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
Eating & Drinking w/ Take Out · Boston, MA
The Shames Cafe
100 E Newton St
Last inspected Sep 1, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
Passed
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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
14 inspectionsInspection
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.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesnotedCode L1Other
Official wording
No wording provided in the official record.
Inspector’s notes
Unpaid Fee for the 2026 City of Boston Health Permit - Address
In plain English
A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.
More about inspection findingOfficial 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.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesnotedCode L1Other
Official wording
No wording provided in the official record.
Inspector’s notes
Unpaid Fee for the 2026 City of Boston Health Permit - Address
In plain English
A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.
More about inspection findingOfficial 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.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesminorCode 590.003/3-601.11-COther
Official wording
Standards of Identity (C)
Inspector’s notes
All packaged baked goods located by thefront counters are missing proper labeling to identify the item - Address
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.003/3-601.12-COther
Official wording
Honestly Presented (C)
Inspector’s notes
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.
More about other findingminorCode 590.004/4-202.18-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)
Inspector’s notes
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.
More about building upkeep issuesnotedCode L1Other
Official wording
No wording provided in the official record.
Inspector’s notes
Unpaid Fee for the 2026 City of Boston Health Permit - Address
In plain English
A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.
More about inspection findingOfficial 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.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesminorCode 590.003/3-601.11-COther
Official wording
Standards of Identity (C)
Inspector’s notes
All packaged baked goods located by thefront counters are missing proper labeling to identify the item - Address
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.003/3-601.12-COther
Official wording
Honestly Presented (C)
Inspector’s notes
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.
More about other findingminorCode 590.004/4-202.18-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)
Inspector’s notes
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.
More about building upkeep issuesnotedCode L1Other
Official wording
No wording provided in the official record.
Inspector’s notes
Unpaid Fees for the 2026 City of Boston Health Permits - address immediately
In plain English
A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.
More about inspection findingOfficial 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.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsOfficial 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.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsOfficial 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.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesmajorCode 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.
More about food source, dating, or labeling problemsminorCode 590.004/4-204.112-CFood temperature
Official wording
Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)
Inspector’s notes
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.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperatureOfficial 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.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesmajorCode 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.
More about food source, dating, or labeling problemsminorCode 590.004/4-204.112-CFood temperature
Official wording
Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)
Inspector’s notes
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.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperatureOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, May 13, 2025 · Original Source
Inspection
Dec 18, 2024
Passed
2 recorded violations
notedCode L1Other
Official wording
No wording provided in the official record.
Inspector’s notes
Observed 2022 Health permit posted at establishment. Remove and post current Health permit for consumers to view
In plain English
A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.
More about inspection findingmajorCode 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.
More about food source, dating, or labeling problemsOfficial 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.
More about food source, dating, or labeling problemsnotedCode L1Other
Official wording
No wording provided in the official record.
Inspector’s notes
Observed 2022 Health permit posted at establishment. Remove and post current Health permit for consumers to view
In plain English
A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.
More about inspection findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Dec 10, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
May 13, 2024
Passed
3 recorded violations
minorCode 590.003/3-303.12-COther
Official wording
Storage or Display of Food in Contact with Water or Ice (C)
Inspector’s notes
Observed milk stored in ice chest. Discussed with PIC to discontinue practice and maintain no items inside ice. PIC removed
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingmajorCode 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.
More about food source, dating, or labeling problemsmajorCode 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.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, May 13, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
May 3, 2024
Failed
3 recorded violations
minorCode 590.003/3-303.12-COther
Official wording
Storage or Display of Food in Contact with Water or Ice (C)
Inspector’s notes
Observed milk stored in ice chest. Discussed with PIC to discontinue practice and maintain no items inside ice. PIC removed
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingmajorCode 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.
More about food source, dating, or labeling problemsmajorCode 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.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, May 3, 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