Happy Lemon
Last inspected: Feb 12, 2026
100
Score
Happy Lemon appears in inspection records 12 times, starting in 2022. On Feb 12, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around 10 violations to closer to one violation per visit over the last few inspections.
When inspectors have written things up, “food storage-preventing contamination from the premises” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.
Restaurants in Jamaica Plain average 83, so Happy Lemon is doing better than most peers. The record reflects steady performance over time.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 12, 2026
Routine
No violations found.
100
Oct 9, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple mice droppings observed on the stairway leading to the back door and under table holding hot water dispenser. Clean to remove. Observed clean 9.26.25. Detailed IPM report showed activity PIC to provide via email current detailed IPM report from a licenced exterminator at : inca.prince@boston.gov
590.006/6-501.111-C
95
Sep 26, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Several boxes of food items observed stored on the floor on the stairway leading to the exterior of the building and other areas of the kitchen . Discontinue and maitain elevated. (9.23.25 PIC waiting on metal shelvings to be delivered)
590.003/3-305.11-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Mop sink closet observed missing door. Provide to prevent contamination ( 9.23.25 to be installed this week per PIC)
590.003/3-307.11-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple mice droppings observed on the stairway leading to the back door and under table holding hot water dispenser. Clean to remove. Observed clean 9.26.25. Detailed IPM report showed activity PIC to provide via email current detailed IPM report from a licenced exterminator at : inca.prince@boston.gov
590.006/6-501.111-C
86
Sep 23, 2025
Routine
4 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Restroom observed without paper towels. Providev means to drying hands and maintain
590.006/6-301.12-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC to provide and train staff on active managerial control. PIC to post current Certificate of Inspection PIC to post current Allergen Awareness PIC to post current Site Cleanliness License
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: At the time of inspection the staff on site were unable to answer question pertaining risk factors Reviewed at the time of inspection. CFPM to train staff on procedures.
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple mice droppings observed on the stairway leading to the back door and under table holding hot water dispenser. Clean to remove. PIC to provide via email current detailed IPM report from a licenced exterminator at : inca.prince@boston.gov
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Area leading to the back of the back door observe heavily clutter. Clean and organize to declutter.
590.006/6-501.114-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Several boxes of food items observed stored on the floor on the stairway leading to the exterior of the building and other areas of the kitchen . Discontinue and maitain elevated. (9.23.25 PIC waiting on metal shelvings to be delivered)
590.003/3-305.11-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Food dispensing utensils observed stored in stagnant room temperature water Discontinue to prevent the growth of bacteria and contamination
590.003/3-304.12-C
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: 4 open cans of condensed milk stored in the refrigeration unit observed open without cover. Discontinue
590.003/3-302.11-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple mice droppings observed on the stairway leading to the back door and under table holding hot water dispenser. Clean to remove. Observed clean 9.23.25. Detailed IPM report showed activity PIC to provide via email current detailed IPM report from a licenced exterminator at : inca.prince@boston.gov
590.006/6-501.111-C
Frequency-removal (c)
Inspector notes: Dumpester observed overflowing with trash . Remove with frequency to minimize rodents/pests and insects
590.005/5-502.11-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Mop sink closet observed missing door. Provide to prevent contamination ( 9.23.25 to be installed this week per PIC)
590.003/3-307.11-C
Covering receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Dumpster observed open. Keep close at all time to minimize pests/rodents activity.
590.005/5-501.113-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Kitchen floor observed with stagnant water in various area ceilings attachment in the seating area observed with dust accumulation. Clean to remove
590.006/6-201.11-C
43
Sep 5, 2025
Routine
4 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 12 violations
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC to provide and train staff on active managerial control. PIC to post current Certificate of Inspection PIC to post current Allergen Awareness PIC to post current Site Cleanliness License
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: At the time of inspection the staff on site were unable to answer question pertaining risk factors Reviewed at the time of inspection. CFPM to train staff on procedures.
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Restroom observed without paper towels. Providev means to drying hands and maintain
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple mice droppings observed on the stairway leading to the back door and under table holding hot water dispenser. Clean to remove. PIC to provide via email current detailed IPM report from a licenced exterminator at : inca.prince@boston.gov
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Mop sink closet observed missing door. Provide to prevent contamination
590.003/3-307.11-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Several boxes of food items observed stored on the floor on the stairway leading to the exterior of the building and other areas of the kitchen . Discontinue and maitain elevated.
590.003/3-305.11-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Food dispensing utensils observed stored in stagnant room temperature water Discontinue to prevent the growth of bacteria and contamination
590.003/3-304.12-C
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: 4 open cans of condensed milk stored in the refrigeration unit observed open without cover. Discontinue
590.003/3-302.11-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Area leading to the back of the back door observe heavily clutter. Clean and organize to declutter.
590.006/6-501.114-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Kitchen floor observed with stagnant water in various area ceilings attachment in the seating area observed with dust accumulation. Clean to remove
590.006/6-201.11-C
Frequency-removal (c)
Inspector notes: Dumpester observed overflowing with trash . Remove with frequency to minimize rodents/pests and insects
590.005/5-502.11-C
Covering receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Dumpster observed open. Keep close at all time to minimize pests/rodents activity.
