Shake Shack
Last inspected: Apr 14, 2026
86
Score
Shake Shack has been inspected 19 times since 2022. The most recent report on file is from Apr 14, 2026. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around two violations across recent inspections versus roughly six violations before.
When inspectors have written things up, “controlling pests” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.
Shake Shack scores about where you'd expect for a Boston restaurant. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 14, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed handsink @ prep area and beverage station without paper towels. Discussed with PIC to monitor and ensure paper towels are maintained at all times of operations. COS
590.006/6-301.12-PF
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Observed food spills / debris underneath fryers and inside sinlge door freezer unit @ cook lines. Clean with frequency to remove all grease build up and food debris
590.004/4-601.11-C
86
Nov 18, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed rodent activity behind the heating system custard machine and grease trap. Clean to remove
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy food soils on the exterior of multiple plastic bulk item buckets. Clean to remove
590.004/4-601.11-C
86
Aug 20, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Noted small black flies in the back kitchen area and near the drain next to the dish machine in the front.Monitor for pest control Provide detail pest report and Emergency pest service to take care of the rodent issue.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Noted inside the ice machine pink/black spots on the ice shute.Clean
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Covering receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Trash dumpsters outside has spacing inbetween the lids.Provide dumpsters with sealed lids to prevent rodent
590.005/5-501.113-C
78
Jul 31, 2025
Routine
3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Noted inside the ice machine pink/black spots on the ice shute.Clean
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Noted small black flies in the back kitchen area and near the drain next to the dish machine in the front.Monitor for pest control Provide detail pest report and Emergency pest service to take care of the rodent issue.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink nest to the prep sink blocked.Remove and retrain staff
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Ice cream chest in the front heavily soiled with food and ice build up.Clean Bulk bins in the back heavily soiled.Clean
590.004/4-601.11-C
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Trash area is heavily greased with food residue.Clean with frequency
590.005/5-501.115-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Noted back door propped open and unattended. Keep the back door closed when not in use.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Covering receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Trash dumpsters outside has spacing inbetween the lids.Provide dumpsters with sealed lids to prevent rodent
590.005/5-501.113-C
Using dressing rooms and lockers (c)
Inspector notes: Noted shoes and other staff personal items on the back dry shelf.Remove and store in adesignated employee lockers.
590.006/6-501.110-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Freezer and walkin floors heavily soiled.Clean with frequency
590.006/6-501.12-C
55
Jul 30, 2025
Routine
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Noted small black flies in the back kitchen area and near the drain next to the dish machine in the front.Monitor for pest control
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink nest to the prep sink blocked.Remove and retrain staff
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Noted inside the ice machine pink/black spots on the ice shute.Clean
590.004/4-601.11-PF
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Ice cream chest in the front heavily soiled with food and ice build up.Clean Bulk bins in the back heavily soiled.Clean
590.004/4-601.11-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Freezer and walkin floors heavily soiled.Clean with frequency
590.006/6-501.12-C
Using dressing rooms and lockers (c)
Inspector notes: Noted shoes and other staff personal items on the back dry shelf.Remove and store in adesignated employee lockers.
590.006/6-501.110-C
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Trash area is heavily greased with food residue.Clean with frequency
590.005/5-501.115-C
Covering receptacles (c)
Inspector notes: Trash dumpsters outside has spacing inbetween the lids.Provide dumpsters with sealed lids to prevent rodent
590.005/5-501.113-C
58
Jul 8, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker missing to confirm next maintenance date. Provide and replace.
590.006/6-501.14-C
95
Jun 26, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Observed grease build up on multiple pieces of equipment. Clean to remove to assist with rodent activity. Noted the droppings are observed in this same area.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker missing to confirm next maintenance date. Provide and replace.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Observed rodent droppings in the rear of establishment. Clean to remove
590.006/6-501.111-C
86
Feb 19, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Nov 18, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Clean and sanitize the custard maching properly. Retrain staff on proper protocol and DC offering choc custard until a clean lab report is provided.
590.004/4-601.11-C
95
Oct 22, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Sep 6, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Mar 13, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Hood sticker is missing on equipment. PIC was able to provide proof of inspection dated 2.18.24. Informed pic to have company come and place a valid inspection sticker on the unit to assure proper maintenance.
590.006/6-501.14-C
Cleaning of plumbing fixtures (c)
Inspector notes: Handsinks observed with heavy grime build up. Clean to remove
590.006/6-501.18-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Observed a high level of black sticky substance inside the drip tray of the custard machine. PIC removed and had it cleaned and sanitized. Continue to monitor for proper cleaning.
590.004/4-601.11-C
86
Nov 3, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations.
