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GRILL 23 AND BAR

⚠️ This facility has been closed 1 time by the Health Department
Latest: PASS October 21, 2025

🍽️ Cuisine: Bar

📍 Neighborhood: Bay Village

🚇 Nearest Transit: Arlington (Green Line)

Address
161 BERKELEY ST
Back Bay, MA 02116
Inspection History
41 inspections
18 failures
1 closures
License
License #19805
Last inspected: October 21, 2025

Inspection History (41 most recent)

PASS October 21, 2025 at 4:37 PM
3 violations
590.004/4-601.11-PF - (A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf): The interior of the ice machine was observed with heavy soils.Clean to remove soils. PIC to discontinue using the machine until cleaned | 590...
FAIL October 15, 2025 at 11:32 PM
3 violations
590.004/4-601.11-PF - (A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf): The interior of the ice machine was observed with heavy soils.Clean to remove soils. PIC to discontinue using the machine until cleaned | 590...
PASS October 9, 2024 at 4:04 PM
7 violations
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF - (A) (B) and (C)(1) (4)-(16) Demonstration (Pf): Priority violations cited. Provide active managerial control. | 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF - (A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf): Online menu https://www.grill23.com/menus is ...
FAIL October 2, 2024 at 8:15 PM
7 violations
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF - (A) (B) and (C)(1) (4)-(16) Demonstration (Pf): Priority violations cited. Provide active managerial control. | 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF - (A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf): Online menu https://www.grill23.com/menus is ...
PASS November 9, 2023 at 5:55 PM
0 violations
PASS August 16, 2023 at 6:55 PM
2 violations
590.003/3-501.14-P - Cooling (P): Numerous deep plastic containers were noted throughout the kitchen in shallow pans with minimal crushed ice under them. The plastic containers were filled to the top with various items including sauteed onions and...
FAIL August 9, 2023 at 7:17 PM
2 violations
590.003/3-501.14-P - Cooling (P): Numerous deep plastic containers were noted throughout the kitchen in shallow pans with minimal crushed ice under them. The plastic containers were filled to the top with various items including sauteed onions and...
PASS November 4, 2022 at 4:04 PM
10 violations
590.003/3-203.12-PF - Shell stock Maintaining Identification (Pf): Shell tags missing last sold/served datemarkings.Maintain shell stock tags stored in chronological order with date of last sold/served held for 90 days | 590.003/3-603.11-PF - Con...
FAIL October 26, 2022 at 9:36 PM
10 violations
590.003/3-203.12-PF - Shell stock Maintaining Identification (Pf): Shell tags missing last sold/served datemarkings.Maintain shell stock tags stored in chronological order with date of last sold/served held for 90 days | 590.003/3-603.11-PF - Con...
PASS August 6, 2021 at 3:35 PM
2 violations
590.006/6-304.11-C - Mechanical-Ventilation (C): Commercial hood with significant damage above first floor cookline. Make all necessary repairs. Fire originated in hood that had been recently cleaned. To refer to BFD Dave Hayes. Failed extension g...
FAIL May 7, 2021 at 5:20 PM
3 violations
590.006/6-304.11-C - Mechanical-Ventilation (C): Commercial hood with significant damage above first floor cookline. Make all necessary repairs. Fire originated in hood that had been recently cleaned. To refer to BFD Dave Hayes. Failed extension g...
FAIL March 4, 2021 at 6:34 PM
8 violations
590.003/3-701.11-P - Discarding or Reconditioning Unsafe Adulterated or Contaminated Food (P): All aldulterated foods exposed in first floor kitchen had been discarded with some in process of being discarded in on site compactor prior to arrival...
