GOOD INFORMATION. BETTER PEACE OF MIND.Español · Always free. No signup required.

Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

The Hill Tavern

228 Cambridge St

Last inspected Feb 25, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Passed

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when The Hill Tavern has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

No account needed. Unsubscribe at any time.

ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

12 inspections

Inspection

Feb 25, 2026

Passed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed a water leak coming through the kitchen ceiling near the 3 bay sink. PIC stated they called the landlord. Repair leak

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, Feb 25, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Feb 17, 2026

Failed (extension granted)

6 recorded violations

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

Observed mold-like substance inside the ice machine and tin foil. Clean to remove mold like substance inside the shoot and remove tin foil.

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 590.005/5-501.114-CWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Using Drain Plugs (C)

Inspector’s notes

Provide drain plugs for the 3 bay sink.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed a water leak coming through the kitchen ceiling near the 3 bay sink. PIC stated they called the landlord. Repair leak

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 590.006/6-201.17-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Walls and Ceilings Attachments (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed dust on the filters on the outside of the ice machine. Clean to remove dust or replace. Observed dust on the vents and fans throughout the restaurant. Clean to remove dust replace or clean filters.

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 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

Paper towel dispenser at the bar is not working. Repair or replace Observed missing floor tiles in the kitchen. Repair and regrout kitchen floor to ensure no stagnant water and food items can build up.

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
notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

No chokesafe posted. Post chokesafe certificate

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 17, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Feb 10, 2026

Failed

5 recorded violations

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

Observed mold-like substance inside the ice machine and tin foil. Clean to remove mold like substance inside the shoot and remove tin foil.

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 590.005/5-501.114-CWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Using Drain Plugs (C)

Inspector’s notes

Provide drain plugs for the 3 bay sink.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
minorCode 590.006/6-201.17-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Walls and Ceilings Attachments (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed dust on the filters on the outside of the ice machine. Clean to remove dust or replace. Observed dust on the vents and fans throughout the restaurant. Clean to remove dust replace or clean filters.

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 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

Paper towel dispenser at the bar is not working. Repair or replace Observed missing floor tiles in the kitchen. Repair and regrout kitchen floor to ensure no stagnant water and food items can build up.

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
notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

No chokesafe posted. Post chokesafe certificate

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 10, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 25, 2025

Passed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Potaoes in basement near soiled equipment floor and debris around dunnage rack. Store foods in protected areas.

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
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

Cooked chicken fingers 45F. Product made one hour prior cooled to 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 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Caked on grease and soils on floors under cookline equipment and fryers. 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 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Numerous small flies evident in bar and kitchen areas. Provide updated IPM pest control report upon reinspection. Clean and sanitize all affected areas.

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
minorCode 590.006/6-501.113-COther

Official wording

Storing Maintenance Tools (C)

Inspector’s notes

Brooms stored leaning on clean equipment storage rack. Remove

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, Jun 25, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 17, 2025

Failed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Potaoes in basement near soiled equipment floor and debris around dunnage rack. Store foods in protected areas.

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
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

Cooked chicken fingers 45F. Product made one hour prior cooled to 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 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Caked on grease and soils on floors under cookline equipment and fryers. 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 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Numerous small flies evident in bar and kitchen areas. Provide updated IPM pest control report upon reinspection. Clean and sanitize all affected areas.

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
minorCode 590.006/6-501.113-COther

Official wording

Storing Maintenance Tools (C)

Inspector’s notes

Brooms stored leaning on clean equipment storage rack. Remove

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, Jun 17, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 10, 2025

Passed

3 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.005/5-402.11-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

Food prep sink lack an air gap in waste drain. Properly plumb with indirect waste. Ensure all proper permits pulled with ISD plumbing.

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 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Install cleanable ceiling above soda syrup storage in basement.

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 590.006/6-201.13-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Floor and Wall Junctures Coved and Enclosed or Sealed (C)

Inspector’s notes

Baseboard damaged under and around dish machine. Seal to maintain cleanable surfaces.

