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Eating & Drinking w/ Take Out · Boston, MA

Max's Deli Cafe

30 Batterymarch

Last inspected Oct 26, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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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 Max's Deli Cafe last inspected?
The most recent inspection on record was on Oct 26, 2026. The result listed by Boston Inspectional Services Department was “Passed”.
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?
Yes: 8 violations recorded, including 1 marked critical. Each one is listed below with the official wording.
How many inspections are on record?
11 inspections on record, from Nov 9, 2023 to Oct 26, 2026.
Has Max's Deli Cafe ever been closed by the health department?
No closure appears in the 11 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Nov 9, 2023.

The Full Inspection History

11 inspections

Inspection

Oct 26, 2026

Passed

8 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.003/3-501.16-P1Food temperature

Official Wording

(A)(1) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Inspector’s Notes

Chicken cutlets on hot production line at 115F-125F. Reheated to acceptable temperature. Ensure proper hot holding at 135F or above.

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 590.004/4-202.18-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Hood filters observed with grease 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
minorCode 590.004/4-204.112-CFood temperature

Official Wording

Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)

Inspector’s Notes

No thermometer observed in stand up refrigeration unit. 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
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Flour and debris observed on floor in storage area. 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 590.006/6-201.16-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

Wall and Ceiling Coverings and Coatings (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Missing ceiling tile above walk in cooler. 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
majorCode 590.006/6-404.11-PFOther

Official Wording

Segregation and Location-Distressed Merchandise (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Potato salad in walk in cooler observed expired 10/10 Milk in grab and go refrigerator expired 10/8. Discarded and 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
minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Hood sticker observed expired. PIC stated appointment is scheduled for 10.20.26. Update.

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 590.007/7-102.11-PFOther

Official Wording

Common Name-Working Containers (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Chemical spray bottles observed without label. Provide.

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, Oct 26, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 19, 2026

Failed

8 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.003/3-501.16-P1Food temperature

Official Wording

(A)(1) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Inspector’s Notes

Chicken cutlets on hot production line at 115F-125F. Reheated to acceptable temperature. Ensure proper hot holding at 135F or above.

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 590.004/4-202.18-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Hood filters observed with grease 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
minorCode 590.004/4-204.112-CFood temperature

Official Wording

Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)

Inspector’s Notes

No thermometer observed in stand up refrigeration unit. 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
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Flour and debris observed on floor in storage area. 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 590.006/6-201.16-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

Wall and Ceiling Coverings and Coatings (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Missing ceiling tile above walk in cooler. 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
majorCode 590.006/6-404.11-PFOther

Official Wording

Segregation and Location-Distressed Merchandise (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Potato salad in walk in cooler observed expired 10/10 Milk in grab and go refrigerator expired 10/8. Discarded and 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
minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Hood sticker observed expired. PIC stated appointment is scheduled for 10.20.26. Update.

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 590.007/7-102.11-PFOther

Official Wording

Common Name-Working Containers (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Chemical spray bottles observed without label. Provide.

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, Oct 19, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

May 13, 2026

Passed

1 recorded violation

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

Official Wording

Backflow Prevention Air Gap (P)

Inspector’s Notes

Food prep sink observed without an air gap. Provide or submit quote from a plumbing company to request a variance.

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, May 13, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 22, 2026

Failed (extension granted)

4 recorded violations

majorCode 590.005/5-202.12-PFHandwashing

Official Wording

Handwashing Sinks Installation (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Front counter area hand sink water at 90F for multiple minutes. Repair. Hand sinks should have water at 100F minimum. Hot water available at other locations.

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

Official Wording

Backflow Prevention Air Gap (P)

Inspector’s Notes

Food prep sink observed without an air gap. Provide or submit quote from a plumbing company to request a variance.

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
majorCode 590.006/6-404.11-PFOther

Official Wording

Segregation and Location-Distressed Merchandise (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Expired clam juice in basement walk in area. Expired beef base in kitchen area walk in cooler. Discarded. Monitor expiration dates.

In Plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.006/6-501.112-CPests

Official Wording

Removing Dead or Trapped Birds Insects Rodents and other Pest (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Soiled traps in basement area. Clean to remove.

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, Apr 22, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 15, 2026

Failed

4 recorded violations

majorCode 590.005/5-202.12-PFHandwashing

Official Wording

Handwashing Sinks Installation (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Front counter area hand sink water at 90F for multiple minutes. Repair. Hand sinks should have water at 100F minimum. Hot water available at other locations.

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

Official Wording

Backflow Prevention Air Gap (P)

Inspector’s Notes

Food prep sink observed without an air gap. Provide or submit quote from a plumbing company to request a variance.

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
majorCode 590.006/6-404.11-PFOther

Official Wording

Segregation and Location-Distressed Merchandise (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Expired clam juice in basement walk in area. Expired beef base in kitchen area walk in cooler. Discarded. Monitor expiration dates.

In Plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.006/6-501.112-CPests

Official Wording

Removing Dead or Trapped Birds Insects Rodents and other Pest (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Soiled traps in basement area. Clean to remove.

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, Apr 15, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 8, 2025

Passed

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 8, 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

Oct 31, 2024

Passed

2 recorded violations

majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official Wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Salads and fruit cups without labels & ingredients on them supply for all. (Labels were posted on glass door of cold case)

In Plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
minorCode 590.004/4-301.14-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

Ventilation Hood Systems Adequacy (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Hood Baffles with carbon 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, Oct 31, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 17, 2024

Failed

2 recorded violations

majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official Wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Salads and fruit cups without labels & ingredients on them supply for all. (Labels were posted on glass door of cold case)

In Plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
minorCode 590.004/4-301.14-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

Ventilation Hood Systems Adequacy (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Hood Baffles with carbon 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, Oct 17, 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

Inspection

Nov 9, 2023

Passed

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Nov 9, 2023 · Original Source

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