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Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

Tea By The Sea

99 Sumner St

Last inspected Jun 2, 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

13 inspections

Inspection

Jun 2, 2026

Passed

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-101.16-COther

Official wording

Sponges Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed sponges at three bay sink area. Discontinue using sponge to wash food contact surfaces to prevent contamination

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-202.16-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Single sink observed with black mold buildup. clean and sanitize to remove clean the undercounter refrigerator to remove milk spills and residue buildup. 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
criticalCode 590.007/7-204.11-PChemicals

Official wording

Sanitizers Criteria-Chemicals (P)

Inspector’s notes

The Chlorine sanitizer inside of the three compartment sink registered well over the required 50-100ppm. Review procedures for sanitizer set up with employees

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, Jun 2, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

May 26, 2026

Failed

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-101.16-COther

Official wording

Sponges Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed sponges at three bay sink area. Discontinue using sponge to wash food contact surfaces to prevent contamination

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-202.16-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Single sink observed with black mold buildup. clean and sanitize to remove clean the undercounter refrigerator to remove milk spills and residue buildup. 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
criticalCode 590.007/7-204.11-PChemicals

Official wording

Sanitizers Criteria-Chemicals (P)

Inspector’s notes

The Chlorine sanitizer inside of the three compartment sink registered well over the required 50-100ppm. Review procedures for sanitizer set up with employees

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, May 26, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 1, 2025

Passed

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-305.12-COther

Official wording

Food Storage Prohibited Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

Boxes with food products stored on the floor. Elevate properly.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-602.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils-Frequency (C)

Inspector’s notes

Interior of ice machine soiled. Clean and sanitize properly.

In plain English

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

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Exterior and interior of several refrigerating unit soiled. Clean properly.

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 1, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 24, 2025

Failed

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-305.12-COther

Official wording

Food Storage Prohibited Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

Boxes with food products stored on the floor. Elevate properly.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-602.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils-Frequency (C)

Inspector’s notes

Interior of ice machine soiled. Clean and sanitize properly.

In plain English

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

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Exterior and interior of several refrigerating unit soiled. Clean properly.

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, Nov 24, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

May 15, 2025

Passed

3 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.004/4-501.114-PChemicals

Official wording

Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Chemical Sanitization-Temperature pH Concentration and Hardness (P)

Inspector’s notes

PIC states that small plastic containers are filled with water and soap and chlorine to perform warewashing.Discontinue set up three bay sink properly and perform proper warewashing -Wash/Rinse/Sanitize.

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Interior of refrigerating unit for milk containers soiled. Clean properly.

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 590.004/4-904.11-C1Contamination

Official wording

Kitchenware and Tableware-Preventing Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed some equipment used to prepare drinks placed on the floor on the top of other items not in use. Remove and store properly clean area properly.

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, May 15, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

May 8, 2025

Failed

3 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.004/4-501.114-PChemicals

Official wording

Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Chemical Sanitization-Temperature pH Concentration and Hardness (P)

Inspector’s notes

PIC states that small plastic containers are filled with water and soap and chlorine to perform warewashing.Discontinue set up three bay sink properly and perform proper warewashing -Wash/Rinse/Sanitize.

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Interior of refrigerating unit for milk containers soiled. Clean properly.

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 590.004/4-904.11-C1Contamination

Official wording

Kitchenware and Tableware-Preventing Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed some equipment used to prepare drinks placed on the floor on the top of other items not in use. Remove and store properly clean area properly.

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, May 8, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 13, 2024

Passed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-903.11-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

(A) and (C) Equipment Utensils Linens and Single-Service and Single-Use Articles-Storing (C)

Inspector’s notes

Several boxes with single use utensils stored on the floor . Elevate properly.

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
majorCode 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Handsink at prep area without paper towels. PIC provided some. Mantain properly all the time.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed sponge at three bay sink area. Discontinue use for warewashing.

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 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Interior of ice machine soiled. Clean and sanitize properly.

In plain English

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

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Interior and exterior of several refrigerating units soiled. Clean properly.

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 13, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 5, 2024

Failed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed sponge at three bay sink area. Discontinue use for warewashing.

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 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Interior of ice machine soiled. Clean and sanitize properly.

In plain English

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

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Interior and exterior of several refrigerating units soiled. Clean properly.

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 590.004/4-903.11-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

(A) and (C) Equipment Utensils Linens and Single-Service and Single-Use Articles-Storing (C)

Inspector’s notes

Several boxes with single use utensils stored on the floor . Elevate properly.

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
majorCode 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Handsink at prep area without paper towels. PIC provided some. Mantain properly all the time.

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 5, 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 22, 2024

Passed

6 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Wiping cloths placed wet on counters. Store properly in containers with sanitizer solution.

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 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed several boxes with food products stored in front of toilet doors away from food prep/storage area and placed on the floor. Remove store properly enclosed (employees can watch it) and properly elevated (6 inches or above).

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
minorCode 590.004/4-101.16-COther

Official wording

Sponges Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed sponges at three bay sink area. Discontinue use for warewashing.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No sanitizing test strips on site. Provide.

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 590.004/4-501.114-PChemicals

Official wording

Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Chemical Sanitization-Temperature pH Concentration and Hardness (P)

Inspector’s notes

No evidence of proper warewashing . Three bay sink not set up properly filled with soiled equipment. Employee could not explain the proper warewashing steps. Sanitizing strips missing. Provide proper warewashing all the time (wash rinse sanitize).

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

Health Permit not renewed for 2024. Renew.

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 22, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Feb 15, 2024

Failed

6 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Wiping cloths placed wet on counters. Store properly in containers with sanitizer solution.

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 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed several boxes with food products stored in front of toilet doors away from food prep/storage area and placed on the floor. Remove store properly enclosed (employees can watch it) and properly elevated (6 inches or above).

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
minorCode 590.004/4-101.16-COther

Official wording

Sponges Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed sponges at three bay sink area. Discontinue use for warewashing.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No sanitizing test strips on site. Provide.

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 590.004/4-501.114-PChemicals

Official wording

Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Chemical Sanitization-Temperature pH Concentration and Hardness (P)

Inspector’s notes

No evidence of proper warewashing . Three bay sink not set up properly filled with soiled equipment. Employee could not explain the proper warewashing steps. Sanitizing strips missing. Provide proper warewashing all the time (wash rinse sanitize).

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

Health Permit not renewed for 2024. Renew.

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 15, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 6, 2023

Passed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.006/6-501.12-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Frequency and Restrictions (C)

Inspector’s notes

Lobby is still partially under construction / Construction dust throughout floors and surfaces / Remove all construction and ensure it is free of dust

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, Oct 6, 2023 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 3, 2023

Failed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.006/6-501.12-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Frequency and Restrictions (C)

Inspector’s notes

Lobby is still partially under construction / Construction dust throughout floors and surfaces / Remove all construction and ensure it is free of dust

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, Oct 3, 2023 · Original Source

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