El Centro
Latest: PASS
July 25, 2025
Address
474 SHAWMUT AV
South End, MA 02118
Inspection History
72 inspections
33 failures
License
License #23829
Last inspected: July 25, 2025
Inspection History (50 most recent)
PASS
July 25, 2025
at 5:12 PM
4 violations
590.003/3-501.16-P - (A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P): Observed raw beef stored inside refrigerated drawers between 45F-48F. Discussed with PIC to maintain cold holding @ 41F or below. COS | 590.004...
FAIL
July 18, 2025
at 3:26 PM
4 violations
590.003/3-501.16-P - (A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P): Observed raw beef stored inside refrigerated drawers between 45F-48F. Discussed with PIC to maintain cold holding @ 41F or below. COS | 590.004...
PASS
February 5, 2025
at 5:07 PM
4 violations
590.003/3-302.12-C - Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C): Observed multiple squeeze bottles stored in kitchen and walk in cooler unidentified. Provide a label with the common name of food item stored inside | 590.004/4-...
FAIL
January 29, 2025
at 4:46 PM
4 violations
590.003/3-302.12-C - Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C): Observed multiple squeeze bottles stored in kitchen and walk in cooler unidentified. Provide a label with the common name of food item stored inside | 590.004/4-...
PASS
November 19, 2024
at 7:47 PM
2 violations
590.004/4-204.112-C - Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C): Observed no thermometer inside reach in unit near prep table in kitchen. Provide and ensure thermometers are in all refrigerated units. | 590.004/4-601.11-PF - (A) Equipment ...
FAIL
November 12, 2024
at 5:55 PM
2 violations
590.004/4-204.112-C - Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C): Observed no thermometer inside reach in unit near prep table in kitchen. Provide and ensure thermometers are in all refrigerated units. | 590.004/4-601.11-PF - (A) Equipment ...
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
September 25, 2024
at 4:08 PM
0 violations
PASS
August 20, 2024
at 2:49 PM
0 violations
PASS
January 10, 2024
at 3:06 PM
1 violation
590.008/8-404.11-PF - (A) Ceasing Operations and Reporting (Pf): Water flood in establishment from leaking roof; BFD shut power off due to this hazard; PIC voluntarily closed
PASS
September 26, 2023
at 3:18 PM
5 violations
590.003/3-304.14-C - Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C): Observed soiled wiping cloths stored on table. Maintain wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution after each use | 590.004/4-204.117-PF - Warewashing Machines Automatic Dispensing of Detergents...
FAIL
September 14, 2023
at 4:17 PM
5 violations
590.003/3-304.14-C - Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C): Observed soiled wiping cloths stored on table. Maintain wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution after each use | 590.004/4-204.117-PF - Warewashing Machines Automatic Dispensing of Detergents...
PASS
May 2, 2023
at 3:10 PM
7 violations
590.003/3-501.13-C - Thawing (C): Observed shrimp thawing in stagnant water. Discontinue and follow proper procedures for thawing either under running cool water or under refrigeration | 590.003/3-602.11-PF - Food Labels (Pf): Label all squeeze bo...
FAIL
April 27, 2023
at 12:12 PM
7 violations
590.003/3-501.13-C - Thawing (C): Observed shrimp thawing in stagnant water. Discontinue and follow proper procedures for thawing either under running cool water or under refrigeration | 590.003/3-602.11-PF - Food Labels (Pf): Label all squeeze bo...
PASS
July 8, 2022
at 4:51 PM
9 violations
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF - (A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf): PIC not monitoring the accessibity of the hand sink and paper towels needed for sink in kitchen. Discussed with PIC to monitor the cleanliness of the establishment by cleaning with fre...
FAIL
June 29, 2022
at 6:26 PM
9 violations
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF - (A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf): PIC not monitoring the accessibity of the hand sink and paper towels needed for sink in kitchen. Discussed with PIC to monitor the cleanliness of the establishment by cleaning with fre...
PASS
January 19, 2022
at 3:30 PM
7 violations
590.003/3-304.14-C - Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C): Observed wiping cloths on counters. Maintain wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution | 590.003/3-305.11-C - Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C): Observed boxes of food ...
FAIL
January 12, 2022
at 5:00 PM
7 violations
590.003/3-304.14-C - Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C): Observed wiping cloths on counters. Maintain wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution | 590.003/3-305.11-C - Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C): Observed boxes of food ...
PASS
July 13, 2021
at 6:51 PM
2 violations
590.004/4-501.114-P - Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Chemical Sanitization-Temperature pH Concentration and Hardness (P): Sanitizer not registering in low temp machine / Repair to provide 50-100ppm / 3 bay sink will be used unit ma...
FAIL
June 23, 2021
at 4:23 PM
2 violations
590.004/4-501.114-P - Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Chemical Sanitization-Temperature pH Concentration and Hardness (P): Sanitizer not registering in low temp machine / Repair to provide 50-100ppm / 3 bay sink will be used unit ma...
