Eating & Drinking w/ Take Out · Boston, MA

El Palmar Restaurant

290 Bennington St

Last inspected Oct 23, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Passed

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Repeat ProblemsSerious findings or closures appear in two or more of the last three inspections. Review the dated records below.

Quick Answers

When was El Palmar Restaurant last inspected?: The most recent inspection on record was on Oct 23, 2026. The result listed by Boston Inspectional Services Department was “Passed”.
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?: Yes: 5 violations recorded, including 1 marked critical. Each one is listed below with the official wording.
How many inspections are on record?: 12 inspections on record, from Nov 8, 2023 to Oct 23, 2026.
Has El Palmar Restaurant ever been closed by the health department?: No closure appears in the 12 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Nov 8, 2023.

The Full Inspection History

12 inspections

Inspection

Oct 23, 2026

Passed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official Wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Portion cup observed stored inside pico de galo. Discontunue provide scoop with handle to prevent contamination by hands. (Corrected on site)

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

Sliced cucumber Pico de gallo Bell peppers were observed in the cold-holding unit with elavated temperature of 44F Instructed the Person to discountiue double -panning the food and ensure all TCS food are maintained at 41F or below.

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

Chlorine sanitizer test trip. Provide up to date test kit/test kit on site expired

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 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing

Official Wording

Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Both handwashing sinks were observed without soap in the dispensers. provide soap and maintain soap dispensers at all handwashing sinks at all times.( corrected on site)

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 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s Notes

yellow Hood sticker observed expired July 29 2026/ provide update sticker up reinspection

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 23, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 15, 2026

Failed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official Wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Portion cup observed stored inside pico de galo. Discontunue provide scoop with handle to prevent contamination by hands. (Corrected on site)

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

In Plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

majorCode 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Chlorine sanitizer test trip. Provide up to date test kit/test kit on site expired

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 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing

Official Wording

Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Both handwashing sinks were observed without soap in the dispensers. provide soap and maintain soap dispensers at all handwashing sinks at all times.( corrected on site)

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 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s Notes

yellow Hood sticker observed expired July 29 2026/ provide update sticker up reinspection

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 15, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 8, 2026

Passed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official Wording

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

Inspector’s Notes

Multiples squeeze bottles observed in the undercounter refrigerator without labels. Provide labels when removed from original containers

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

Mug observed stored inside rice and beans bulk bin. Discontinue provide scoop with handle to prevent contamination by hands

In Plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues

minorCode 590.004/4-101.19-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s Notes

White freezer with bar glasses observed with excess frost buil-up. Defrost and 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 590.006/6-201.17-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

Walls and Ceilings Attachments (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Observed a hole in the restroom wall . Repair the wall to maintain smooth cleanable surface Restroom vent observed with dust build-up .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 8, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

May 29, 2026

Failed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official Wording

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

Inspector’s Notes

Multiples squeeze bottles observed in the undercounter refrigerator without labels. Provide labels when removed from original containers

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

Mug observed stored inside rice and beans bulk bin. Discontinue provide scoop with handle to prevent contamination by hands

In Plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues

minorCode 590.004/4-101.19-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s Notes

White freezer with bar glasses observed with excess frost buil-up. Defrost and 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 590.006/6-201.17-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

Walls and Ceilings Attachments (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Observed a hole in the restroom wall . Repair the wall to maintain smooth cleanable surface Restroom vent observed with dust build-up .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 29, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 22, 2025

Passed

5 recorded violations

majorCode 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PFOther

Official Wording

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

Inspector’s Notes

Provide Allergen certificate.

In Plain English

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

More about other finding

majorCode 590.003/3-501.17-PFFood temperature

Official Wording

Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Date Marking (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Observed several prepared foods in the walkin without date marking.Provide

In Plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

minorCode 590.004/4-601.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

(B) and (C) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Freezer with bar glasses has visible rust and Ice in the bottom shelf.Clean

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 590.004/4-903.12-C1Other

Official Wording

Prohibitions (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Several single use items stored under the ceiling without any protection from contamination.Remove or provide proper covering

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 wahing sign at the hand sink near the bar area.

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, Dec 22, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 15, 2025

Failed

5 recorded violations

majorCode 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PFOther

Official Wording

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

Inspector’s Notes

Provide Allergen certificate.

In Plain English

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

More about other finding

majorCode 590.003/3-501.17-PFFood temperature

Official Wording

Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Date Marking (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Observed several prepared foods in the walkin without date marking.Provide

In Plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

minorCode 590.004/4-601.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

(B) and (C) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Freezer with bar glasses has visible rust and Ice in the bottom shelf.Clean

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 590.004/4-903.12-C1Other

Official Wording

Prohibitions (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Several single use items stored under the ceiling without any protection from contamination.Remove or provide proper covering

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 wahing sign at the hand sink near the bar area.

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, Dec 15, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 21, 2025

Passed

6 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Wiping cloths stored soiled on counters. Store properly in sanitizer solution.

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 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official Wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Observed whole avocatoes placed on top of whole raw eggs. Discontinue. Store properly separated.

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

majorCode 590.003/3-501.17-PFFood temperature

Official Wording

Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Date Marking (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Several prepared products stored in the walk-in unit without any date marking. Provide.

In Plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

minorCode 590.004/4-501.12-COther

Official Wording

Cutting Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Cutting board at prep area heavily scored/stained. Resurface and clean properly or replace.

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

Two freezers with large build up of ice. Remove ice and clean properly.

In Plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Hood Vent sticker expired. Provide a current one.

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, Jan 21, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 14, 2025

Failed

6 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Wiping cloths stored soiled on counters. Store properly in sanitizer solution.

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 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official Wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Observed whole avocatoes placed on top of whole raw eggs. Discontinue. Store properly separated.

In Plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

majorCode 590.003/3-501.17-PFFood temperature

Official Wording

Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Date Marking (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Several prepared products stored in the walk-in unit without any date marking. Provide.

In Plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

minorCode 590.004/4-501.12-COther

Official Wording

Cutting Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Cutting board at prep area heavily scored/stained. Resurface and clean properly or replace.

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

Two freezers with large build up of ice. Remove ice and clean properly.

In Plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Hood Vent sticker expired. Provide a current one.

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, Jan 14, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 23, 2024

Passed

1 recorded violation

majorCode 590.008/8-404.11-PFOther

Official Wording

(A) Ceasing Operations and Reporting (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Imminent Health Hazard -Water main break caused interruption of running water in the establishment. Repair work being performed by BWS- Remain closed until running water is restored. Call Health Department at 617-635 -5326 8am - 4pm or after hours at 617-635-4500 for aproval to re-open. If you need to call the after hours number ask for Health Department Assistant Commissioner Dan Prendergast. He will be able to call out the after hours inspector.

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 23, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 22, 2024

Voluntarily closed

1 recorded violation

majorCode 590.008/8-404.11-PFOther

Official Wording

(A) Ceasing Operations and Reporting (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

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 22, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 26, 2024

Report filed

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Floor damaged mising tile at warewashing area. 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

minorCode 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing

Official Wording

Handwashing Signage (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Handsink at prep area without signage provide.

In Plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Mar 26, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection