Inspection
Jul 15, 2026
Passed
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jul 15, 2026 · Original Source
Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA
The Barking Crab
88 Sleeper St
Last inspected Jul 15, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
Passed
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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
16 inspectionsInspection
May 7, 2026
Passed
6 recorded violations
majorCode 590.003/3-203.12-PFFacility maintenance
Official wording
Shell stock Maintaining Identification (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Observed shell stock tags incomplete (mussels / clams / oysters). Discussed with PIC to ensure all tags are completed with the last date sold
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 issuesminorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther
Official wording
Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C)
Inspector’s notes
Observed multiple squeeze bottles and bulk containers stored unidentified. Provide labels for all bulk containers / squeeze bottles with the common name of food items stored inside
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination
Official wording
Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)
Inspector’s notes
Provide sink barriers on handsinks in prep & cooking line to prevent contamination from handwashing
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 contaminationminorCode 590.004/4-204.112-CFood temperature
Official wording
Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)
Inspector’s notes
Provide thermometers inside all refrigerated units
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 temperaturemajorCode 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Provide chlorine test strips for low temp dish machines (bar/kitchen)
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 problemsmajorCode 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Observed mold-like substances inside ice machine; observed food spills inside reach in unit (french fries); observed heavy grease build up inside fryers on pipes. Thoroughly clean all stated equipment and cooking equipment
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 problemsOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, May 7, 2026 · Original Source
Inspection
Apr 30, 2026
Failed
6 recorded violations
majorCode 590.003/3-203.12-PFFacility maintenance
Official wording
Shell stock Maintaining Identification (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Observed shell stock tags incomplete (mussels / clams / oysters). Discussed with PIC to ensure all tags are completed with the last date sold
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 issuesminorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther
Official wording
Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C)
Inspector’s notes
Observed multiple squeeze bottles and bulk containers stored unidentified. Provide labels for all bulk containers / squeeze bottles with the common name of food items stored inside
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination
Official wording
Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)
Inspector’s notes
Provide sink barriers on handsinks in prep & cooking line to prevent contamination from handwashing
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 contaminationminorCode 590.004/4-204.112-CFood temperature
Official wording
Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)
Inspector’s notes
Provide thermometers inside all refrigerated units
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 temperaturemajorCode 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Provide chlorine test strips for low temp dish machines (bar/kitchen)
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 problemsmajorCode 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Observed mold-like substances inside ice machine; observed food spills inside reach in unit (french fries); observed heavy grease build up inside fryers on pipes. Thoroughly clean all stated equipment and cooking equipment
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 problemsOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Apr 30, 2026 · Original Source
Inspection
Sep 8, 2025
Passed
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Sep 8, 2025 · Original Source
Inspection
May 29, 2025
Report filed
1 recorded violation
minorCode 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing
Official wording
Handwashing Signage (C)
Inspector’s notes
Restrooms missing employee handwash signage. Replace and 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.
More about handwashing problemsOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, May 29, 2025 · Original Source
Inspection
Feb 19, 2025
Passed
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Feb 19, 2025 · Original Source
Inspection
Nov 7, 2024
Passed
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Nov 7, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
Jun 10, 2024
Passed
1 recorded violation
minorCode 590.005/5-501.113-COther
Official wording
Covering Receptacles (C)
Inspector’s notes
Observed multiple dumpsters without lids attached to prevent access. PIC provided confirmation of new dumpsters to be delivered on 6.7.24.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jun 10, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
Jun 6, 2024
Failed
1 recorded violation
minorCode 590.005/5-501.113-COther
Official wording
Covering Receptacles (C)
Inspector’s notes
Observed multiple dumpsters without lids attached to prevent access. PIC provided confirmation of new dumpsters to be delivered on 6.7.24.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jun 6, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
Mar 20, 2024
Report filed
1 recorded violation
minorCode 590.005/5-501.113-COther
Official wording
Covering Receptacles (C)
Inspector’s notes
Covers for dumpsters are missing. Per pic the space is shared with the adjacent hotel and they are in the process of getting auth from their higher ups regarding the replacement of the dumpster covers.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Mar 20, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
Jan 19, 2024
Report filed
3 recorded violations
minorCode 590.005/5-501.113-COther
Official wording
Covering Receptacles (C)
Inspector’s notes
Dumpsters outside with no lids. Provide.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.005/5-501.116-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Cleaning Receptacles (C)
Inspector’s notes
Outside grease receptacles with buildup of soils and surrounding area. Clean to remove. Contact rendering company and request new receptables with tight lids. Company is aware in process of replacing containers.
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 problemsminorCode 590.006/6-202.15-COther
Official wording
Outer Openings Protected (C)
Inspector’s notes
Doors to enclosed patio with gaps at seams bar door missing door sweep several openings at baseboards in enclosed patio seating area. Seal any and all potential entry points throughout the building with pest proof materials. Burrow in evergreen planter outside front door. Treat and seal.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 19, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
Dec 20, 2023
Failed (extension granted)
9 recorded violations
minorCode 590.005/5-403.12-COther
Official wording
Other Liquid Wastes and Rainwater (C)
Inspector’s notes
Observed worker discard mop greywater through outside decking into ocean below. Discontinue. Approved variance states to be discarded into toilets on site.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.005/5-501.113-COther
Official wording
Covering Receptacles (C)
Inspector’s notes
Dumpsters outside with no lids. Provide.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.005/5-501.116-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Cleaning Receptacles (C)
Inspector’s notes
Outside grease receptacles with buildup of soils and surrounding area. Clean to remove. Contact rendering company and request new receptables with tight lids.
