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Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

The Chemist

218 Congress St

Last inspected Jul 30, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

11 inspections

Inspection

Jul 30, 2026

Passed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood stickers obseved expired in March. Schedule cleaning appointment. Referred to BFD

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, Jul 30, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 22, 2026

Failed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood stickers obseved expired in March. Schedule cleaning appointment. Referred to BFD

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, Jul 22, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 22, 2026

Passed

6 recorded violations

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

No notation for foods that can be undercooked on menu such as hamburger. Menu must have disclosure and reminder for all foods that can be undercooked. Provide.

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 590.004/4-303.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Agents and Sanitizers Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Detergent bottle at bar dish machine obsevred empty. Ensure cleaning agents are available at all hours.

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 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No paper towels at bar area hand sink. 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

Provide hand wash only sign at pizza area hand sink.

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
majorCode 590.006/6-404.11-PFOther

Official wording

Segregation and Location-Distressed Merchandise (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Containers of sour cream observed expired on 12.6.25. Discarded by PIC. Ensure proper rotation.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Immature insects observed in large bulk container of panko bread crumbs. Discarded by PIC. Provide an updated pest report to matthew.ruzanski@boston.gov.

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, Jan 22, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 15, 2026

Failed

6 recorded violations

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

No notation for foods that can be undercooked on menu such as hamburger. Menu must have disclosure and reminder for all foods that can be undercooked. Provide.

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 590.004/4-303.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Agents and Sanitizers Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Detergent bottle at bar dish machine obsevred empty. Ensure cleaning agents are available at all hours.

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 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No paper towels at bar area hand sink. 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

Provide hand wash only sign at pizza area hand sink.

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
majorCode 590.006/6-404.11-PFOther

Official wording

Segregation and Location-Distressed Merchandise (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Containers of sour cream observed expired on 12.6.25. Discarded by PIC. Ensure proper rotation.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Immature insects observed in large bulk container of panko bread crumbs. Discarded by PIC. Provide an updated pest report to matthew.ruzanski@boston.gov.

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, Jan 15, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 23, 2025

Passed

1 recorded violation

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

Official wording

Backflow Prevention Air Gap (P)

Inspector’s notes

Prep sinks without proper air gap for backflow prevention. Provide. Use a colander until properly plumbed. 10/07/2025 Appoitment is schedule for next week 10/22/2025 Request varience for install proper air gap on food prep sink. PIC stated is too Cost Prohibitive to install a proper air gap on food 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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 23, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 22, 2025

Failed (extension granted)

1 recorded violation

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

Official wording

Backflow Prevention Air Gap (P)

Inspector’s notes

Prep sinks without proper air gap for backflow prevention. Provide. Use a colander until properly plumbed. 10/07/2025 Appoitment is schedule for next week 10/22/2025 Request varience for install proper air gap on food prep sink. PIC stated is too Cost Prohibitive to install a proper air gap on food 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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 22, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 9, 2025

Failed (extension granted)

12 recorded violations

majorCode 590.002/2-501.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No procedure or supplies for vomit/ diarrhea clean up kit./ Provide complete vomit clean up kit

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 590.002(B)/2-102.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A) (B) and (C)(1) (4)-(16) Demonstration (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

The full time employee is not a certified food manager. Provide a full time certified food manager at this location. The three bay sink was not set up properly. Properly train the employees to wash equipment in soapy water rinse in clean water sanitize in the third bay and then air dry the items. The employees were unfamiliar with illness policy. Properly train employees

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

Provide certified food manager and allergen trained manager 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 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

PIC must be knowledgeable in cooking temperatures cold and hot holding cooling temperatures warewashing cleaning and sanitiation

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

kitchen/ provide proper scoop with handle for all bulk food bins/remove bowls

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
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

Pico de galo 46f lime sour cream 46f cheese 47f tomato 43f pickles 44f with an elevated temperature . Address and ensure all TCS foods are at below 41F prior to being placed out for service