🚫 CLOSURE February 25, 2021 at 12:34 AM
7 violations
590.003/3-701.11-P - Discarding or Reconditioning Unsafe Adulterated or Contaminated Food (P): All aldulterated foods exposed in first floor kitchen had been discarded with some in process of being discarded in on site compactor prior to arrival...
PASS December 3, 2020 at 8:05 PM
4 violations
590.003/3-305.11-C - Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C): Items observed in the walk in unwrapped/missing covers.Properly wrap/cover during storage | 590.004/4-601.11-PF - (A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Conta...
FAIL November 21, 2020 at 12:53 AM
4 violations
590.003/3-305.11-C - Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C): Items observed in the walk in unwrapped/missing covers.Properly wrap/cover during storage | 590.004/4-601.11-PF - (A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Conta...
PASS October 30, 2019 at 6:30 PM
4 violations
590.004/4-502.11-C - (A) and (C) Good Repair and Calibration-Utensils and Temperature and Pressure Measuring Devices (C): High temp machine #1 wash guage reading 140F.Repair Maintain wash temp 150F or per manufactures instructions | 590.004/4-903....
FAIL October 22, 2019 at 9:29 PM
4 violations
590.004/4-502.11-C - (A) and (C) Good Repair and Calibration-Utensils and Temperature and Pressure Measuring Devices (C): High temp machine #1 wash guage reading 140F.Repair Maintain wash temp 150F or per manufactures instructions | 590.004/4-903....
PASS October 25, 2018 at 6:07 PM
8 violations
02-3-602.11-.12/3-302.12 - Food Container Labels: Provide proper labels on all bulk storage containers. | 15-4-202.16 - Non-Food Contact Surfaces: Replace drip hose at 2nd floor bar soda gun. | 19-4-501.18-.110 - Wash Rinse Water Clean Proper Temp...
FAIL October 16, 2018 at 11:10 PM
8 violations
02-3-602.11-.12/3-302.12 - Food Container Labels: Provide proper labels on all bulk storage containers. | 15-4-202.16 - Non-Food Contact Surfaces: Replace drip hose at 2nd floor bar soda gun. | 19-4-501.18-.110 - Wash Rinse Water Clean Proper Temp...
PASS February 16, 2017 at 7:17 PM
20 violations
10-3-304.12 - Food Utensil Storage: Food handler places tongs in back pant pocket | 14-4-202.11 - Food Contact Surfaces Design: Reusing food containers not NSF approved for food prep (Blue Fish tubs & To Go containers) | 14-4-202.11 - Food Con...
FAIL February 2, 2017 at 3:59 PM
20 violations
10-3-304.12 - Food Utensil Storage: Food handler places tongs in back pant pocket | 14-4-202.11 - Food Contact Surfaces Design: Reusing food containers not NSF approved for food prep (Blue Fish tubs & To Go containers) | 14-4-202.11 - Food Con...
PASS October 5, 2016 at 5:36 PM
5 violations
15-4-202.16 - Non-Food Contact Surfaces: Observed condenser leaking in the walk in refrigeration meat unit.Repair | 20-4-703.11 - Food Contact Surfaces Clean: Interior of ice machine soiled .Clean to remove all soils. | 23-4-602.13 - Non-Food Cont...
FAIL September 28, 2016 at 10:00 PM
5 violations
15-4-202.16 - Non-Food Contact Surfaces: Observed condenser leaking in the walk in refrigeration meat unit.Repair | 20-4-703.11 - Food Contact Surfaces Clean: Interior of ice machine soiled .Clean to remove all soils. | 23-4-602.13 - Non-Food Cont...
PASS October 13, 2015 at 7:33 PM
30 violations
02-3-602.11-.12/3-302.12 - Food Container Labels: Provide proper labels on all bulk storage containers throughout all kitchens | 03-3-501.16 - Hot Holding: Mashed potatos in hot holding unit 115-120F for 1 hour.Maintain all hot holding of fully co...
FAIL October 6, 2015 at 10:30 PM
30 violations
