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Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

The Red Fox

326 Commercial St

Last inspected Aug 26, 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

Aug 26, 2026

Passed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.006/6-202.15-COther

Official wording

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Inspector’s notes

The rear door has been left open to vent out a large air conditioner exhaust hose.Manager was instructed to keep the rear door closed to prevent possible pest access & properly ventilate the air conditioner. Building dept will be notified. During the inspection the rear exit door of the establishment was observed being kept open to vent air from the air conditioning system. (8.15.16)

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, Aug 26, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 15, 2026

Hearing scheduled

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.006/6-202.15-COther

Official wording

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Inspector’s notes

The rear door has been left open to vent out a large air conditioner exhaust hose.Manager was instructed to keep the rear door closed to prevent possible pest access & properly ventilate the air conditioner. Building dept will be notified. During the inspection the rear exit door of the establishment was observed being kept open to vent air from the air conditioning system. (8.15.16)

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, Aug 15, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 12, 2026

Passed

1 recorded violation

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

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

7-7-2026 upon reinspection work has been done by a licensed plumber but no City Plumbing Inspector has been out yet. Have your plumber pull proper permits and schedule a City Plumbing Inspector to inspect the work completed.

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, Aug 12, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 26, 2026

Failed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.006/6-202.15-COther

Official wording

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Inspector’s notes

The rear door has been left open to vent out a large air conditioner exhaust hose.Manager was instructed to keep the rear door closed to prevent possible pest access & properly ventilate the air conditioner. Building dept will be notified.

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, Jul 26, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 7, 2026

Failed (extension granted)

11 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.003/3-303.11-POther

Official wording

Ice Used as Exterior Coolant Prohibited as Ingredient (P)

Inspector’s notes

At the main large bar observed a bottle of alcohol stored in ice that per the person in charge would be used for drinks; the person in charge had staff remove the ice clean and sanitize the bin; ice used in drinks should not be used as a coolant.

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

At multiple locations in the kitchen observed in-use utensils stored in 70F water; in-use utensils should be stored on a clean and sanitized surface in water 135F and above or in coold running water.

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
majorCode 590.003/3-402.12-PFOther

Official wording

Records Creation & Retention (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Observed shellstock tags in the records container missing last used dates; retrain staff to fill out every shellstock tag with the last used date.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-204.112-CFood temperature

Official wording

Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)

Inspector’s notes

Cold holding units lack internal thermometers; provide internal thermometers inside all cold holding units.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
majorCode 590.004/4-302.13-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Temperature Measuring Devices Manual and Mechanical Warewashing (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

At the main kitchen warewashing machine that uses temperature to sanitize an irreversible thermomter could no be presented; provide an irriversible thermometer.

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 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

The establishment uses chlorine at two of their warewashing machines and quats at the three comparment sink but could not provide the testing devices for either chemical solution; provide testing devices for quats and chlorine.

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

At the large bar observed the only handwashing sink blocked with canned goods and hotel pan covers; handwashing sinks should be accessible at all times and only used for hand washing.

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

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

7-7-2026 upon reinspection work has been done by a licensed plumber but no City Plumbing Inspector has been out yet. Have your plumber pull proper permits and schedule a City Plumbing Inspector to inspect the work completed.

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 590.006/6-202.15-COther

Official wording

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed the rear exit of the establishment propped open during service; out doors should be closed to prevent pest entry; the person in charge closed and secured the door after the observation.

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

At the restrooms observed that the handwashing sinks lack hand washing signage; provide proper signage at the handwashing sinks in the restrooms.

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
minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

The emergency exit signs at the rear of the kitchen are detached from their mounts and hanging by wires; repair or replace the emergency exit signs.

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 7, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 29, 2026

Failed

11 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.003/3-303.11-POther

Official wording

Ice Used as Exterior Coolant Prohibited as Ingredient (P)

Inspector’s notes

At the main large bar observed a bottle of alcohol stored in ice that per the person in charge would be used for drinks; the person in charge had staff remove the ice clean and sanitize the bin; ice used in drinks should not be used as a coolant.

