Top Shelf

161 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114

Bar / Pub

Last inspected: Dec 29, 2025

100

Score

Low Risk

Top Shelf appears in inspection records four times, starting in 2023. The most recent report on file is from Dec 29, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.

Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around two violations to closer to zero violations per visit.

Compared to the broader Boston restaurant scene, where the average is 86, this is a stronger showing. The record reflects steady performance over time.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Dec 29, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

Mar 5, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)

Inspector notes: Raw Dom's meats stored above ready to eat foods. Store properly.

590.003/3-302.11-P

Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)

Inspector notes: Restroom with flaking paint on walls and pipe on floor and wall sink. Clean and resurface.

590.006/6-201.11-C

Cleaning of plumbing fixtures (c)

Inspector notes: Clean and disinfect the restroom.

590.006/6-501.18-C

May 15, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

Compliance with food law (p)

Inspector notes: THC energy drinks and CBD beverages for sale. PIC removed from sale. Provide invoice for products.

590.003(A)/3-201.11-P

Outer openings protected (c)

Inspector notes: Front door does not close with a seal. Self closing hinge is broken. Part on site. To be replaced.

590.006/6-202.15-C

Jun 15, 2023

Routine

1 major violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

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

Inspector notes: Dunkin is no longer part of the business.Provide an updated application with the current DBA. Fillable application form attached and send back to ISDHealth@Boston.gov

590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF

Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)

Inspector notes: Remove/replace soiled glue traps in the basement as needed.

590.006/6-501.112-C

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Top Shelf last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Top Shelf on file is from Dec 29, 2025. The public record contains four inspections in total.

How does Top Shelf compare to other restaurants in Boston?

Top Shelf most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Boston average of 86.

Has Top Shelf's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Top Shelf have averaged around zero violations per visit, down from roughly two earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Top Shelf 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 Top Shelf inspected?

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

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