Dovetail

1 First Av, Charlestown, MA 02129

American

Last inspected: Mar 13, 2026

100

Score

Low Risk

Dovetail appears in inspection records seven times, starting in 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Mar 13, 2026. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.

Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around five violations lately compared to roughly zero violations before.

Among Charlestown restaurants, the typical score is 93; Dovetail is comfortably above that bar. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Mar 13, 2026

Routine

No violations found.

100

Jan 6, 2026

Routine

2 critical violations. 6 major violations. 7 minor violations.

View 15 violations

Cooling (p)

Inspector notes: Recent mesh avocado 50F cut lettuce 53F stored in cold unit for serving. Discussed cooling parameters with PIC. Products were place in the walkin for cooling. PIC to monitor cooling parameters and train staff.

590.003/3-501.14-P

(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)

Inspector notes: Cooked nduja 47F cooked corn squash 50F stored in cold holding unit / ice . Product was voluntarily discard by PIC PIC to monitor and train staff on temperature parameters.

590.003/3-501.16-P

Warewashing machines automatic dispensing of detergents and sanitizers (pf)

Inspector notes: Sanitzer bucket holder observed reading 00ppm quatz. Dispensing accordingly. (cos)

590.004/4-204.117-PF

Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)

Inspector notes: PIC unable to provide procedure and clean up kit for vomit and diarrheal events. Provide

590.002/2-501.11-PF

(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)

Inspector notes: PIC to train staff on P's and PF's violations noted on the inspection report. *** PIC to post current CFPM Certificate PIC to post current Allergen Awareness Certificate PIC to post current Site Cleanliness License

590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF

Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)

Inspector notes: Handwashing sink prep area downstairs observed with ice machine excess water dispensing inside. Discontinue

590.005/5-205.11-PF

(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)

Inspector notes: Interior of low temp dishwasher observed soiled (delime) interior of ice machine lower level observed soiled interior of upright refrigerator unit observed with soils build up. Clean & sanitize to remove

590.004/4-601.11-PF

Temperature measuring devices manual and mechanical warewashing (pf)

Inspector notes: PIC unable to provide working thermometer/ strips for the high temp dishwasher. Provide

590.004/4-302.13-PF

Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)

Inspector notes: Multiple refrigeration units observed without a conspicuous thermometer. Provide and maintain visible at all time

590.004/4-204.112-C

Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)

Inspector notes: Hood sticker observed expired 9.24.25. Provide updated sticker from a licensed hood cleaner.

590.006/6-501.14-C

Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)

Inspector notes: Multiple staff observed working with RTE foods without proper hair restraint. Provide and maintain

590.002/2-402.11-C

Cutting surfaces (c)

Inspector notes: Cutting boards observed heavily scored. Ressurface/repair

590.004/4-501.12-C

Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)

Inspector notes: Retail handwashing sink observed missing protective barrier. Provide proper barrier

590.003/3-307.11-C

In-use utensils between-use storage (c)

Inspector notes: Food dispensing utensils observed stored in stagnant water. Discontinue (COS)

590.003/3-304.12-C

Handwashing signage (c)

Inspector notes: Bathroom in the lower level observed without handwashing sign. Provide

590.006/6-301.14-C

Oct 15, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

Jun 26, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

Dec 9, 2024

Routine

No violations found.

100

May 1, 2024

Routine

No violations found.

100

Oct 12, 2022

Routine

No violations found.

100

Show all 7 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Dovetail last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Dovetail on file is from Mar 13, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.

How does Dovetail compare to other restaurants in Charlestown?

Dovetail most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Charlestown average of 93.

Has Dovetail's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Dovetail have averaged around five violations per visit, up from roughly zero earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Dovetail means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

How often is Dovetail inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Dovetail is inspected around two times per year on average.

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