GOOD INFORMATION. BETTER PEACE OF MIND.Español · Always free. No signup required.

Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

Petula's

81 L St

Last inspected May 29, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Passed

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when Petula's has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

No account needed. Unsubscribe at any time.

Repeat problemsSerious findings or closures appear in two or more of the last three inspections. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

9 inspections

Inspection

May 29, 2026

Passed

10 recorded violations

majorCode 590.003/3-203.12-PFFacility maintenance

Official wording

Shell stock Maintaining Identification (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Observed shell stock tags incomplete. Discussed with PIC to ensure the last date sold is completed on all shellstock tags and maintained for 90 days

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
minorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official wording

Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed white bulk containers stored unidentified. Provide a label with the common name of food item stored inside

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed bowls being used for bulk dispensing and knives stored in between walls and equipment. Discontinue and ensure handled scoopers are used for bulk dispensing and utensils are properly stored clean on sanitized contact surface

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed food improperly stored on floor in walk in cooler. Discussed with PIC to ensure foods are properly stored at least 6" off the floor. COS

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
minorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed handsink next to pizza station without barrier. Provide a sink barrier at handsink to prevent contamination at pizza station

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
criticalCode 590.003(C)/3-301.11-PHandwashing

Official wording

Preventing Contamination from Hands (P)

Inspector’s notes

Observed food handler in main kitchen handling lettuce with bare hands. Discussed with PIC to ensure food handlers are wearing clean gloves while handling ready to eat foods. COS

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
majorCode 590.004/4-204.117-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewashing Machines Automatic Dispensing of Detergents and Sanitizers (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Observed low temp dish machine dispensing chlorine @ 0ppm. PIC contacted company for immediate services and was instructed to utilize 3 compartment sink until remedied.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Observed white bulk containers in basement soiled and spilled coffee grinds on grinder table. Clean with frequency to prevent build up and spillage

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Observed handsink in basement prep area blocked with sheet pans / main kitchen handsink being used for other than hands. Discussed with PIC to maintain handsinks clear and accessible for handwashing only. COS

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed heavy grease spills / food debris underneath fryers. Clean with frequency to ensure spillage and food debris is remove to prevent pest attraction

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, May 29, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

May 22, 2026

Failed

10 recorded violations

majorCode 590.003/3-203.12-PFFacility maintenance

Official wording

Shell stock Maintaining Identification (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Observed shell stock tags incomplete. Discussed with PIC to ensure the last date sold is completed on all shellstock tags and maintained for 90 days

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
minorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official wording

Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed white bulk containers stored unidentified. Provide a label with the common name of food item stored inside

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed bowls being used for bulk dispensing and knives stored in between walls and equipment. Discontinue and ensure handled scoopers are used for bulk dispensing and utensils are properly stored clean on sanitized contact surface

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed food improperly stored on floor in walk in cooler. Discussed with PIC to ensure foods are properly stored at least 6" off the floor. COS

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
minorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed handsink next to pizza station without barrier. Provide a sink barrier at handsink to prevent contamination at pizza station

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
criticalCode 590.003(C)/3-301.11-PHandwashing

Official wording

Preventing Contamination from Hands (P)

Inspector’s notes

Observed food handler in main kitchen handling lettuce with bare hands. Discussed with PIC to ensure food handlers are wearing clean gloves while handling ready to eat foods. COS

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
majorCode 590.004/4-204.117-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewashing Machines Automatic Dispensing of Detergents and Sanitizers (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Observed low temp dish machine dispensing chlorine @ 0ppm. PIC contacted company for immediate services and was instructed to utilize 3 compartment sink until remedied.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Observed white bulk containers in basement soiled and spilled coffee grinds on grinder table. Clean with frequency to prevent build up and spillage

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Observed handsink in basement prep area blocked with sheet pans / main kitchen handsink being used for other than hands. Discussed with PIC to maintain handsinks clear and accessible for handwashing only. COS

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed heavy grease spills / food debris underneath fryers. Clean with frequency to ensure spillage and food debris is remove to prevent pest attraction

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, May 22, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 13, 2025

Passed

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jun 13, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 9, 2025

Passed

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 9, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 2, 2025

Report filed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-501.12-COther

Official wording

Cutting Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

several cutting boards on the cookline is scored. Resurface or replace

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Drain pipe plummed in the hand washing sink. Remove and properly plum the drain pipe