View 3 violations
Safe unadulterated and honestly presented (p)
Inspector notes: Custard machine is in use and is unable to be sanitized and is still in disrepair after being instructed not to use the unit on previous inspection. All product produced by machine has been voluntarily discarded on site by the manager.
590.003/3-101.11-P
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Repeat violations pertaining to unsafe food and broken custard maker. Provide active managerial control.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Cip equipment (pf)
Inspector notes: The frozen dessert machine is not operating at manufacturers specifications or at full capacity with broken non functioning parts that are unable to be removed to properly clean and sanitized. Discontinue use of the unit until all necessary repairs are made.
590.004/4-202.12-PF
70
Sep 12, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
Safe unadulterated and honestly presented (p)
Inspector notes: Ice cream custard on site produced through a frozen dessert machine that is unable to be properly dis-assembled washed/rinsed/sanitized per manufacturer's specifications due to broken and non functioning components. All frozen custard produced by this machine has been voluntarily discarded on site by the PIC. Inspection as a result of elevated lab report for frozen vanilla custard dated 9.6.23.
590.003/3-101.11-P
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Priority violations cited. Provide active managerial control.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Cip equipment (pf)
Inspector notes: The frozen dessert machine is not operating at manufacturers specifications or at full capacity with broken non functioning parts that are unable to be removed to properly clean and sanitized. Discontinue use of the unit until all necessary repairs are made.
590.004/4-202.12-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Ice cream machine agitator gear that stirs product unable to be detached to be properly washed/rinsed/sanitized. Discontinue using the unit until it can be properly cleaned and sanitized per the manufacturers instructions. Drip tray with what appears to be mold. Wash/rinse/sanitize/air dry.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Interior components of frozen custard machine with soils. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
61
Apr 14, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Floor covering wearing off in several areas at cookline. Resurface/repair.
590.006/6-101.11-C
95
Mar 8, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Front door with broken hinge. Does not stay closed properly. Repair.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Missing floor covering at cookline. Repair
590.006/6-101.11-C
90
Feb 15, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
System maintained in good repair (p)
Inspector notes: Gas line attached to flat griddles malfunctioned causing fire. Make all necessary repairs by a licensed plumber. Contact ISD plumbing department if necessary.
590.005/5-205.15-P
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Clean and disinfect all affected areas exposed to ansul discharge. Provide invoice from professional cleaning company to isdhealth@boston.gov.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
(a) ceasing operations and reporting (pf)
Inspector notes: Small fire occured at the cookline involving gas line attached to flat grill. Ansul system discharged at the cookline. Voluntary closure issued per TM & DCJ by phone. Clean and disinfect all affected areas. Provide invoice from proffesional cleaning company and Contact ISD building & plumbing inspections for further assessment prior to being allowed to reopen. All adulterated foods had already been disposed of upon arrival.
590.008/8-404.11-PF
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Ansul system discharged at cookline due to small fire. Make all necessary repairs. Reset all life safety mechanisms and provide proof in writing by sending all pertinent invoices to isdhealth@boston.gov.
590.006/6-501.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean and disinfect all affected areas exposed to ansul discharge. Provide invoice from professional cleaning company to isdhealth@boston.gov.
590.004/4-602.13-C
64
Feb 3, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Custard machine third bay out of use missing part. Make all necessary repairs to maintain equipment fully operational.
590.004/4-501.11-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Floor covering wearing off in several areas at cookline. Resurface/repair.
590.006/6-101.11-C
Food preparation (c)
Inspector notes: Food employee chopping bacon in close proximity to an open grease trap being emptied by a tech. Corrected on site.
590.003/3-305.14-C
86
Oct 11, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Flies apparent near custard machine. Provide updated IPM pest control report for treatment for flies upon reinspection.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Cooling heating and holding capacities-equipment (pf)
Inspector notes: On flip top reach in cooler at cookline is not working. No TCS foods in unit at the time of inspection. Make all necessary repairs. Alternative refrigeration in use holding at below 41F until unit can be repaired.
590.004/4-301.11-PF
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: One of three custard bays on ice cream machine is inoperable. Make all necessary repairs.
590.004/4-501.11-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Drain for ice cream machine is not positoned properly over floor sink. COS.
590.005/5-205.15-C
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Shake Shack last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Shake Shack on file is from Apr 14, 2026. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Shake Shack?
Across the inspection record, “controlling pests” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Shake Shack.
How does Shake Shack compare to other restaurants in Boston?
Shake Shack most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is about the same as the Boston average of 86.
Has Shake Shack's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Shake Shack have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Shake Shack 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 Shake Shack inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Shake Shack is inspected around five times per year on average.
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