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

At multiple locations in the kitchen observed in-use utensils stored in 70F water; in-use utensils should be stored on a clean and sanitized surface in water 135F and above or in coold running water.

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
majorCode 590.003/3-402.12-PFOther

Official wording

Records Creation & Retention (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Observed shellstock tags in the records container missing last used dates; retrain staff to fill out every shellstock tag with the last used date.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-204.112-CFood temperature

Official wording

Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)

Inspector’s notes

Cold holding units lack internal thermometers; provide internal thermometers inside all cold holding units.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
majorCode 590.004/4-302.13-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Temperature Measuring Devices Manual and Mechanical Warewashing (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

At the main kitchen warewashing machine that uses temperature to sanitize an irreversible thermomter could no be presented; provide an irriversible thermometer.

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 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

The establishment uses chlorine at two of their warewashing machines and quats at the three comparment sink but could not provide the testing devices for either chemical solution; provide testing devices for quats and chlorine.

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

At the large bar observed the only handwashing sink blocked with canned goods and hotel pan covers; handwashing sinks should be accessible at all times and only used for hand washing.

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

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

At the dedicated prep sink no observable air gap observed as the pipe leads into a wall into a space that was not accessible at the time of the inspection and no staff person was certain that there was an air gap for the prep sink; have a licensed plumber pull proper permits and install an air gap.

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 590.006/6-202.15-COther

Official wording

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed the rear exit of the establishment propped open during service; out doors should be closed to prevent pest entry; the person in charge closed and secured the door after the observation.

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

At the restrooms observed that the handwashing sinks lack hand washing signage; provide proper signage at the handwashing sinks in the restrooms.

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
minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

The emergency exit signs at the rear of the kitchen are detached from their mounts and hanging by wires; repair or replace the emergency exit signs.

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 29, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 13, 2025

Passed

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

Ice machine observed with pink and black soils inside the interior of the unit. 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 590.006/6-202.15-COther

Official wording

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Inspector’s notes

Back door observed open. Close to prevent potential pests.

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 signage at production line 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 590.007/7-102.11-PFOther

Official wording

Common Name-Working Containers (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Chemical spray bottles observed unlabled. Provide label.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.008/8-201.13-COther

Official wording

When a HACCP Plan is Required (C)

Inspector’s notes

Cut watermelon observed in vaccum packaging. Discontinue or submit HACCP plan for reduced oxygen packaging.

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, Aug 13, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 5, 2025

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

Ice machine observed with pink and black soils inside the interior of the unit. 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 590.006/6-202.15-COther

Official wording

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Inspector’s notes

Back door observed open. Close to prevent potential pests.

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 signage at production line 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 590.007/7-102.11-PFOther

Official wording

Common Name-Working Containers (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Chemical spray bottles observed unlabled. Provide label.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.008/8-201.13-COther

Official wording

When a HACCP Plan is Required (C)

Inspector’s notes

Cut watermelon observed in vaccum packaging. Discontinue or submit HACCP plan for reduced oxygen packaging.

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, Aug 5, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 26, 2025

Out of business

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jun 26, 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

Jun 28, 2024

Report filed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.004/4-204.13-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

Dispensing Equipment Protection of Equipment and Food (C)

Inspector’s notes

Rack containing clean pots and pans is located at the botrtom of the stairway leading down to9 the kitchen - provide a barrier for the entire rear section that is exposed to the steps themselves to reduce potential contamination from soiled footwear from staff / delivery drivers ... - Missing barriers on both sides of the designated handsink by the swinging doors entrance - address as discussed - Exposed wooden 2 x4 's sections in a few areas in the kitchen - Seal as we discussed as the wood is absorbant at this time - discontinue the use of any sponges to clean food contact surfaces - sponges can be used to clean floors walls and ceilings [ all non food surfaces ]

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 28, 2024 · Original Source

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