PASS
April 5, 2021
at 3:46 PM
5 violations
590.002/2-301.11-P - Clean condition-Hands and Arms (P): Cook unable to wash hands because the hand sink was blocked | 590.003/3-305.11-C - Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C): Pots of sauce cooling on the floor of the base...
FAIL
March 23, 2021
at 4:11 PM
5 violations
590.002/2-301.11-P - Clean condition-Hands and Arms (P): Cook unable to wash hands because the hand sink was blocked | 590.003/3-305.11-C - Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C): Pots of sauce cooling on the floor of the base...
PASS
October 16, 2020
at 7:10 PM
3 violations
590.004/4-302.14-PF - Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf): Provide test kits for sanitizer | 590.005/5-205.11-PF - Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf): Bags of tortillas stored inside basin and on side of hand sink / Coo...
FAIL
October 8, 2020
at 7:38 PM
3 violations
590.004/4-302.14-PF - Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf): Provide test kits for sanitizer | 590.005/5-205.11-PF - Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf): Bags of tortillas stored inside basin and on side of hand sink / Coo...
PASS
March 16, 2020
at 6:15 PM
1 violation
590.002/2-501.11-PF - Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf): Provide a vomit and diarrhea clean up kit.
FAIL
March 9, 2020
at 3:54 PM
1 violation
590.002/2-501.11-PF - Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf): Provide a vomit and diarrhea clean up kit.
PASS
September 3, 2019
at 4:03 PM
2 violations
590.004/4-501.15-C - Warewashing Machines Manufacturers’ Operating Instructions (C): Dishwasher not working in kitchen all china and silverware will need to be washed in high temperature in basement until repaired or use disposable plates and s...
FAIL
August 23, 2019
at 3:46 PM
7 violations
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF - (A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf): PIC will need to review with staff proper holding cooling and reheating process. Dishwasher will need to be repaired until that time china and silverware will need to be washed in bas...
FAIL
August 13, 2019
at 4:04 PM
7 violations
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF - (A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf): PIC will need to review with staff proper holding cooling and reheating process. Dishwasher will need to be repaired until that time china and silverware will need to be washed in bas...
PASS
March 19, 2019
at 6:28 PM
11 violations
03-3-501.16 - Hot Holding: Chicken between 112F and 107F must be reheated and hot held above 135F. | 10-3-304.12 - Food Utensil Storage: Discontinue to store knives between equipment. | 12-2-401.11-.12 - Good Hygienic Practices: Review with staff ...
FAIL
March 12, 2019
at 6:46 PM
11 violations
03-3-501.16 - Hot Holding: Chicken between 112F and 107F must be reheated and hot held above 135F. | 10-3-304.12 - Food Utensil Storage: Discontinue to store knives between equipment. | 12-2-401.11-.12 - Good Hygienic Practices: Review with staff ...
PASS
October 22, 2018
at 5:06 PM
12 violations
02-3-602.11-.12/3-302.12 - Food Container Labels: Label all bulk food containers in kitchen and basement prep. | 03-3-403.11 - Reheating: PIC needs to review with staff to properly reheat all foods to above 165F. Found food between 107F to 127F. W...
FAIL
October 15, 2018
at 3:55 PM
12 violations
02-3-602.11-.12/3-302.12 - Food Container Labels: Label all bulk food containers in kitchen and basement prep. | 03-3-403.11 - Reheating: PIC needs to review with staff to properly reheat all foods to above 165F. Found food between 107F to 127F. W...
PASS
May 10, 2018
at 6:11 PM
9 violations
03-3-501.16 - Hot Holding: Beef 112F chicken 127F. Must be uot held at or aove 140F. PIC stated that he just cooked it. | 08-3-305-307.11 - Food Protection: Discontinue to store soft shells for taco on side of hand sink. | 14-4-202.11 - Food Cont...
FAIL
May 3, 2018
at 3:36 PM
9 violations
03-3-501.16 - Hot Holding: Beef 112F chicken 127F. Must be uot held at or aove 140F. PIC stated that he just cooked it. | 08-3-305-307.11 - Food Protection: Discontinue to store soft shells for taco on side of hand sink. | 14-4-202.11 - Food Cont...
PASS
October 25, 2017
at 4:25 PM
14 violations
03-3-501.16 - Hot Holding: chicken and pork 126 degrees/provide proper temperature of 140 degrees or above/chef reheated to 165 degrees | 04-3-501.15/4-301.11 - Inadequate Facilities/Cooling Methods: provide proper cooling methods for soup and veg...
FAIL
October 17, 2017
at 3:29 PM
14 violations
03-3-501.16 - Hot Holding: chicken and pork 126 degrees/provide proper temperature of 140 degrees or above/chef reheated to 165 degrees | 04-3-501.15/4-301.11 - Inadequate Facilities/Cooling Methods: provide proper cooling methods for soup and veg...