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 problemsminorCode 590.006/6-202.15-COther
Official wording
Outer Openings Protected (C)
Inspector’s notes
Doors to enclosed patio with gaps at seams bar door missing door sweep several openings at baseboards in enclosed patio seating area. Seal any and all potential entry points throughout the building with pest proof materials. Burrow in evergreen planter outside front door. Treat and seal.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.006/6-501.110-COther
Official wording
Using Dressing Rooms and Lockers (C)
Inspector’s notes
Shoes strewn in back area and on top of refrigerator. Store properly and seperately. Provide lockers if necessary.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingmajorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests
Official wording
Controlling Pests (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
What appears to be mice droppings near potbelly stove in bar area.In cabinet in bar area. Clean and disinfect the area. Provide updated IPM pest report upon reinspection.
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 insectsminorCode 590.006/6-501.113-COther
Official wording
Storing Maintenance Tools (C)
Inspector’s notes
Mop bucket stored with soda syrup on back outside storage room. Store elsewhere. Brooms stored outside on the ground store elevated.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)
Inspector’s notes
Several pots and out of use equipment in outside area. Remove. Remove all items off the floor. Clean and organize outside storage sheds to prevent conditions of harborage.
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 issuesminorCode 590.008/8-103.15-COther
Official wording
Variances (C)
Inspector’s notes
Mop water being discarded outside in violation of variance. Retrain staff.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Dec 20, 2023 · Original Source
Inspection
Dec 13, 2023
Failed
9 recorded violations
minorCode 590.005/5-403.12-COther
Official wording
Other Liquid Wastes and Rainwater (C)
Inspector’s notes
Observed worker discard mop greywater through outside decking into ocean below. Discontinue. Approved variance states to be discarded into toilets on site.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.005/5-501.113-COther
Official wording
Covering Receptacles (C)
Inspector’s notes
Dumpsters outside with no lids. Provide.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.005/5-501.116-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Cleaning Receptacles (C)
Inspector’s notes
Outside grease receptacles with buildup of soils and surrounding area. Clean to remove. Contact rendering company and request new receptables with tight lids.
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 problemsminorCode 590.006/6-202.15-COther
Official wording
Outer Openings Protected (C)
Inspector’s notes
Doors to enclosed patio with gaps at seams bar door missing door sweep several openings at baseboards in enclosed patio seating area. Seal any and all potential entry points throughout the building with pest proof materials.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.006/6-501.110-COther
Official wording
Using Dressing Rooms and Lockers (C)
Inspector’s notes
Shoes strewn in back area and on top of refrigerator. Store properly and seperately. Provide lockers if necessary.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingmajorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests
Official wording
Controlling Pests (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
What appears to be mice droppings near potbelly stove in bar area.In cabinet in bar area. Clean and disinfect the area. Provide updated IPM pest report upon reinspection.
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 insectsminorCode 590.006/6-501.113-COther
Official wording
Storing Maintenance Tools (C)
Inspector’s notes
Mop bucket stored with soda syrup on back outside storage room. Store elsewhere. Brooms stored outside on the ground store elevated.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)
Inspector’s notes
Several pots and out of use equipment in outside area. Remove. Remove all items off the floor. Clean and organize outside storage sheds to prevent conditions of harborage.
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 issuesminorCode 590.008/8-103.15-COther
Official wording
Variances (C)
Inspector’s notes
Mop water being discarded outside in violation of variance. Retrain staff.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Dec 13, 2023 · Original Source
Inspection
Nov 20, 2023
Report filed
2 recorded violations
minorCode 590.005/5-203.13-COther
Official wording
Service Sink (C)
Inspector’s notes
No mop sink on the premises. Install.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.005/5-501.113-COther
Official wording
Covering Receptacles (C)
Inspector’s notes
Dumpster do not have lids. Provide pest proof lids on dumpsters.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Nov 20, 2023 · Original Source
Inspection
Oct 27, 2023
Failed (extension granted)
2 recorded violations
minorCode 590.005/5-203.13-COther
Official wording
Service Sink (C)
Inspector’s notes
No mop sink on the premises. Install.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.005/5-501.113-COther
Official wording
Covering Receptacles (C)
Inspector’s notes
Dumpster do not have lids. Provide pest proof lids on dumpsters.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 27, 2023 · Original Source
Inspection
Sep 29, 2023
Failed (extension granted)
2 recorded violations
minorCode 590.005/5-203.13-COther
Official wording
Service Sink (C)
Inspector’s notes
No mop sink on the premises. Install.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.005/5-501.113-COther
Official wording
Covering Receptacles (C)
Inspector’s notes
Dumpster do not have lids. Provide pest proof lids on dumpsters.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Sep 29, 2023 · Original Source