Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

The Bowery

Name: The Bowery
Address: 2261 Dorchester Av, Boston, MA

2261 Dorchester Av

Last inspected Sep 22, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

15 inspections

Inspection

Sep 22, 2026

Failed

8 recorded violations

notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

Missing allergen certificate. Post and provide

In plain English

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

More about inspection finding

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

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

Missing food safety certication. Provide.

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 590.004/4-101.19-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed heavy debri and food soils on top of the dishmachine. Clean 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

majorCode 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Observed food and drink garnishments in multiple handsinks. Retrain staff to properly use handsinks.

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

Outside Receptacles (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed the grease trap open in rear of establishment. All receptacles should be closed to prevent rodent activity. Retrain staff to properly close all receptacles as required.

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

Mulitple handsinks missing paper towels. Provide

In plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Signage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Handsink at the bar missing proper signage. 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

Cleaning of Plumbing Fixtures (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed grime build up on multiple handsinks. Clean to remove

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, Sep 22, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 3, 2026

Passed

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

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

Inspection

Jan 16, 2026

Passed

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 16, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 15, 2025

Passed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean exterior grounds to remove non in use equipment loose trash and leaves. Update 7/8/2025 * - Dumpsters are overflowing trash bags on ground. Cardboard is stacked high past the dumspter. Area is odorous and has attracted several flies / Republic trash removal appears to be on strike / Contact trash removal and ensure dumpsters are emptied and maintained frequent removal. Clean area to remove odors and flies

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, Jul 15, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 8, 2025

Failed (extension granted)

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.005/5-501.111-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Area Enclosures and Receptacles Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

One dumpster lid detached repair or replace. * Update 7/8/2025 - Dumpsters are overflowing trash bags stored on ground and cardboard is plied high. Area is odorous and is attracting several flies / Republic dumpster service may be on strike. Contact a different dumpster company for trash/dumpster removal clean refuse area to remove odors and flies. Maintain clean

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 590.005/5-501.116-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Receptacles (C)

Inspector’s notes

Grease container soiled clean to remove visible soil.

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 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Inspector’s notes

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, Jul 8, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 30, 2025

Failed

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.005/5-501.111-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Area Enclosures and Receptacles Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

One dumpster lid detached 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

minorCode 590.005/5-501.116-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Receptacles (C)

Inspector’s notes

Grease container soiled clean to remove visible soil.

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 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean exterior grounds to remove non in use equipment loose trash and leaves.

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, Jun 30, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

May 19, 2025

Passed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.004/4-501.15-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewashing Machines Manufacturers’ Operating Instructions (C)

Inspector’s notes

Bar glass machine has a part on order / Main dish machine continues to be used while glass machine is in use

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, May 19, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

May 13, 2025

Failed (extension granted)

6 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Utensils in stagnant water / Discontinue and store as described below

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 590.004/4-202.18-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)

Inspector’s notes

3 filters missing the backs / 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

minorCode 590.004/4-501.15-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewashing Machines Manufacturers’ Operating Instructions (C)

Inspector’s notes

Bar glass machine has a part on order / Main dish machine continues to be used while glass machine is in use

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 visibly soiled / Clean 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 590.004/4-703.11-PChemicals

Official wording

Hot Water and Chemical-Methods (P)

Inspector’s notes

Bar glass machine - sanitizer not registering - Repair / Main dish machine can be used until repair is made

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 590.006/6-501.12-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Frequency and Restrictions (C)

Inspector’s notes

Cookline walls and in between equipment with visible soils / Clean to remove Walk in fan covers with visible dust / Clean 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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, May 13, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

May 5, 2025

Failed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Utensils in stagnant water / Discontinue and store as described below

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 590.004/4-202.18-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)

Inspector’s notes

3 filters missing the backs / 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

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 visibly soiled / Clean 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 590.004/4-703.11-PChemicals

Official wording

Hot Water and Chemical-Methods (P)

Inspector’s notes

Bar glass machine - sanitizer not registering - Repair / Main dish machine can be used until repair is made

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 590.006/6-501.12-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Frequency and Restrictions (C)

Inspector’s notes

Cookline walls and in between equipment with visible soils / Clean to remove Walk in fan covers with visible dust / Clean 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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, May 5, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 13, 2024

Passed

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Nov 13, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 21, 2024

Report filed

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.006/6-201.17-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Walls and Ceilings Attachments (C)

Inspector’s notes

Exterior vents on the hood with visible dust build up / Clean to rem

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 590.006/6-501.12-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Frequency and Restrictions (C)

Inspector’s notes

basement floors especially under racks and in corners with visible debis and some clutter / Clean 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 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Utensils stored in stagnant water / Discontinue and store as described below

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jun 21, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 5, 2024

Report filed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.006/6-501.12-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Frequency and Restrictions (C)

Inspector’s notes

Walls behind flat grill with visible soils / Clean 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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Mar 5, 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

Inspection

Nov 28, 2023

Passed

9 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Several squeeze bottles filled with sauces and dressings have no labels. Provide.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.003/3-305.12-COther

Official wording

Food Storage Prohibited Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

Boxes of meats observed being stored on the ground of the walk-in cooler. Discontinue and ensure all foods are being stored a minimum of 6 inchs off the ground.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

criticalCode 590.003/3-501.16-PFood temperature

Official wording

(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Inspector’s notes

Sliced deli cheese inside of the first flip top cooler on the cooking line with an elevated temperature of 49F. Possibly due to being overfilled. Address and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41F. All other foods inside of the deli style unit were at below 41F.

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 590.004/4-202.16-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Light out above stove top and grill. Replace. Small 2 door freezer on the cooking line is not functioning properly. Address and make any necessary repairs. Discontinue use if unit is unable to function 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 590.004/4-204.112-CFood temperature

Official wording

Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)

Inspector’s notes

No equipment thermometer observed inside of the first 3 door cooler in the kitchen area. Provide.

In plain English

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

At the time of the inspection there was no sanitizer registering in any of the red buckets. Address and ensure proper training on how to set up and test.

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 590.004/4-303.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Agents and Sanitizers Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No sanitizer registering at the chlorine dish machine. Address and discontinue use unless the unit is able to function properly. 3 Bay sink is to be used for all kitchne equipment unless the unit is able to properly 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

minorCode 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hand sink in the second basement preparation room with a slow drain. Address and make any necessary repairs.

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

majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Evidence of house and fruit flies in the second basement preparation area. Address and provide an up to date pest control report for the re-inspection.

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 insects

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Nov 28, 2023 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 15, 2023

Failed

9 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Several squeeze bottles filled with sauces and dressings have no labels. Provide.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.003/3-305.12-COther

Official wording

Food Storage Prohibited Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

Boxes of meats observed being stored on the ground of the walk-in cooler. Discontinue and ensure all foods are being stored a minimum of 6 inchs off the ground.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

criticalCode 590.003/3-501.16-PFood temperature

Official wording

(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Inspector’s notes

In plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

minorCode 590.004/4-202.16-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

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 590.004/4-204.112-CFood temperature

Official wording

Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)

Inspector’s notes

No equipment thermometer observed inside of the first 3 door cooler in the kitchen area. Provide.

In plain English

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

At the time of the inspection there was no sanitizer registering in any of the red buckets. Address and ensure proper training on how to set up and test.

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 590.004/4-303.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Agents and Sanitizers Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

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

Hand sink in the second basement preparation room with a slow drain. Address and make any necessary repairs.

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

majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Evidence of house and fruit flies in the second basement preparation area. Address and provide an up to date pest control report for the re-inspection.