02-3-602.11-.12/3-302.12 - Food Container Labels: Provide proper labels on all bulk storage containers throughout all kitchens | 03-3-501.16 - Hot Holding: Mashed potatos in hot holding unit 115-120F for 1 hour.Maintain all hot holding of fully co...
PASS December 15, 2014 at 5:44 PM
11 violations
03-3-501.16 - Hot Holding: Cooked tenderloin beef at main kitchen 92F. Maintain at 140F or above. | 03-3-501.16(A) - Cold Holding: Raw Salmon 47F Scallop 48F Chicken 45F- Unit 45F. PIC added ice. Maintain at 41 or below. | 04-3-501.15/4-301.11 -...
FAIL December 9, 2014 at 12:42 AM
11 violations
03-3-501.16 - Hot Holding: Cooked tenderloin beef at main kitchen 92F. Maintain at 140F or above. | 03-3-501.16(A) - Cold Holding: Raw Salmon 47F Scallop 48F Chicken 45F- Unit 45F. PIC added ice. Maintain at 41 or below. | 04-3-501.15/4-301.11 -...
PASS W/ CONDITIONS November 1, 2013 at 3:33 PM
2 violations
05-4-302.12 - Food Thermometers Provided: Provide thermometers to reach in units that need them. | 15-4-202.16 - Non-Food Contact Surfaces: Provide air curtains to walk ins that are missing them/and or are torn.
PASS January 31, 2013 at 5:27 PM
3 violations
23-4-602.13 - Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean: dunnage rack with soils and debris clean to remove | 36-6-201.11 - Floors Designed Constructed Installed: floor tiles missing and broken in kitchen replace or repair | 36-6-501.11-.12 - Improper Main...
FAIL January 17, 2013 at 4:53 PM
3 violations
23-4-602.13 - Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean: dunnage rack with soils and debris clean to remove | 36-6-201.11 - Floors Designed Constructed Installed: floor tiles missing and broken in kitchen replace or repair | 36-6-501.11-.12 - Improper Main...
PASS W/ CONDITIONS December 30, 2012 at 5:00 AM
0 violations
PASS June 22, 2012 at 3:06 PM
2 violations
31-5-204/05.11 - Location Accessible: kitchen handsink/provide proper access to sink | 37-6-501.11-.12 - Improper Maintenance of Walls/Ceilings: mop sink/replace missing ceiling tiles
FAIL June 15, 2012 at 4:10 PM
4 violations
15-4-202.16 - Non-Food Contact Surfaces: 4 door drarwer/repair door gaskets | 31-5-204/05.11 - Location Accessible: kitchen handsink/provide proper access to sink | 32-6-301.11-02.11 - Hand Cleaner Drying Tissue Signage: handsinks/provide emplo...
FAIL May 25, 2012 at 5:48 PM
20 violations
03-3-501.16 - Hot Holding: hot box basement/potato 75 degrees/provide proper temperature of 140 degrees or above | 03-3-501.16(A) - Cold Holding: salmon50 degrees steak 46 degrees crab meat 50 degrees/provide proper temperature of 41 degrees or be...
FAIL May 15, 2012 at 1:11 PM
20 violations
03-3-501.16 - Hot Holding: hot box basement/potato 75 degrees/provide proper temperature of 140 degrees or above | 03-3-501.16(A) - Cold Holding: salmon50 degrees steak 46 degrees crab meat 50 degrees/provide proper temperature of 41 degrees or be...
PASS July 12, 2011 at 1:05 PM
0 violations
PASS W/ CONDITIONS July 8, 2011 at 6:59 PM
0 violations
PASS W/ CONDITIONS April 8, 2011 at 11:05 PM
3 violations
08-3-305-307.11 - Food Protection: Cover open foods in reach in's | 17-4-204.112/.115 - Equipment Thermometers: Provide thermometers where necessary.Repair temp gauge to 1st floor dishwasher | 21-3-304.14 - Wiping Cloths Clean Sanitize: Kee...
PASS May 13, 2009 at 6:47 PM
0 violations
PASS May 15, 2008 at 2:28 PM
0 violations
PASS W/ CONDITIONS February 7, 2008 at 4:35 PM
1 violation
37-6-201.11 - Walls/Ceilings Designed Constructed Installed: Ceiling tiles above the ice machine are missing. Repair or replace. First floor kitchen: Ceiling vent is dusty. Clean to remove. Wall tiles are cracked in some places. Repair cracked tiles.
Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department