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
majorCode 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No soap available on the bar hand sink.Provide

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
minorCode 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Inspector’s notes

Lot of clutter near the prep sink in the basement. Clean and organize

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

All ceiling tiles missing or broken in the basement. Repair Light shields in on the cookline has a heavy grease build. Clean with frequency

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 2, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 26, 2024

Hearing scheduled

13 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.003/3-302.11-POther

Official wording

Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P)

Inspector’s notes

Raw shrimp container stored above the raw oysters. Remove Corrected On Site by the PIC

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
majorCode 590.002/2-501.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Provide procedures and kit cean up of Vomi and Diarrhea event.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode 590.002(B)/2-102.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A) (B) and (C)(1) (4)-(16) Demonstration (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Reviewd illness policy and V&D procedure with the PIC. I will provide the illness policy and procedures for clean up of Vomit and Diarrhea.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
majorCode 590.003/3-203.12-PFFacility maintenance

Official wording

Shell stock Maintaining Identification (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Shell tags need to be in a chronological order.Provide missing date of last sold on the tags.Provide

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Lemons stored in the beer walkin on the floor. Remove Raw chicken and fresh vegetables stored on the floor in the walkin. Remove and store it on the shelh

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
majorCode 590.003/3-603.11-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Consumption of Animal Foods that are Raw Undercooked or Not Otherwise Processed to Eliminate Pathogens (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No consumer advisory on the lunch menu.Provide

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
majorCode 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Provide Irreversible thermometer for the bar dish machine. Provide sanitizing testing device for low temp dish machine and also for3 bay sink.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.004/4-501.12-COther

Official wording

Cutting Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

several cutting boards on the cookline is scored. Resurface or replace

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Ice cream freezer and 2 ice chest in the basement has a heavy ice build. Clean with frequency

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Drain pipe plummed in the hand washing sink. Remove and properly plum the drain pipe

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
majorCode 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No soap available on the bar hand sink.Provide

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
minorCode 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Inspector’s notes

Lot of clutter near the prep sink in the basement. Clean and organize

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

All ceiling tiles missing or broken in the basement. Repair Light shields in on the cookline has a heavy grease build. Clean with frequency

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Dec 26, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 16, 2024

Failed

12 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-501.12-COther

Official wording

Cutting Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

several cutting boards on the cookline is scored. Resurface or replace

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
majorCode 590.002/2-501.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Provide procedures and kit cean up of Vomi and Diarrhea event.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode 590.002(B)/2-102.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A) (B) and (C)(1) (4)-(16) Demonstration (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Reviewd illness policy and V&D procedure with the PIC. I will provide the illness policy and procedures for clean up of Vomit and Diarrhea.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
majorCode 590.003/3-203.12-PFFacility maintenance

Official wording

Shell stock Maintaining Identification (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Shell tags need to be in a chronological order.Provide missing date of last sold on the tags.Provide

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
criticalCode 590.003/3-302.11-POther

Official wording

Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P)

Inspector’s notes

Raw shrimp container stored above the raw oysters. Remove Corrected On Site by the PIC

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Lemons stored in the beer walkin on the floor. Remove Raw chicken and fresh vegetables stored on the floor in the walkin. Remove and store it on the shelh

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
majorCode 590.003/3-603.11-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Consumption of Animal Foods that are Raw Undercooked or Not Otherwise Processed to Eliminate Pathogens (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No consumer advisory on the lunch menu.Provide

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
majorCode 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Provide Irreversible thermometer for the bar dish machine. Provide sanitizing testing device for low temp dish machine and also for3 bay sink.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Ice cream freezer and 2 ice chest in the basement has a heavy ice build. Clean with frequency

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No soap available on the bar hand sink.Provide

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
minorCode 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Inspector’s notes

Lot of clutter near the prep sink in the basement. Clean and organize

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

Big hole in the sheet rock going down the stairs. Repair All ceiling tiles missing or broken in the basement. Repair Ceiling tile near the exhaust hood on the cookline. Repair Light shields in on the cookline has a heavy grease build. Clean with frequency

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Dec 16, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

May 20, 2024

Report filed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Signage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Missing signage in both bathrooms. PIC replaced when directed.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, May 20, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 3, 2024

Not required

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 3, 2024 · Original Source

More restaurants nearby