ALLSTON, MA - Health department officials identified compliance issues at Laughing Monk Cafe in an inspection dated 04/10/2023.
Situated at 164 BRIGHTON AV, the establishment is part of Allston's active food service sector. The Allston area undergoes regular health inspections as part of the city's comprehensive food safety monitoring program.
The inspection identified 6 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.
The first violation concerned food storage. Inspectors documented: Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C). Allergen cross-contact during storage can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals.
The second violation involved food equipment. Inspectors documented: In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C). Improper equipment can cause physical contamination of food.
The third violation regarded food storage practices. Inspectors documented: Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C). Improper storage can lead to cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods.
The fourth violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Thawing (C). Violations of health codes can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
The fifth violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C). Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.
The sixth violation related to sanitization. Inspectors documented: Cleaning Frequency and Restrictions (C). FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Allergen cross-contact can occur when surfaces are not properly cleaned between uses.
Health code violations require prompt correction to maintain operating permits. The health department typically conducts re-inspections to verify that identified issues have been properly addressed.
This inspection data is provided by Boston Public Health Commission. The establishment had violations identified during the 04/10/2023 inspection. Conditions may have changed since this inspection. For current compliance status, consult the Boston Public Health Commission. For more information about restaurant inspection regulations in this area, visit the Massachusetts Food Code. Learn more about food safety at FDA.gov and CDC.gov.
This inspection was conducted on August 21, 2025.
Local Health Department
The establishment was cited for health code violations during the inspection. See the full article for detailed violation information.
Allergen cross-contact during storage can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals. Improper equipment can cause physical contamination of food. Improper storage can lead to cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods. Allergen cross-contact can occur when surfaces are not properly cleaned between uses.
This inspection data is sourced directly from Boston Public Health Commission. For the most current information, please visit the official health department website.
Federal Guidelines: Our reporting follows standards established by the FDA Food Code, CDC Food Safety Guidelines, and USDA Food Safety Standards.
📖 Food Safety Codes: Reference the specific regulations that govern this establishment: Massachusetts Food Code (105 CMR 590), FDA Food Code 2022
⚠️ Important Note: Restaurant conditions can change rapidly. This inspection represents a snapshot in time and may not reflect current conditions. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking recent reviews or contacting the establishment directly.
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