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, Jan 10, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 30, 2024

Failed (extension granted)

9 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-305.12-COther

Official wording

Food Storage Prohibited Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soda syrup stored under waste pipe in basement. Relocate.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.002(B)/2-102.11-PFOther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

No allergen statement on dessert menu. Provide. (2) Notice on printed menus and menu boards. Such food establishments shall include on all printed menus and menu boards a clear and conspicuous notice requesting a customer to inform the server before placing an order about the customer's allergy to a major food allergen. The notice shall state: Before placing your order please inform your server if a person in your party has a food allergy

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.003/3-603.11-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Consumption of Animal Foods that are Raw Undercooked or Not Otherwise Processed to Eliminate Pathogens (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Menu is missing disclosure next to menu items (*) served cooked to order.

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 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Deep clean floor surfaces under cookline equipment of visible buildup of 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 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soda gun drain leads into plastic jug on floor. Properly plumb

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
criticalCode 590.005/5-402.11-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

Food prep sink lack an air gap in waste drain. Properly plumb with indirect waste. Ensure all proper permits pulled with ISD plumbing.

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 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Install cleanable ceiling above soda syrup storage in basement.

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 590.006/6-201.13-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Floor and Wall Junctures Coved and Enclosed or Sealed (C)

Inspector’s notes

Baseboard damaged under and around dish machine. Seal to maintain cleanable surfaces.

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 590.006/6-202.15-COther

Official wording

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Inspector’s notes

Disturbed wall and floor materials under dry storage shelving in basement. Seal with pest proof materials Provide updated pest control report upon reinspection.

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 30, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 17, 2024

Failed

9 recorded violations

majorCode 590.002(B)/2-102.11-PFOther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

No allergen statement on dessert menu. Provide. (2) Notice on printed menus and menu boards. Such food establishments shall include on all printed menus and menu boards a clear and conspicuous notice requesting a customer to inform the server before placing an order about the customer's allergy to a major food allergen. The notice shall state: Before placing your order please inform your server if a person in your party has a food allergy

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

Soda syrup stored under waste pipe in basement. Relocate.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.003/3-603.11-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Consumption of Animal Foods that are Raw Undercooked or Not Otherwise Processed to Eliminate Pathogens (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Menu is missing disclosure next to menu items (*) served cooked to order.

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 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Deep clean floor surfaces under cookline equipment of visible buildup of 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 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soda gun drain leads into plastic jug on floor. Properly plumb

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
criticalCode 590.005/5-402.11-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

Food prep sink lack an air gap in waste drain. Properly plumb with indirect waste. Ensure all proper permits pulled with ISD plumbing.

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 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Install cleanable ceiling above soda syrup storage in basement.

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 590.006/6-201.13-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Floor and Wall Junctures Coved and Enclosed or Sealed (C)

Inspector’s notes

Baseboard damaged under and around dish machine. Seal to maintain cleanable surfaces.

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 590.006/6-202.15-COther

Official wording

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Inspector’s notes

Disturbed wall and floor materials under dry storage shelving in basement. Seal with pest proof materials Provide updated pest control report upon reinspection.

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 17, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 21, 2024

Passed

2 recorded violations

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

Wash/rinse/sanitize/ remediate all affected areas and food contact surfaces from visible water marks.

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 590.008/8-404.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A) Ceasing Operations and Reporting (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Fire in the residential bathroom located upstairs at the establishment resulting in water coming thru the vent dowsntairsin the seating area and resulting in loss of power. . Discontinue operations.

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, Nov 21, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 10, 2024

Voluntarily closed

2 recorded violations

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

Wash/rinse/sanitize/ remediate all affected areas and food contact surfaces from visible water marks.

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 590.008/8-404.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A) Ceasing Operations and Reporting (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Fire in the residential bathroom located upstairs at the establishment resulting in water coming thru the vent dowsntairsin the seating area and resulting in loss of power. . Discontinue operations.

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, Nov 10, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 31, 2024

Not required

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 31, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 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

More restaurants nearby