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 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

kitchen/clean and sanitize soiled can opener and blade to remove 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
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Bar clean the the floor under all shelving. kitchen/clean floor area under around and behind all shelving reach in units to remove debris kitchen/clean walls to remove dust and debris Frylator /clean exterior to remove grease build up/ Storage room clean floor area under all shelving Remove all debris and cardboard boxes from the floor Observed heavy frost build up in the fridge located in the Bar. Defrost fridge kitchen and storage room/mop closet/clean floors walls and ceiling to remove heavy soils and staining from ceiling tiles/under around and behind all 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 problems
criticalCode 590.005/5-202.13-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention Air Gap (P)

Inspector’s notes

Prep sinks without proper air gap for backflow prevention. Provide. Use a colander until properly plumbed. 10/07/2025 Appoitment is schedule for next week

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 590.006/6-202.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Light Bulbs Protective Shielding (C)

Inspector’s notes

Employee room missing light shields/provide

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 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Inspector’s notes

kitchen the back area is cluttered with boxes and products. Discard unused or empty boxes and organize products so effective cleaning can be done. employee locker area observed in need of organizing and cleaning.

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 590.006/6-501.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Floors Dustless Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean the floor under/around the grease trap & 3 bay sink to remove soils and stagnant water.

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 9, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 2, 2025

Failed

12 recorded violations

majorCode 590.002/2-501.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No procedure or supplies for vomit/ diarrhea clean up kit./ Provide complete vomit clean up kit

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 590.002(B)/2-102.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A) (B) and (C)(1) (4)-(16) Demonstration (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

The full time employee is not a certified food manager. Provide a full time certified food manager at this location. The three bay sink was not set up properly. Properly train the employees to wash equipment in soapy water rinse in clean water sanitize in the third bay and then air dry the items. The employees were unfamiliar with illness policy. Properly train employees

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

Provide certified food manager and allergen trained manager 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 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

PIC must be knowledgeable in cooking temperatures cold and hot holding cooling temperatures warewashing cleaning and sanitiation

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

kitchen/ provide proper scoop with handle for all bulk food bins/remove bowls

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
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

Pico de galo 46f lime sour cream 46f cheese 47f tomato 43f pickles 44f with an elevated temperature . Address and ensure all TCS foods are at below 41F prior to being placed out for service

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 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

kitchen/clean and sanitize soiled can opener and blade to remove 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
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Bar clean the the floor under all shelving. kitchen/clean floor area under around and behind all shelving reach in units to remove debris kitchen/clean walls to remove dust and debris Frylator /clean exterior to remove grease build up/ Storage room clean floor area under all shelving Remove all debris and cardboard boxes from the floor Observed heavy frost build up in the fridge located in the Bar. Defrost fridge kitchen and storage room/mop closet/clean floors walls and ceiling to remove heavy soils and staining from ceiling tiles/under around and behind all 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 problems
criticalCode 590.005/5-202.13-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention Air Gap (P)

Inspector’s notes

Prep sinks without proper air gap for backflow prevention. Provide. Use a colander until properly plumbed.

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 590.006/6-202.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Light Bulbs Protective Shielding (C)

Inspector’s notes

Employee room missing light shields/provide

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 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Inspector’s notes

kitchen the back area is cluttered with boxes and products. Discard unused or empty boxes and organize products so effective cleaning can be done. employee locker area observed in need of organizing and cleaning.

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 590.006/6-501.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Floors Dustless Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean the floor under/around the grease trap & 3 bay sink to remove soils and stagnant water.

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 2, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 11, 2024

Passed

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jul 11, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 27, 2023

Passed

2 recorded violations

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

Burgers on menu without asterisk and asterisk @ wording on bottom supply for all menu items

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 590.004/4-204.117-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewashing Machines Automatic Dispensing of Detergents and Sanitizers (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

2 low temp machines not registering Chlorine sanitizer at bar repair

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 27, 2023 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 21, 2023

Failed

2 recorded violations

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

Burgers on menu without asterisk and asterisk @ wording on bottom supply for all menu items

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 590.004/4-204.117-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewashing Machines Automatic Dispensing of Detergents and Sanitizers (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

2 low temp machines not registering Chlorine sanitizer at bar repair

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 21, 2023 · Original Source

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