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Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

Nico Restaurant

417 Hanover St

Last inspected Jul 30, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

11 inspections

Inspection

Jul 30, 2026

Passed

3 recorded violations

majorCode 590.003/3-203.12-PFFacility maintenance

Official wording

Shell stock Maintaining Identification (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Shelltags observed missing last sold dates. Provide Discussed the importance at the time of inspection

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 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official wording

Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C)

Inspector’s notes

Condiment containers at the cookline observed missig labels. Label when removed from original containers

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Kitchen main hansink observed missing paper towels. Provide to encourage handwashing by food handlers. (cos)

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 30, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 22, 2026

Failed

3 recorded violations

majorCode 590.003/3-203.12-PFFacility maintenance

Official wording

Shell stock Maintaining Identification (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Shelltags observed missing last sold dates. Provide Discussed the importance at the time of inspection

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 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official wording

Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C)

Inspector’s notes

Condiment containers at the cookline observed missig labels. Label when removed from original containers

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Kitchen main hansink observed missing paper towels. Provide to encourage handwashing by food handlers. (cos)

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 22, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 15, 2025

Passed

1 recorded violation

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

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

Per PIC fruits and vegetables gets washed in the 3 bay sink direct to waste. Facility observed without space to add a prepsink. PIC to provide plumber report and request a variance and procedures to state how an alternative safe prep will be provided.

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, Dec 15, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 4, 2025

Failed (extension granted)

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-501.12-COther

Official wording

Cutting Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Multiple cutting boards observed heavily scored. Resurface/ replace.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
criticalCode 590.005/5-402.11-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

Per PIC fruits and vegetables gets washed in the 3 bay sink direct to waste. Facility observed without space to add a prepsink. PIC to provide plumber report and request a variance and procedures to state how an alternative safe prep will be provided.

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, Dec 4, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 21, 2025

Failed (extension granted)

21 recorded violations

majorCode 590.002/2-501.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

PIC unable to provide procedure and kit for vomit & diarrheal clean up events. Provide and keep accessible

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 590.002(B)/2-102.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A) (B) and (C)(1) (4)-(16) Demonstration (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

At the time of inspection the staff on site were unable to answer question pertaining to temperature control . Reviewed at the time of inspection. CFPM to train staff on procedures.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

PIC unable to provide a CFPM certificate. Post current CFPM

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
majorCode 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PFOther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Priority & Priority Foundation noted on the inspection report . CFPM to train staff on violation noted on the inspection report

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.003/3-203.12-PFFacility maintenance

Official wording

Shell stock Maintaining Identification (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

PIC unable to provide shelltags .Provide and keep record for 90 days.

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 590.003/3-302.11-POther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Raw shelled eggs observed stored above RTE food . Discontinue (COS)

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official wording

Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C)

Inspector’s notes

Multiple squeeze bottles and condiments container observed without labels. Provide lables when removed from orignal containers

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

Observed staff cutting raw mushroom without washing prior. Staff to wash all vegetables and produce prior to cutting. Staff was advised to wash the raw mushroom before proceeding (COS)

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
criticalCode 590.003/3-501.14-PFood temperature

Official wording

Cooling (P)

Inspector’s notes

Cut romaine 56F stored in the open case cold unit. Per staff cut romaine was in the unit for less than 20 minutes. Romaine was removed and placed in the upright cold unit for cooling. Cooling procedures rewiewed with staff at the time of inspection. (COS)

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 containers of prep foods stored in various refrigeration unit observed without date marking. Per PIC foods were prepped less than 24 hours. Provide made/discard date before storing

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 590.004/4-204.113-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewashing Machine Data Plate Operation Specifications (C)

Inspector’s notes

Both bar/kitchen dishwasher observed without date plate operation. Provide and maintain visible

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 590.004/4-204.117-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewashing Machines Automatic Dispensing of Detergents and Sanitizers (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Bar dishwasher observed not dispensing sanitizer. Repair to dispense

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 590.004/4-501.116-PFChemicals

Official wording

Warewashing Equipment Determining Chemical Sanitizer Concentration (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

PIC unable to provide test strips for the bar / kitchen dishwasher and 3 bay sink . Provide and maintain accessible. Inspector test strips was used to record sanitzer concentration

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 590.004/4-501.11-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment (C)

Inspector’s notes

Multiple gaskets for refigerators and freezers are damaged throughout the establishment; repair or replace.

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 590.004/4-501.12-COther

Official wording

Cutting Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Multiple cutting boards observed heavily scored. Resurface/ replace.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
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

Interior of bar diswasher observed soiled chest freezer downtairs observed with heavy ice build up interior of multiple 2door cold unit observed heavily soiled with dirty build up and soiled gasket.Clean and sanitize 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

Kitchen handsink hot water faucet observed not operating. 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
criticalCode 590.005/5-402.11-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

Per PIC fruits and vegetables gets washed in the 3 bay sink direct to waste. Facility observed without space to add a prepsink. PIC to provide plumber report and request a variance and procedures to state how an alternative safe prep will be provided.

