. 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
majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Heavy amount of immature flies in upstairs service area. Provide updated 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, Jun 13, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 12, 2023

Passed

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Dec 12, 2023 · Original Source

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