Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

Shabu-Zen

Name: Shabu-Zen
Address: 14 Tyler St, Boston, MA

14 Tyler St

Last inspected Sep 22, 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

12 inspections

Inspection

Sep 22, 2026

Passed

5 recorded violations

notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

Provide a choke safe employee on site.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding

majorCode 590.004/4-302.13-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Temperature Measuring Devices Manual and Mechanical Warewashing (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Provide an irreversible temperature indicator for the high temp dish machine.

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 590.005/5-402.11-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

minorCode 590.006/6-501.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Floors Dustless Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean the floor under the ice machine to rempove 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 590.007/7-204.11-PChemicals

Official wording

Sanitizers Criteria-Chemicals (P)

Inspector’s notes

The Quats sanitizer was reading above 400PPM.Maintain Quats sanitizer 200-400PPM or per manufactures specifications. PIC Correcting

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Sep 22, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 30, 2026

Failed

5 recorded violations

majorCode 590.004/4-302.13-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Temperature Measuring Devices Manual and Mechanical Warewashing (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Provide an irreversible temperature indicator for the high temp dish machine.

In plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

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

minorCode 590.006/6-501.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Floors Dustless Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean the floor under the ice machine to rempove 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 590.007/7-204.11-PChemicals

Official wording

Sanitizers Criteria-Chemicals (P)

Inspector’s notes

The Quats sanitizer was reading above 400PPM.Maintain Quats sanitizer 200-400PPM or per manufactures specifications. PIC Correcting

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

notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

Provide a choke safe employee on site.

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, Jul 30, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 30, 2025

Report filed

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Food handler observed without hair restraint. Provide hats or hairnets for all 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 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Ice scoop stored in ice machine. Store ice scoop outside of ice in clean container.

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 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Exhaust fan above dish machine with dust accumulation. Clean

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 30, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Sep 4, 2025

Passed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.008/8-103.15-COther

Official wording

Variances (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soiled mop water dumped into hand sink per employee. Provide variance paper work for soiled mop water to be dumped into toilet.

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, Sep 4, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

May 13, 2025

Failed (extension granted)

5 recorded violations

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

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

Allergy certificate observed expired. Update.

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 590.003/3-302.11-COther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Multiple containers of uncovered cut fruit in bar area. 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

majorCode 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No soap at Hand sink next to dishwasher in warewash area. Provide.

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.

Official wording

Common Name-Working Containers (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Chemical spray bottle observed unlabled. Provide label.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.008/8-103.15-COther

Official wording

Variances (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soiled mop water dumped into hand sink per employee. Provide variance paper work for soiled mop water to be dumped into toilet.

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, May 13, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

May 6, 2025

Failed

5 recorded violations

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

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

Allergy certificate observed expired. Update.

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 590.003/3-302.11-COther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Multiple containers of uncovered cut fruit in bar area. 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

majorCode 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No soap at Hand sink next to dishwasher in warewash area. Provide.

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.

Official wording

Common Name-Working Containers (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Chemical spray bottle observed unlabled. Provide label.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.008/8-103.15-COther

Official wording

Variances (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soiled mop water dumped into hand sink per employee. Provide variance paper work for soiled mop water to be dumped into toilet.

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, May 6, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 25, 2024

Passed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Employee working slicer observed with no hair restraint. Provide.

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

criticalCode 590.003/3-302.11-POther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Eggs stored above ready to eat foods. Corrected on site.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Ice scoop observed with handle in ice. Corrected.

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 590.004/4-204.112-CFood temperature

Official wording

Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)

Inspector’s notes

Bar refrigerator observed with no thermometer. Provide.

In plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Nov 25, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 18, 2024

Failed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Employee working slicer observed with no hair restraint. Provide.

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

criticalCode 590.003/3-302.11-POther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Eggs stored above ready to eat foods. Corrected on site.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Ice scoop observed with handle in ice. Corrected.

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 590.004/4-204.112-CFood temperature

Official wording

Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)

Inspector’s notes

Bar refrigerator observed with no thermometer. Provide.

In plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Nov 18, 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

Jan 18, 2024

Passed

1 recorded violation

notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

2024 Health permit is not paid for. Email ISDhealth@boston.gov for link to one time payment. Allergy Certificate is expired.

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 12, 2024

Hearing scheduled

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Employee using meat slicer observed without hair restraint. Provide.

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 590.003/3-302.11-COther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Open containers of fruit obsevred in bar area freezer. 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

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 product observed with out proper date marking. Provide.

In plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

minorCode 590.004/4-204.112-CFood temperature

Official wording

Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)

Inspector’s notes

Glass stand up refrigerator in front of house does not have thermometer. Provide.

In plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

2024 Health permit is not paid for. Email ISDhealth@boston.gov for link to one time payment. Allergy Certificate is expired.

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 12, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 4, 2024

Failed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Employee using meat slicer observed without hair restraint. Provide.

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 590.003/3-302.11-COther