The Popover Lady

100 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02108
Café / Breakfast
Last inspected: Mar 24, 2026
52
Score
High Risk

Inspectors have visited The Popover Lady seven times, with records going back to 2023. On Mar 24, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.

Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around zero violations to closer to two violations per visit.

By comparison, the average Boston facility scores 86, putting The Popover Lady on the weaker side. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.

7
Inspections
1
Critical latest
4
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 24, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Manual and mechanical warewashing equipment chemical sanitization-temperature ph concentration and hardness (p)
Inspector notes: Sanitzer at 3 bay sink observed reading 00ppm . Set up according to regulation. (cos)
590.004/4-501.114-P
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Violatios noted on the inspection report. CFPM to provide active managerial controls and train staff on violations noted on the inspection report.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Facility main handsink observed blocked by bulk storage bin. Discontinue & maintain accessible at all time to prevent contaminations by hand. (cos)
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior of 3 bay sink observed soiled with black substance build up. interior of double door cold unit observed soiled with visible food spills interior of upright freezer unit observed with ice build up interior of multiple baking unit observed soiled with carbon build up. Clean & sanitze to remove
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Prepped foods stored in cold unit observed without date marking. Provide made/discard date before storing.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Floor throughout the facility observed in need of deep cleaning from visible food spills loose debris. Clean to remove.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Facility uses yellow sponge for warewashing. Discontinue
590.004/4-101.16-C
52
Dec 17, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Nov 24, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Apr 3, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Dec 4, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Mar 1, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jul 6, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100

Frequently Asked Questions

When was The Popover Lady last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at The Popover Lady on file is from Mar 24, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.

How does The Popover Lady compare to other restaurants in Boston?

The Popover Lady most recently scored 52 out of 100, which is lower than the Boston average of 86.

Has The Popover Lady's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at The Popover Lady have averaged around two violations per visit, up from roughly zero earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at The Popover Lady means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.

How often is The Popover Lady inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, The Popover Lady is inspected around three times per year on average.