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Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

Kneeland Cafe

75 Kneeland St

Last inspected Jul 7, 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

15 inspections

Inspection

Jul 7, 2026

Failed (extension granted)

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-301.14-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Ventilation Hood Systems Adequacy (C)

Inspector’s notes

There is a table top electric fry station & electric stove located in the kitchen.No hood system. There is also a flat top grill at the front counter with what appears to be a household vent above it. Provide a proper ventilation system. The BFD inspector will be notified to assess the location.

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

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

Provide an air gap at the kitchen 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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jul 7, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 18, 2026

Failed (extension granted)

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-301.14-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Ventilation Hood Systems Adequacy (C)

Inspector’s notes

There is a table top electric fry station & electric stove located in the kitchen.No hood system. There is also a flat top grill at the front counter with what appears to be a household vent above it. Provide a proper ventilation system. The BFD inspector will be notified to assess the location.

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

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

Provide an air gap at the kitchen 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
majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

There was evidence of roach activity observed in the kitchen.Provide a full pest report upon re-inspection.

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 590.006/6-501.112-CPests

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Remove/replace the soiled glue traps from the kitchen

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 590.006/6-501.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Floors Dustless Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean the floor under/around the counter grill station to remove food debris. Clean the kitchen 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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jun 18, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 10, 2026

Failed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-301.14-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Ventilation Hood Systems Adequacy (C)

Inspector’s notes

There is a table top electric fry station & electric stove located in the kitchen.No hood system. There is also a flat top grill at the front counter with what appears to be a household vent above it. Provide a proper ventilation system. The BFD inspector will be notified to assess the location.

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

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

Provide an air gap at the kitchen 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
majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

There was evidence of roach activity observed in the kitchen.Provide a full pest report upon re-inspection.

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 590.006/6-501.112-CPests

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Remove/replace the soiled glue traps from the kitchen

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 590.006/6-501.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Floors Dustless Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean the floor under/around the counter grill station to remove food debris. Clean the kitchen 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

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

Inspection

Nov 25, 2025

Passed

5 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

Multiple containers of food observed 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 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Bottom of refrigeration unit observed with soils. 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 590.005/5-501.113-COther

Official wording

Covering Receptacles (C)

Inspector’s notes

Lid on dumpster in trash area observed open. Close to prevent potential pests.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.006/6-201.16-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Wall and Ceiling Coverings and Coatings (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hole in wall by production area hand sink. 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
majorCode 590.007/7-102.11-PFOther

Official wording

Common Name-Working Containers (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Chemical spray bottles observed without label. Provide.

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 25, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 18, 2025

Failed

5 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

Multiple containers of food observed 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 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Bottom of refrigeration unit observed with soils. 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 590.005/5-501.113-COther

Official wording

Covering Receptacles (C)

Inspector’s notes

Lid on dumpster in trash area observed open. Close to prevent potential pests.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.006/6-201.16-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Wall and Ceiling Coverings and Coatings (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hole in wall by production area hand sink. 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
majorCode 590.007/7-102.11-PFOther

Official wording

Common Name-Working Containers (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Chemical spray bottles observed without label. Provide.

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 18, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 24, 2025

Passed

3 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

Some items in plastic containers on production line without date marking. Provide date marking for 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
majorCode 590.005/5-202.12-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Sinks Installation (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Front line hand sink water at 65F for multiple minutes. After inspection was completed hot water at hand sink had been fixed. Hot water available at other locations in establishment.

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 590.005/5-402.12-COther

Official wording

Grease Trap(C)

Inspector’s notes

Potatoes and pans observed stored on grease trap. 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, Jan 24, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 13, 2025

Failed

3 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

Some items in plastic containers on production line without date marking. Provide date marking for 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
majorCode 590.005/5-202.12-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Sinks Installation (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Front line hand sink water at 65F for multiple minutes. After inspection was completed hot water at hand sink had been fixed. Hot water available at other locations in establishment.

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 590.005/5-402.12-COther

Official wording

Grease Trap(C)

Inspector’s notes

Potatoes and pans observed stored on grease trap. 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, Jan 13, 2025 · 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

Oct 7, 2024

Passed

1 recorded violation

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

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

No certified food manager certificate posted. Provide.

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 7, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Sep 23, 2024

Failed (extension granted)

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

No certified food manager certificate posted. Provide.

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 590.003/3-501.11-COther

Official wording

Frozen Food (C)

Inspector’s notes

French fries left out of freezer. Ensure frozen foods kept frozen.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-501.13-CFood temperature

Official wording

Thawing (C)

Inspector’s notes

Reduced oxygen packed fish observed thawing in package. Discontinue and remove from package prior to thawing.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
majorCode 590.003/3-501.17-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Date Marking (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Multiple prepped items in standup refrigerator without date marking. Provide date marking for all items 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 590.004/4-301.14-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Ventilation Hood Systems Adequacy (C)

Inspector’s notes

Table top fryolater observed without fire supression. Fryers are not under hood system. Hood system with flattop grill does not have hood sticker. Reffered to BFD

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 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No paper towels at front hand sink counter. Provide.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Signage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Provide hand wash only sign at front counter hand sink.

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Sep 23, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Sep 16, 2024

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

No certified food manager certificate posted. Provide.

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 590.003/3-501.11-COther

Official wording

Frozen Food (C)

Inspector’s notes

French fries left out of freezer. Ensure frozen foods kept frozen.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-501.13-CFood temperature

Official wording

Thawing (C)

Inspector’s notes

Reduced oxygen packed fish observed thawing in package. Discontinue and remove from package prior to thawing.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
majorCode 590.003/3-501.17-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Date Marking (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Multiple prepped items in standup refrigerator without date marking. Provide date marking for all items 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 590.004/4-301.14-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Ventilation Hood Systems Adequacy (C)

Inspector’s notes

Table top fryolater observed without fire supression. Fryers are not under hood system. Hood system with flattop grill does not have hood sticker. Reffered to BFD

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 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No paper towels at front hand sink counter. Provide.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Signage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Provide hand wash only sign at front counter hand sink.

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Sep 16, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 18, 2024

Passed

1 recorded violation

notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

2024 Permit is unpaid. Email isdhealth@boston.gov to request 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, Jan 18, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 16, 2024

Hearing scheduled

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-302.11-COther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Multiple items in freezer 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 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Frozen chicken cutlets stored in cardboard egg boxes. Remove. Provide food grade containers to store food items.

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 590.004/4-303.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Agents and Sanitizers Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No sanitizer set up at three bay sink. Ensure sanitizer available at all hours.

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 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No paper towels on production line hand sink. Provide.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

2024 Permit is unpaid. Email isdhealth@boston.gov to request 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, Jan 16, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 4, 2024

Failed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-302.11-COther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Multiple items in freezer 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 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Frozen chicken cutlets stored in cardboard egg boxes. Remove. Provide food grade containers to store food items.

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 590.004/4-303.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Agents and Sanitizers Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No sanitizer set up at three bay sink. Ensure sanitizer available at all hours.

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 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No paper towels on production line hand sink. Provide.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

2024 Permit is unpaid. Email isdhealth@boston.gov to request 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, Jan 4, 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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