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Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

El Penol Restaurant

54 Bennington St

Last inspected Oct 23, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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

Quick Answers

When was El Penol Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent inspection on record was on Oct 23, 2026. The result listed by Boston Inspectional Services Department was “Passed”.
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?
Yes: 10 violations recorded, including 1 marked critical. Each one is listed below with the official wording.
How many inspections are on record?
9 inspections on record, from Jan 3, 2024 to Oct 23, 2026.
Has El Penol Restaurant ever been closed by the health department?
No closure appears in the 9 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Jan 3, 2024.

The Full Inspection History

9 inspections

Inspection

Oct 23, 2026

Passed

10 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official Wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Multiple staff observed working on the cooking line without hair restraint. Provide

In Plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
criticalCode 590.003/3-302.11-POther

Official Wording

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

Inspector’s Notes

Raw shells eggs were stored above Chorrico. Store all raw food below RTE food

In Plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official Wording

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

Inspector’s Notes

Multiples squeeze bottles observed without label/ provide label when removed from original containers

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

Portion cup observed stored inside beans bulk bin. Discontinue /Provide scoop with handle to prevent contamination by hands ( corrected on site)

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

Multiple food storage containers observed stored on the ground. Discontinue/ elevate 6 inch of the ground

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 590.004/4-101.16-COther

Official Wording

Sponges Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Facilty uses yellow sponge for warewashing and to clean equipments. Discontinue . Discontinue using sponge to wash food contact surfaces to prevent contamination

In Plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-204.112-CFood temperature

Official Wording

Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Salad cold hold unit observed without a conspiciuous thermometer. Provide and keep visible

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 590.004/4-204.115-PFFood temperature

Official Wording

Warewashing Machines Temperature Measuring Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

No temperature measuring devices for high temp dish machine. Provide an irreversible thermometer to high temp dish machine or 160 termal strips

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
minorCode 590.006/6-202.14-COther

Official Wording

Toilet Rooms Enclosed (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Both Toilet door is not self closing. Provide self-closing door

In Plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode L1Other

Official Wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s Notes

Allergen Awareness Training certificate observed expired Jan 7 2026/ Provide

In Plain English

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

More about other finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 23, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 16, 2026

Failed

10 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official Wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Multiple staff observed working on the cooking line without hair restraint. Provide

In Plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
criticalCode 590.003/3-302.11-POther

Official Wording

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

Inspector’s Notes

Raw shells eggs were stored above Chorrico. Store all raw food below RTE food

In Plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official Wording

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

Inspector’s Notes

Multiples squeeze bottles observed without label/ provide label when removed from original containers

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

Portion cup observed stored inside beans bulk bin. Discontinue /Provide scoop with handle to prevent contamination by hands ( corrected on site)

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

Multiple food storage containers observed stored on the ground. Discontinue/ elevate 6 inch of the ground

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 590.004/4-101.16-COther

Official Wording

Sponges Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Facilty uses yellow sponge for warewashing and to clean equipments. Discontinue . Discontinue using sponge to wash food contact surfaces to prevent contamination

In Plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-204.112-CFood temperature

Official Wording

Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Salad cold hold unit observed without a conspiciuous thermometer. Provide and keep visible

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 590.004/4-204.115-PFFood temperature

Official Wording

Warewashing Machines Temperature Measuring Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

No temperature measuring devices for high temp dish machine. Provide an irreversible thermometer to high temp dish machine or 160 termal strips

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
minorCode 590.006/6-202.14-COther

Official Wording

Toilet Rooms Enclosed (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Both Toilet door is not self closing. Provide self-closing door

In Plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode L1Other

Official Wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s Notes

Allergen Awareness Training certificate observed expired Jan 7 2026/ Provide

In Plain English

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

More about other finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 16, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 14, 2026

Passed

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 14, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 5, 2025

Passed

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 5, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 5, 2025

Passed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official Wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Some knives placed between table and wall . Store properly in a clean sanitized/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
majorCode 590.003/3-501.17-PFFood temperature

Official Wording

Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Date Marking (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Some food products inside walk-in unit without date marking. 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
minorCode 590.004/4-903.11-CEquipment and utensils

Official Wording

(A) and (C) Equipment Utensils Linens and Single-Service and Single-Use Articles-Storing (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Several boxes with single-service items stored on the floor at lower level. Elevate properly.

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 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Hood Vent Sticker expired provide a current one.

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, Jun 5, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

May 29, 2025

Failed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official Wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Some knives placed between table and wall . Store properly in a clean sanitized/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
majorCode 590.003/3-501.17-PFFood temperature

Official Wording

Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Date Marking (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Some food products inside walk-in unit without date marking. 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
minorCode 590.004/4-903.11-CEquipment and utensils

Official Wording

(A) and (C) Equipment Utensils Linens and Single-Service and Single-Use Articles-Storing (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Several boxes with single-service items stored on the floor at lower level. Elevate properly.

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 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Hood Vent Sticker expired provide a current one.

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, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 31, 2024

Passed

9 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official Wording

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

Inspector’s Notes

Several bulk food storage containers without labels. Provide.

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 used to dispense bulk food items. Use handled utensils only.

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 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Wiping cloths observed soiled on counters. Store properly in sanitizer containers.

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 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official Wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Observed conatainer stored direct on top of pork belly (no cover). Separate properly .

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 590.003/3-501.17-PFFood temperature

Official Wording

Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Date Marking (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Several food products inside walk-in without date marking. 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 590.004/4-302.12-PFFood temperature

Official Wording

Food Temperature Measuring Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

No food thermometer on site. 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
minorCode 590.004/4-501.11-CEquipment and utensils

Official Wording

Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Door seal at the upright freezer at cooking line damaged. Repair or replace.

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
majorCode 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official Wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Handsink near cooking line used to store soile plastic utensils. Discontinue use for handeashing only.

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 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing

Official Wording

Handwashing Signage (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Handsink near cooking line without signage. 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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 31, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 24, 2024

Failed

9 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official Wording

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

Inspector’s Notes

Several bulk food storage containers without labels. Provide.

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 used to dispense bulk food items. Use handled utensils only.

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 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Wiping cloths observed soiled on counters. Store properly in sanitizer containers.

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 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official Wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Observed conatainer stored direct on top of pork belly (no cover). Separate properly .

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 590.003/3-501.17-PFFood temperature

Official Wording

Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Date Marking (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Several food products inside walk-in without date marking. 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 590.004/4-302.12-PFFood temperature

Official Wording

Food Temperature Measuring Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

No food thermometer on site. 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
minorCode 590.004/4-501.11-CEquipment and utensils

Official Wording

Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Door seal at the upright freezer at cooking line damaged. Repair or replace.

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
majorCode 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official Wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Handsink near cooking line used to store soile plastic utensils. Discontinue use for handeashing only.

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 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing

Official Wording

Handwashing Signage (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Handsink near cooking line without signage. 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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 24, 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

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