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 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Bar handsink observed without hand soap. Provide (correctedon site)

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
majorCode 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Kitchen hand sink observed without paper towel.Provide (COS)

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

PIC to post current Allergen Awareness Certificate

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, Nov 21, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 20, 2025

Failed

21 recorded violations

majorCode 590.002/2-501.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

PIC unable to provide procedure and kit for vomit & diarrheal clean up events. Provide and keep accessible

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 590.002(B)/2-102.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A) (B) and (C)(1) (4)-(16) Demonstration (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

At the time of inspection the staff on site were unable to answer question pertaining to temperature control . Reviewed at the time of inspection. CFPM to train staff on procedures.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

PIC unable to provide a CFPM certificate. Post current CFPM

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
majorCode 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PFOther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Priority & Priority Foundation noted on the inspection report . CFPM to train staff on violation noted on the inspection report

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.003/3-203.12-PFFacility maintenance

Official wording

Shell stock Maintaining Identification (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

PIC unable to provide shelltags .Provide and keep record for 90 days.

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 590.003/3-302.11-POther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Raw shelled eggs observed stored above RTE food . Discontinue (COS)

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official wording

Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C)

Inspector’s notes

Multiple squeeze bottles and condiments container observed without labels. Provide lables when removed from orignal containers

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

Observed staff cutting raw mushroom without washing prior. Staff to wash all vegetables and produce prior to cutting. Staff was advised to wash the raw mushroom before proceeding (COS)

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
criticalCode 590.003/3-501.14-PFood temperature

Official wording

Cooling (P)

Inspector’s notes

Cut romaine 56F stored in the open case cold unit. Per staff cut romaine was in the unit for less than 20 minutes. Romaine was removed and placed in the upright cold unit for cooling. Cooling procedures rewiewed with staff at the time of inspection. (COS)

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 containers of prep foods stored in various refrigeration unit observed without date marking. Per PIC foods were prepped less than 24 hours. Provide made/discard date before storing

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 590.004/4-204.113-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewashing Machine Data Plate Operation Specifications (C)

Inspector’s notes

Both bar/kitchen dishwasher observed without date plate operation. Provide and maintain visible

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 590.004/4-204.117-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewashing Machines Automatic Dispensing of Detergents and Sanitizers (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Bar dishwasher observed not dispensing sanitizer. Repair to dispense

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 590.004/4-501.116-PFChemicals

Official wording

Warewashing Equipment Determining Chemical Sanitizer Concentration (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

PIC unable to provide test strips for the bar / kitchen dishwasher and 3 bay sink . Provide and maintain accessible. Inspector test strips was used to record sanitzer concentration

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 590.004/4-501.11-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment (C)

Inspector’s notes

Multiple gaskets for refigerators and freezers are damaged throughout the establishment; repair or replace.

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 590.004/4-501.12-COther

Official wording

Cutting Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Multiple cutting boards observed heavily scored. Resurface/ replace.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
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

Interior of bar diswasher observed soiled chest freezer downtairs observed with heavy ice build up interior of multiple 2door cold unit observed heavily soiled with dirty build up and soiled gasket.Clean and sanitize 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

Kitchen handsink hot water faucet observed not operating. 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
criticalCode 590.005/5-402.11-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

Per PIC fruits and vegetables gets washed in the 3 bay sink direct to waste. Facility observed without space to add a prepsink. PIC to provide plumber report and request a variance and procedures to state how an alternative safe prep will be provided.

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 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Bar handsink observed without hand soap. Provide (correctedon site)

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
majorCode 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Kitchen hand sink observed without paper towel.Provide (COS)

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

PIC to post current Allergen Awareness Certificate

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, Nov 20, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 16, 2024

Passed

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Dec 16, 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

Feb 28, 2024

Passed

2 recorded violations

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

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

Post a copy of your current food safety / allergen awareness certificates in a conspicupous location of the restaurant as discussed

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
notedCode L2Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

Unpaid fees for the 2024 City of Boston Health Permit - address immediately - contact phone number # [ 617-635-5326 ] - ask for supervisors in the health department as they will assist you in addressing the matter in a timely fashion

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 28, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Feb 21, 2024

Failed

2 recorded violations

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

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

Post a copy of your current food safety / allergen awareness certificates in a conspicupous location of the restaurant as discussed

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
notedCode L2Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

Unpaid fees for the 2024 City of Boston Health Permit - address immediately - contact phone number # [ 617-635-5326 ] - ask for supervisors in the health department as they will assist you in addressing the matter in a timely fashion

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 21, 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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