ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
Quick Answers
When was The Shames Cafe last inspected?
The most recent inspection on record was on Oct 20, 2026. The result listed by Boston Inspectional Services Department was “Passed”.
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?
Yes: 1 violation recorded, none marked critical. Each one is listed below with the official wording.
How many inspections are on record?
17 inspections on record, from Jan 3, 2024 to Oct 20, 2026.
Has The Shames Cafe ever been closed by the health department?
No closure appears in the 17 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Jan 3, 2024.
The Full Inspection History
17 inspections
Inspection
Oct 20, 2026
Passed
1 recorded violation
minorCode 590.004/4-301.14-CFacility maintenance
Official Wording
Ventilation Hood Systems Adequacy (C)
Inspector’s Notes
The sticker on the hood has expired in the main kitchen area - address immediately-
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.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 20, 2026 · Original Source
Inspection
Oct 9, 2026
Failed (extension granted)
3 recorded violations
minorCode 590.003/3-601.11-COther
Official Wording
Standards of Identity (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Ensure all foods available for self service at the open air refrigeration unit have a proper list of ingredients clearly posted on each individual item as discussed - issue was corrected immediately
In Plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling
Official Wording
Food Labels (Pf)
Inspector’s Notes
Several packaged foods available for self service / retail sale have labels identiying all ingredients - yogurts with granola with fruits need to be listed properly
In Plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
The sticker on the hood has expired in the main kitchen area - address immediately-
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.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 9, 2026 · Original Source
Inspection
Oct 2, 2026
Failed
3 recorded violations
minorCode 590.003/3-601.11-COther
Official Wording
Standards of Identity (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Ensure all foods available for self service at the open air refrigeration unit have a proper list of ingredients clearly posted on each individual item as discussed - issue was corrected immediately
In Plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling
Official Wording
Food Labels (Pf)
Inspector’s Notes
Several packaged foods available for self service / retail sale have labels identiying all ingredients - yogurts with granola with fruits need to be listed properly
In Plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
The sticker on the hood has expired in the msin kitchen area - address immediately
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.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 2, 2026 · Original Source
Inspection
Sep 1, 2026
Passed
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Sep 1, 2026 · Original Source
Inspection
Mar 2, 2026
Passed
2 recorded violations
minorCode 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings
Official Wording
(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Post Pic's Food safety certificate on site as discussed - Fee for the 2026 City of Boston Health Permit is unpaid - needs to be addressed immediately
In Plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Mar 2, 2026 · Original Source
Inspection
Feb 20, 2026
Hearing scheduled
2 recorded violations
minorCode 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings
Official Wording
(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Post Pic's Food safety certificate on site as discussed - Fee for the 2026 City of Boston Health Permit is unpaid - needs to be addressed immediately
In Plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Feb 20, 2026 · Original Source
Inspection
Feb 18, 2026
Failed (extension granted)
5 recorded violations
minorCode 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings
Official Wording
(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Post Pic's Food safety certificate on site as discussed - Fee for the 2026 City of Boston Health Permit is unpaid - needs to be addressed immediately
In Plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
Ensure all labels [ made in house ] have enough information on each one of these labels starting with the highest volume ingredient first as we discussed
In Plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
Remove hood vents where needed with heavy grease and grime to soak overnight
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.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Feb 18, 2026 · Original Source
Inspection
Feb 11, 2026
Failed
5 recorded violations
minorCode 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings
Official Wording
(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Post both the allergen awareness / food safety certificates on site - ensure both are current and that the names are matching
In Plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
Ensure all labels [ made in house ] have enough information on each one of these labels starting with the highest volume ingredient first as we discussed
In Plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
Remove hood vents where needed with heavy grease and grime to soak overnight
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.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Feb 11, 2026 · Original Source
Inspection
Dec 2, 2025
Passed
1 recorded violation
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 mold-like substances inside ice machine. Properly clean to remove all mold-like substances inside ice machine
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.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Dec 2, 2025 · Original Source
Inspection
Nov 17, 2025
Failed
1 recorded violation
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 mold-like substances inside ice machine. Properly clean to remove all mold-like substances inside ice machine
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.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Nov 17, 2025 · Original Source
Inspection
May 21, 2025
Passed
3 recorded violations
minorCode 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings
Official Wording
(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Observed Certified Food Protection Manager certificates expired 2024. Provide confirmation of registered course to the Health Division immediately from provide listing
In Plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling
Official Wording
Food Labels (Pf)
Inspector’s Notes
Observed multiple grab and go food items (individual wrapped bagels / fruit boxes) stored without labels. Provide a label with the minimum required ingredients
In Plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
Observed no food thermometer on site for accuracy of cold holding on grab and go food. 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.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, May 21, 2025 · Original Source
Inspection
May 13, 2025
Failed
3 recorded violations
minorCode 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings
Official Wording
(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Observed Certified Food Protection Manager certificates expired 2024. Provide confirmation of registered course to the Health Division immediately from provide listing
In Plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling
Official Wording
Food Labels (Pf)
Inspector’s Notes
Observed multiple grab and go food items (individual wrapped bagels / fruit boxes) stored without labels. Provide a label with the minimum required ingredients
In Plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
Observed no food thermometer on site for accuracy of cold holding on grab and go food. 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.
majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling
Official Wording
Food Labels (Pf)
Inspector’s Notes
Observed multiple grab and go items (fruit cups / snack trays / parfaits / muffins / cookies) stored for grab and go service without labels. Discussed with PIC to provide a label with the minimum requirements including ingredients on all grab and go items prior to retail.
In Plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Dec 18, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
Dec 10, 2024
Failed
2 recorded violations
majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling
Official Wording
Food Labels (Pf)
Inspector’s Notes
Observed multiple grab and go items (fruit cups / snack trays / parfaits / muffins / cookies) stored for grab and go service without labels. Discussed with PIC to provide a label with the minimum requirements including ingredients on all grab and go items prior to retail.
In Plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling
Official Wording
Food Labels (Pf)
Inspector’s Notes
Observed grab and go baked goods without label. Provide label of common name and include minimum requirements / ingredients
In Plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
majorCode 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)
Inspector’s Notes
Observed no sanitizing test strips on site. Provide and maintain on site at all times. Tested Chlorine with Inspector strips today
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.
majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling
Official Wording
Food Labels (Pf)
Inspector’s Notes
Observed grab and go baked goods without label. Provide label of common name and include minimum requirements / ingredients
In Plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
majorCode 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)
Inspector’s Notes
Observed no sanitizing test strips on site. Provide and maintain on site at all times. Tested Chlorine with Inspector strips today
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.