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Eating & Drinking w/ Take Out · Boston, MA

Russ & Mimi's

16 Birch St

Last inspected Sep 15, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

10 inspections

Inspection

Sep 15, 2026

Failed (extension granted)

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.006/6-201.12-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings Utility Lines (C)

Inspector’s notes

In the large basement area where food prep was observed during the inspection there are exposed utility pipes; enclose the pipes or provide a ceiling above the food prep area below the utility pipes to prevent possible contamination of food and food contact surfaces.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

The handle for the handwashing sink on the first floor is missing or damaged; repair or replace. The handwashing sink is usuable.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Sep 15, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 18, 2026

Failed (extension granted)

3 recorded violations

majorCode 590.005/5-204.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Sinks-Location and Placement (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

In the large basement room I observed food prep happening but there is no handwashing sink in the room the closest handwashing sink is up stairs and through two doors; provide a hard plumbed handwashing sink in the large basement room.

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 590.006/6-201.12-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings Utility Lines (C)

Inspector’s notes

In the large basement area where food prep was observed during the inspection there are exposed utility pipes; enclose the pipes or provide a ceiling above the food prep area below the utility pipes to prevent possible contamination of food and food contact surfaces.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

The handle for the handwashing sink on the first floor is missing or damaged; repair or replace. The handwashing sink is usuable.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

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

Inspection

Aug 10, 2026

Failed (extension granted)

8 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed at least two food handlers preparing and handling foods without hair restraints; provide hair restraints for food handlers.

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

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

The posted Allergen Awareness certificate expired in June of 2025; have at least one person on staff go through an Allergen Awareness training from an accredited vendor and post the updated Allergen Awareness certificate.

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 590.003/3-603.11-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Consumption of Animal Foods that are Raw Undercooked or Not Otherwise Processed to Eliminate Pathogens (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

On the printed menus there are food items that can be served undercooked per discussion with the person in charge. There is no consumer advisory warning or reminder on the menus. Provide the consumer advisory warning and reminder with an * on food menu items that can be served raw or undercooked on all printed and online menus.

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 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

The location uses chlorine for sanitizer at the three compartment sink and in spray bottles but could not provide the correct testing device; provide testing devices for chemical sanitizer solutions used on premise.

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 590.004/4-601.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(B) and (C) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed black mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine; clean and sanitize.

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 590.005/5-204.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Sinks-Location and Placement (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

In the large basement room I observed food prep happening but there is no handwashing sink in the room the closest handwashing sink is up stairs and through two doors; provide a hard plumbed handwashing sink in the large basement room.

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 590.006/6-201.12-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings Utility Lines (C)

Inspector’s notes

In the large basement area where food prep was observed during the inspection there are exposed utility pipes; enclose the pipes or provide a ceiling above the food prep area below the utility pipes to prevent possible contamination of food and food contact surfaces.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

The handle for the handwashing sink on the first floor is missing or damaged; repair or replace.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

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

Inspection

Aug 3, 2026

Failed

8 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed at least two food handlers preparing and handling foods without hair restraints; provide hair restraints for food handlers.

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

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

The posted Allergen Awareness certificate expired in June of 2025; have at least one person on staff go through an Allergen Awareness training from an accredited vendor and post the updated Allergen Awareness certificate.

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 590.003/3-603.11-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Consumption of Animal Foods that are Raw Undercooked or Not Otherwise Processed to Eliminate Pathogens (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

On the printed menus there are food items that can be served undercooked per discussion with the person in charge. There is no consumer advisory warning or reminder on the menus. Provide the consumer advisory warning and reminder with an * on food menu items that can be served raw or undercooked on all printed and online menus.

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 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

The location uses chlorine for sanitizer at the three compartment sink and in spray bottles but could not provide the correct testing device; provide testing devices for chemical sanitizer solutions used on premise.

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 590.004/4-601.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(B) and (C) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed black mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine; clean and sanitize.

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 590.005/5-204.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Sinks-Location and Placement (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

In the large basement room I observed food prep happening but there is no handwashing sink in the room the closest handwashing sink is up stairs and through two doors; provide a hard plumbed handwashing sink in the large basement room.

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 590.006/6-201.12-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings Utility Lines (C)

Inspector’s notes

In the large basement area where food prep was observed during the inspection there are exposed utility pipes; enclose the pipes or provide a ceiling above the food prep area below the utility pipes to prevent possible contamination of food and food contact surfaces.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

The handle for the handwashing sink on the first floor is missing or damaged; repair or replace.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 3, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 19, 2026

Report filed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.003/3-305.12-COther

Official wording

Food Storage Prohibited Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

Coffee storage containers observed being stored directly under the drainage pipe to the single bay sink located on the first floor. Discontinue and store all equipment in a clean and protected manner.

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, Mar 19, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 24, 2025

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

PIC will need to post an up to date Food safty and Allergen certificate. Both expired in the last few months. Please provide or paperwork tht you are signed up and the class is paid for.

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 590.006/6-101.11-COther

Official wording

Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

As discussed please provide a self closing door spring on the restroom door in basement prep area. Replace ceiling tile in the basement.

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 24, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 17, 2025

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

PIC will need to post an up to date Food safty and Allergen certificate. Both expired in the last few months. Please provide or paperwork tht you are signed up and the class is paid for.

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 590.006/6-101.11-COther

Official wording

Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

As discussed please provide a self closing door spring on the restroom door in basement prep area. Replace ceiling tile in the basement.

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 17, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Feb 11, 2025

Passed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.006/6-101.11-COther

Official wording

Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

PIC will need to enclose the mop sink in the basement. 1-2-25 PIC is still working on the mop sink. She will have it done my the end of the month.

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, Feb 11, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 2, 2025

Failed (extension granted)

4 recorded violations

majorCode 590.004/4-302.13-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Temperature Measuring Devices Manual and Mechanical Warewashing (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

PIC will need to get a irreversible measuring device for the high temperature dishwasher as discussed.

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 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Please provide a test kit for quats for basement three bay sink.

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 590.005/5-202.13-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention Air Gap (P)

Inspector’s notes

PIC will need to have an air gap installed on the prep sink as discussed.

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 590.006/6-101.11-COther

Official wording

Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

PIC will need to enclose the mop sink in the basement. 1-2-25 PIC is still working on the mop sink. She will have it done my the end of the month.

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 2, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 10, 2024

Failed

4 recorded violations

majorCode 590.004/4-302.13-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Temperature Measuring Devices Manual and Mechanical Warewashing (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

PIC will need to get a irreversible measuring device for the high temperature dishwasher as discussed.

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 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Please provide a test kit for quats for basement three bay sink.

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 590.005/5-202.13-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention Air Gap (P)

Inspector’s notes

PIC will need to have an air gap installed on the prep sink as discussed.

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 590.006/6-101.11-COther

Official wording

Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

PIC will need to enclose the mop sink in the basement.

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, Dec 10, 2024 · Original Source

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