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Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

The Playwright

654 E Broadway

Last inspected Feb 19, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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

The full inspection history

16 inspections

Inspection

Feb 19, 2026

Passed

1 recorded violation

notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

Post the current 2026 Health permit for the food establishment in a conspicuous place for the consumer to view

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 19, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Feb 17, 2026

Failed

1 recorded violation

notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

Post the current 2026 Health permit for the food establishment in a conspicuous place for the consumer to view

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

Passed

6 recorded violations

notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

*Immediately contact ISDHEALTH@BOSTON.GOV for payment of the current 2026 Health permit for your food establishment and post in a conspicuous place for consumers to view***

In plain English

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

More about inspection finding
minorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Observed multiple bulk containers stored in basement and squeeze bottles at the bar without labels of identification. Provide a label on all squeeze bottles and bulk containers with the common name of food item stored inside

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed multiple mixing bowls stored on top of food inside multiple reach in units. Remove and ensure no items are stored on top or with food items to prevent contamination Observed handled scooper and plastic cup stored in ice well at bar. Disussed with Mgr Rose to ensure no other items are stored with ice except handled scoopers.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed ice build up inside walk in freezer. 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 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed multiple bottles caps and debris next to dish machines and hand sinks at the bar area. Thoroughly clean to remove all trash / debris.

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

Observed no paper towels at multiple handsinks @ bar. Discussed with PIC to maintain paper towels at all times of operation at handsinks. COS

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, Feb 10, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Feb 3, 2026

Failed

6 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed ice build up inside walk in freezer. 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 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Observed multiple bulk containers stored in basement and squeeze bottles at the bar without labels of identification. Provide a label on all squeeze bottles and bulk containers with the common name of food item stored inside

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed multiple mixing bowls stored on top of food inside multiple reach in units. Remove and ensure no items are stored on top or with food items to prevent contamination Observed handled scooper and plastic cup stored in ice well at bar. Disussed with Mgr Rose to ensure no other items are stored with ice except handled scoopers.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed multiple bottles caps and debris next to dish machines and hand sinks at the bar area. Thoroughly clean to remove all trash / debris.

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

Observed no paper towels at multiple handsinks @ bar. Discussed with PIC to maintain paper towels at all times of operation at handsinks. COS

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

*Immediately contact ISDHEALTH@BOSTON.GOV for payment of the current 2026 Health permit for your food establishment and post in a conspicuous place for consumers to view***

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 3, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 26, 2025

Passed

4 recorded violations

majorCode 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Multiple handsinks missing hand soap. PIC replaced once notified. Continue to monitor frequenty

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 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Observed heavy fruit fly activity. Provide pest control services and clean and sanitize 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 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed debris next to the ice machine in the basement. Clean to remove. Observed food debris between multiple dishmachines. Clean to remove. This issue could be contributing the fly activity.

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 590.006/6-501.18-CWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Cleaning of Plumbing Fixtures (C)

Inspector’s notes

Handsinks observed with food heavy food soil build up. 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, Nov 26, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 19, 2025

Failed

4 recorded violations

majorCode 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Multiple handsinks missing hand soap. PIC replaced once notified. Continue to monitor frequenty

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 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Observed heavy fruit fly activity. Provide pest control services and clean and sanitize 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 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed debris next to the ice machine in the basement. Clean to remove. Observed food debris between multiple dishmachines. Clean to remove. This issue could be contributing the fly activity.

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 590.006/6-501.18-CWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Cleaning of Plumbing Fixtures (C)

Inspector’s notes

Handsinks observed with food heavy food soil build up. 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, Nov 19, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 5, 2025

Passed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.005/5-501.115-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed heavy grease build up and broken equipment stored outside. Clean to remove

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 5, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 3, 2025

Failed (extension granted)

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.005/5-501.115-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed heavy grease build up and broken equipment stored outside. Clean to remove

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 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Observed plastic dispensing bottles w/out proper labels. Provide at all times

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed debris and food soils under the ice machine. 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, Jun 3, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

May 28, 2025

Failed

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Observed plastic dispensing bottles w/out proper labels. Provide at all times

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed debris and food soils under the ice machine. 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 590.005/5-501.115-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed heavy grease build up and broken equipment stored outside. Clean to remove

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, May 28, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 6, 2025

Passed

3 recorded violations

majorCode 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Observed multiple handsinks at the front bar being utilized for dumpstations. Retrain staff on proper use of handsinks. Remove plastic catch bins from designated 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.

More about handwashing problems
majorCode 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Multiple paper towel dispensers empty . Provide at all times

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 designation gnage missing. Replace

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Mar 6, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Feb 27, 2025

Failed

3 recorded violations

majorCode 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Observed multiple handsinks at the front bar being utilized for dumpstations. Retrain staff on proper use of handsinks. Remove plastic catch bins from designated 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.

More about handwashing problems
majorCode 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Multiple paper towel dispensers empty . Provide at all times

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 designation gnage missing. Replace

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Feb 27, 2025 · 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

Aug 15, 2024

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 sticker exp 6/24. Provide updated sticker from required cleaning

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, Aug 15, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 14, 2024

Failed (extension granted)

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 sticker exp 6/24. Provide updated sticker from required cleaning

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, Aug 14, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 7, 2024

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 sticker exp 6/24. Provide updated sticker from required cleaning

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, Aug 7, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 15, 2024

Passed

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Mar 15, 2024 · Original Source

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