590.005/5-501.113-C
45
Mar 7, 2025
Routine
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Numerous rodent droppings observed throughout the kitchen area. PIC to provide current detailed IPM report to : inca.prince@ boston.gov
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Establishment observed in need of deep cleaning. PIC to develop a cleaning schedule to target all areas of the kitchen.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: nterior of multiple refrigeration units observed soiled with visible food spills observed black substance on refrigeration gaskets observed the interior of all sinks handsink dumpsink and 3 bay sink soiled with black substances cup sealed machine observed soiled with dry spills observed sugar dispenser encrusted with food spills observed exterior of hot water dispenser soiled Clean and sanitize to remove.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Floor throughout the kitchen area observed in need of deep cleaning. Provide cleaning
590.006/6-201.11-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple waffles utensils stored in stagnant water. Discontinue
590.003/3-304.12-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple jugs containing different color liquid stored in the refrigerator without lables. Provide labels when removed from original containers.
590.003/3-302.12-C
64
Sep 10, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Observed raw shell eggs stored above ready to eat foods. Discontinue. Corrected on site by PIC.
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior of ice machine observed soiled by black substances interior of refrigeration unit observed soiled from visible food spills interior of food storage cabinet observed soiled from food spills blender cleaner observed soiled sugar dispenser observed soiled from visivle food spills interior around and exterior of in line coffin refrigerator observed soiled. Clean and sanitize to remove.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Numerous containers of juices observed without labels. Provide labels when removed from orginal containers.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Back door leading to trash area observed missing door sweep. Provide to prevent entry way from pest and rodents.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Observed staff working with RTE foods without hair restraint. Provide and maintain.
590.002/2-402.11-C
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Observed PIC using yellow sponge to clean food contact surfaces. Discontinue (COS)
590.004/4-101.16-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Case of plastic cups and coffee creamer observed stored on the floor. Discontinue
590.003/3-305.11-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Obsverved multiple in use utensils stored in stagnant water. Discontinue (COS)
590.003/3-304.12-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Observed stagnant water in kitchen floor and floor under all equipments observed soiled by debris and food spills. Clean to remove
590.006/6-201.11-C
55
Apr 26, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 6 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 11 violations
System maintained in good repair (p)
Inspector notes: Observed 3 bay sink faucet not reaching to dispense water in all 3 basin. Repair.
590.005/5-205.15-P
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: No procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events available and on site. Provide
590.002/2-501.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Person in charge not demonstrating proper cleaning of equipment illness policy unknown not monitoring warewashing. CFPM to retrain all staff on all violations noted.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Food temperature measuring devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No food thermometer avaliable on site. Provide and maintain.
590.004/4-302.12-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No test strips available on site to test sanitizer concentration. Provide. Inspector test kit was used.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior of all refrigeration units observed soiled with visible food spills observed black substance on refrigeration gaskets observed the interior of all sinks handsink dumpsink and 3 bay sink soiled observed sugar dispenser encrusted with food spills observed exterior of hot water dispenser soiled observed front of the house ice holder soiled between equipments observed soiled from liquid spills. Clean and sanitize to remove.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple rodent droppings at the bottom shelvings in the kitchen . CFPM to email most recent pest control report from a licensed exterminator.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Drain boards (c)
Inspector notes: Only one drain board observed at the 3 bay sink. Provide .
590.004/4-301.13-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple jugs containing different color liquid stored in the refrigerator without lables. Provide labels.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple boxes of dry paper goods stored on the floor. Discontinue.
590.003/3-305.11-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Observed hand wash sink without signage. Provide and maintain.
590.006/6-301.14-C
39
Oct 31, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Mar 16, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Wall and ceiling coverings and coatings (c)
Inspector notes: What appears to be a water stain on several celing tiles - address as discussed [ was not leaking during time of inspection however ensure there isn't any potential issues by removing the stained ceiling tiles and check the actual ceiling for compromised areas
590.006/6-201.16-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove all visible stains and soils in the middle of the kitchen floor especially aroung the floor drain
590.006/6-101.11-C
90
Dec 6, 2022
Routine
No violations found.
100
Sep 15, 2022
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Closing toilet room doors (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure the door to the restroom is self closing as we discussed during inspection
590.006/6-501.19-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Clearly identify all designated hand sinks in the kitchen as " hand washing only"
590.006/6-301.14-C
Storage areas rooms and receptacles capacity and availability (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure to have an available trash receptacle in the restroom for feminine hygienic waste
590.005/5-501.16-C
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Happy Lemon last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Happy Lemon on file is from Feb 12, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Happy Lemon?
Across the inspection record, “food storage-preventing contamination from the premises” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Happy Lemon.
How does Happy Lemon compare to other restaurants in Jamaica Plain?
Happy Lemon most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Jamaica Plain average of 83.
Has Happy Lemon's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Happy Lemon have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly 10 earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Happy Lemon means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Happy Lemon inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Happy Lemon is inspected around four times per year on average.
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