Discovery Cafe
Last inspected: Apr 1, 2026
39
Score
The Discovery Cafe, located at 3 Blackfan Circle in Boston, MA, underwent a high-risk inspection on April 1, 2026, with a score of 39. This inspection identified 2 critical, 4 major, and 5 minor violations, including issues with surface characteristics, time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding, and cooling/heating/holding capacities of equipment. Across 11 scored inspections, the Discovery Cafe has historically maintained mostly medium-risk ratings.
11
Inspections
2
Critical latest
4
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 1, 2026
Routine
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 5 minor violations.
39
Sep 18, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
67
Aug 19, 2025
Routine
4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
55
Jan 29, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
70
Jan 14, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
70
Jun 27, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
70
Jun 13, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 9 minor violations.
37
Jun 6, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 9 minor violations.
37
Dec 1, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
95
Feb 8, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
70
Jan 30, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
70
Violations — Apr 1, 2026 Inspection
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Ceiling above coffee service area and above out of use salad bar unit with numerous missing ceiling tiles. REPLACE.
590.006/6-101.11-C
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Sliced ham 49F tomatoes 52F. Product cut within the hour placed indirectly on ice for lunch service and willl be moved into alternative refrigerator holding at 38F.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Cooling heating and holding capacities-equipment (pf)
Inspector notes: Reach in cooler with flip top 50F. Repair. PIC to transfer TCS foods to another unit holding at 38F. TCS foods in unit out of temperature within hour.
590.004/4-301.11-PF
Ventilation hood systems adequacy (c)
Inspector notes: Flat top griddle in use to cook grease emanating foods no hood. Install commercial vent hood or remove griddle.
590.004/4-301.14-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Floors with visible soils near baseboards at cashier area on floors under equipment at service line. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Heating ventilation air conditioning system vents (c)
Inspector notes: HVAC vents with visible soils and grease buildup in back area. Clean to remove.
590.006/6-202.12-C
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Paper towel dispenser at warewashing area is missing no paper towels. Replace. Provide.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Mice droppings on floors near cash register. Clean and sanitize all affected areas. Provide updated IPM pest control report upon re inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Cleaning procedure (p)
Inspector notes: Food employee washed hands then dried them on apron. Retrain staff. Corrected on site
590.002/2-301.12-P
Prohibition-jewelry (c)
Inspector notes: Food employee observed making sandwiches with a dangling bracelet. Instructed to remove.
590.002/2-303.11-C
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: Priority violations. Provide active managerial control.
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
Priority (Critical)
Priority Foundation (Major)
Core (Minor)
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