BOSTON, MA - JOE'S AMERICAN BAR & GRILL received citations for health code violations during an inspection on 04/11/2023.
Located at 26 EXETER ST in the Back Bay area, the establishment serves the local community. The Back Bay neighborhood maintains numerous food service establishments that undergo regular health monitoring.
The inspection identified 10 distinct violations requiring correction. Each violation has established correction procedures that must be followed to achieve compliance.
The first violation involved pest management. Inspectors documented: (A) (B) and (C)(1) (4)-(16) Demonstration (Pf). The FDA Food Code requires establishments to eliminate conditions that attract and harbor pests, including proper waste management and facility maintenance. For more information, see FDA pest control standards. Cockroaches can spread E. coli and Salmonella by contaminating food and surfaces.
The second violation concerned food storage practices. Inspectors documented: Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C). Chemical contamination from improper storage can cause acute poisoning.
The third violation involved food equipment. Inspectors documented: In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C). Damaged cutting boards and surfaces can harbor bacteria in cracks and crevices.
The fourth violation concerned food temperatures. Inspectors documented: (A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P). The FDA Food Code requires cold foods to be held at 41°F or below and hot foods at 135°F or above to prevent bacterial growth in the "danger zone." For more information, see FDA guidelines on temperature control. Pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus can produce toxins in improperly stored food that are not destroyed by reheating.
The fifth violation related to temperature control. Inspectors documented: Cooling Heating and Holding Capacities-Equipment (Pf). The FDA Food Code requires cold foods to be held at 41°F or below and hot foods at 135°F or above to prevent bacterial growth in the "danger zone." For more information, see FDA guidelines on temperature control. Pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus can produce toxins in improperly stored food that are not destroyed by reheating.
The sixth violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Ventilation Hood Systems Adequacy (C). Violations of health codes can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
The seventh violation concerned equipment maintenance. Inspectors documented: (A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf). Damaged cutting boards and surfaces can harbor bacteria in cracks and crevices.
The eighth violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C). Violations of health codes can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
The 9th violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Storing Maintenance Tools (C). Regulatory standards exist to minimize health risks to consumers.
The 10th violation involved cleaning procedures. Inspectors documented: Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (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. Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness.
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 04/11/2023 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.
Boston Public Health Commission
The establishment was cited for health code violations during the inspection. See the full article for detailed violation information.
Cockroaches can spread E. coli and Salmonella by contaminating food and surfaces. Chemical contamination from improper storage can cause acute poisoning. Damaged cutting boards and surfaces can harbor bacteria in cracks and crevices. Pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus can produce toxins in improperly stored food that are not destroyed by reheating. Pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus can produce toxins in improperly stored food that are not destroyed by reheating. Damaged cutting boards and surfaces can harbor bacteria in cracks and crevices. Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness.
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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