PASS
April 25, 2017
at 4:12 PM
8 violations
14-4-202.11 - Food Contact Surfaces Design: resurface worn green cutting boards | 15-4-202.16 - Non-Food Contact Surfaces: provide proper storage of soiled pots in wash bay of 3 bay sink basement/properly seal all bare wood | 16-4-501.11/.15 - Dis...
FAIL
April 18, 2017
at 3:06 PM
8 violations
14-4-202.11 - Food Contact Surfaces Design: resurface worn green cutting boards | 15-4-202.16 - Non-Food Contact Surfaces: provide proper storage of soiled pots in wash bay of 3 bay sink basement/properly seal all bare wood | 16-4-501.11/.15 - Dis...
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
October 6, 2016
at 3:06 PM
10 violations
03-3-501.16(A) - Cold Holding: salsa/guacamole 48 degrees/provide proper cold holding temperature of 41 degrees or below | 08-3-305-307.11 - Food Protection: provide serving utensils at steamtable bulk food bins/provide scoop with handle | 13-2-30...
FAIL
September 28, 2016
at 3:44 PM
10 violations
03-3-501.16(A) - Cold Holding: salsa/guacamole 48 degrees/provide proper cold holding temperature of 41 degrees or below | 08-3-305-307.11 - Food Protection: provide serving utensils at steamtable bulk food bins/provide scoop with handle | 13-2-30...
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
March 31, 2016
at 3:40 PM
14 violations
03-3-501.16(A) - Cold Holding: salsa 48 degrees/provide proper temperature of 41degrees or below | 04-3-501.15/4-301.11 - Inadequate Facilities/Cooling Methods: lower level/provide proper cooling methods for all sauces/flan/ice is melted | 08-3-30...
FAIL
March 24, 2016
at 3:56 PM
14 violations
03-3-501.16(A) - Cold Holding: salsa 48 degrees/provide proper temperature of 41degrees or below | 04-3-501.15/4-301.11 - Inadequate Facilities/Cooling Methods: lower level/provide proper cooling methods for all sauces/flan/ice is melted | 08-3-30...
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
June 16, 2015
at 5:52 PM
21 violations
03-3-501.14 - Cooling: discontinue cooling in room temp.... | 08-3-305-307.11 - Food Protection: discontinue all food prep in cellar until health dept. approval...remove all prep equipment from cellar area.... | 14-4-202.11 - Food Contact Surfaces...
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
May 28, 2015
at 4:13 PM
25 violations
03-3-501.14 - Cooling: discontinue cooling in room temp.... | 08-3-302.11/3-304.11 - Separation Segregation Cross Contamination: properly store all raw foods at reachin.... | 08-3-305-307.11 - Food Protection: discontinue all food prep in cellar ...
FAIL
May 19, 2015
at 3:48 PM
25 violations
03-3-501.14 - Cooling: discontinue cooling in room temp.... | 08-3-302.11/3-304.11 - Separation Segregation Cross Contamination: properly store all raw foods at reachin.... | 08-3-305-307.11 - Food Protection: discontinue all food prep in cellar ...
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
June 24, 2014
at 5:06 PM
11 violations
14-4-202.11 - Food Contact Surfaces Design: replace all scored cutting boards...replace defective equipment.... | 15-4-202.16 - Non-Food Contact Surfaces: repair defective doorgaskets and indoor panels of reachin...elevate all shelving 6+8 inches ...
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
June 16, 2014
at 4:49 PM
13 violations
12-2-301.12-.15 - Adequate Handwashing/Where/When/How: noted during inspection no handwashing handsindsink was dry and not in use... | 14-4-202.11 - Food Contact Surfaces Design: replace all scored cutting boards...replace defective equipment.......
FAIL
June 2, 2014
at 7:44 PM
27 violations
02-3-602.11-.12/3-302.12 - Food Container Labels: label all bulk bins... | 08-3-302.11/3-304.11 - Separation Segregation Cross Contamination: properly store all raw eggs with veges.... | 08-3-305-307.11 - Food Protection: properly store all open ...
FAIL
May 30, 2014
at 1:14 PM
27 violations
02-3-602.11-.12/3-302.12 - Food Container Labels: label all bulk bins... | 08-3-302.11/3-304.11 - Separation Segregation Cross Contamination: properly store all raw eggs with veges.... | 08-3-305-307.11 - Food Protection: properly store all open ...
PASS
November 15, 2013
at 6:37 PM
15 violations
02-3-602.11-.12/3-302.12 - Food Container Labels: properly label all bulk food bins | 03-3-501.16(A) - Cold Holding: 2 door reach in/cole slaw 50 degrees/provide proper temperature of 41 degrees or below | 08-3-302.11/3-304.11 - Separation Segreg...