North End cafe cited for letting dogs inside

City health inspectors want a Boston cafe to stop welcoming pets into the establishment by offering dog treats and water bowls to patrons with pups. 

The Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD) has cited Cafe Amalfi, located at 2 Battery Wharf in the North End, for the pooch-friendly practice.

An inspection history report on the Mayor’s Food Court dated Nov. 10 says cafe management must “address the issues of allowing non-service animals [to] enter the establishment … encouraging pets to enter by providing a water [bowl] and dog treats at [no] charge for customers’ pets.”

It’s not the first time Cafe Amalfi has been cited for allowing dogs to enter the premises. Following a July 21 inspection, officials noted the issue and said the coffee shop should discontinue the practice. 

Earlier, in January, health inspectors cited the cafe for multiple violations relating to animals. In one citation, an inspector said they saw two customers walk inside the facility with their dogs “without any inquiry from staff.” The inspector also said they spotted “glass food containers filled with dog biscuits inside the shop, made available for free to customers with pets.”

While dogs are allowed in some of Boston’s outdoor dining spaces, non-service animals are prohibited from entering indoor dining areas due to sanitation concerns.

According to a MassLive report, Cafe Amalfi serves locally roasted coffee along with an assortment of pastries and breakfast sandwiches. The coffee shop currently retains an “A” letter grade, which it earned during an April 17 inspection that found no violations.

Morgan Rousseau is a freelance writer for Boston.com, where she reports on a variety of local and regional news.