Key West, Monroe County

CUBAN COFFEE QUEEN DOWNTOWN

5 KEY LIME SQ, Key West, FL 33040

FoodSeating
Latest violations
8
3 High Priority
Feb 24, 2026
City
Key West
County
Monroe
Status
Current / Active
Inspections
10

Violation history

Florida violations grouped by priority level over time.

Inspection history

Florida inspections are violation-priority based, with high priority, intermediate, and basic counts shown separately.

Feb 24, 2026

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 3Intermediate: 1Basic: 4Total: 8

12A-27-4

Detail 24392632

High Priority - Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed employee crack raw shell eggs then change gloves and continued to grab clean equipment without washing hands.

41-05-4

Detail 24392630

High Priority - Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Observed cans of raid labeled for indoor residences stored on shelf outside of dry storage room.

03A-03-5

Detail 24392633

High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed raw shell eggs stored on prep table next to flat top grill, as per operator for less than 1 hour.

31A-11-4

Detail 24392637

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed bottle of hot sauce stored in hand sink in dish area.

14-11-5

Detail 24392631

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gasket torn in prep area.

08B-38-4

Detail 24392636

Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed container of rice stored on floor in dry storage room. Repeat Violation

22-16-4

Detail 24392629

Basic - Reach-in cooler/freezer interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed interior of reach in freezer soiled in dry storage area where coffee ice cubes are stored. Repeat Violation

21-12-4

Detail 24392634

Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wiping cloth stored on table in front of steam table. Repeat Violation

45-04-4

Detail 24392635

Use of cooking equipment producing grease laden vapors/smoke with no hood suppression system installed. Notified Fire AHJ. For reporting purposes only. Observed mini flat top grill on top of prep table next to steam table.

Aug 18, 2025

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Basic: 4Total: 4

08B-38-4

Detail 23963470

Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed plastic bottles of water stored on storage room floor. Repeat Violation

22-16-4

Detail 23963472

Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed soiled reach in freezer interior located by AC unit machine.

21-12-4

Detail 23963469

Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed a couple of towels on reach in cooler in kitchen. Operator stored towels inside bucket with sanitizer. Corrected On-Site

02D-01-5

Detail 23963471

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed Honey bottle and brown sugar container unlabeled in kitchen. Operator labeled both containers. Corrected On-Site

Jun 10, 2025

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Intermediate: 1Basic: 5Total: 6

22-02-4

Detail 23816457

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled slicer blade guard inside kitchen.

14-01-5

Detail 23816459

Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic cup stored inside powder container. Operator removed cup. Corrected On-Site

24-08-4

Detail 23816458

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet containers on shelf over three compartment sink. Operator stored containers for air drying. Corrected On-Site

08B-38-4

Detail 23816460

Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed plastic bottles of water stored on dry storage floor. Operator removed bottles from floor. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

10-08-5

Detail 23816455

Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed inside ice machine. Operator stored scoop correctly. Corrected On-Site

02D-01-5

Detail 23816456

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed brown sugar container unlabeled on front counter. Operator labeled container. Corrected On-Site

Dec 9, 2024

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 3Basic: 5Total: 8

12A-07-5

Detail 23405942

High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food.

14-31-5

Detail 23405946

High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed bread stored in non food grade bags at cook line.

03A-02-5

Detail 23405943

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cream cheese (60F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler at cook line. As per manager, product was left out at room temperature for less than 1 hour.

50-09-4

Detail 23405944

Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed license posted from other location posted on wall near entrance door.

08B-38-4

Detail 23405947

Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed plastic container of rice stored on floor at storage room.

23-03-4

Detail 23405945

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed storage shelf above 3 compartment sink soiled.

25-27-4

Detail 23405949

Basic - Straws provided for customer self-service not individually wrapped or in an approved dispenser. Observed unwrapped straws at customer area.

21-12-4

Detail 23405948

Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet towels on counter near sandwich press at cook line and throughout front counter area.

Oct 11, 2023

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 2Intermediate: 2Basic: 6Total: 10

01B-02-5

Detail 22355656

High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked beef (52F - Cold Holding); cooked onions (53F - Cold Holding) at 2 door reach in cooler underneath flat top grill. As per manager, since the previous day.

03A-02-5

Detail 22355653

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked beef (52F - Cold Holding); cooked onions (53F - Cold Holding) at 2 door reach in cooler underneath flat top grill. As per manager, since the previous day.

11-27-4

Detail 22355652

Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.

11-26-1

Detail 22355649

Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Printed and provided employee health reporting agreement and some employees reviewed and signed. Corrective Action Taken

14-74-7

Detail 22355655

Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed ambient temperature at 58F at 2 door reach in cooler underneath flat top grill.

08B-38-4

Detail 22355650

Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed container of onions and rice stored on floor at back storage area.

10-17-4

Detail 22355657

Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed knife stored between coolers at cook line. Manager removed knife and took to wash, rinse and sanitize. Corrective Action Taken

29-49-6

Detail 22355654

Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed at 2 door reach in cooler underneath flat top grill.

25-27-4

Detail 22355658

Basic - Straws provided for customer self-service not individually wrapped or in an approved dispenser. Observed at customer self service area.

21-12-4

Detail 22355651

Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed at kitchen at front counter. Advised manager to set up sanitizer solution.

May 4, 2023

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

May 3, 2023

Routine - Food

Warning Issued

High Priority: 4Intermediate: 1Basic: 1Total: 6

22-39-4

Detail 21973514

High Priority - Chlorine sanitizer in spray bottle/bucket not at proper minimum strength. Sanitizer bucket 200+ ppm. Person in charge remade sanitizer. Remade and sanitizer tests at 75ppm. Corrected On-Site

03A-02-5

Detail 21973518

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. 3 door; yogurt 39F, cream 71F; ( - Cold Holding) Bottom of reach in cooler; cream cheese 71F, cheese 46F, tuna 56F, rice 54F, beef 51F; ( - Cold Holding) Food has been in cooler 2+ hrs. Warning

03B-01-6

Detail 21973519

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Black beans 117F; ( - Hot Holding); pork 90F ( - Hot Holding) beans reheated to 139F. Pork reheated to 181F . Corrected On-Site

29-34-4

Detail 21973517

High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Missing on yellow hose under mop sink.

31A-11-4

Detail 21973516

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Sponge in hand washing sink. Person in charge removed. Corrected On-Site

10-01-5

Detail 21973515

Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoop handle laying in frozen bananas. Person in charge moved scoop. Corrected On-Site

Feb 16, 2022

Routine - Food

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 2Basic: 5Total: 8

50-17-2

Detail 20864743

High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Admin Complaint

31B-02-4

Detail 20864739

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Corrected On-Site

27-16-4

Detail 20864742

Intermediate - Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Mens bathroom used by employees.

08B-38-4

Detail 20864736

Basic - Container of Coffee stored on floor.

14-11-4

Detail 20864741

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Powder holder lid is cracked.

08B-36-4

Detail 20864737

Basic - Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust. In front of hand wash bee pollen powder was stored . Relocated Corrected On-Site

31B-04-4

Detail 20864740

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Mens bathroom used by employees.

25-06-4

Detail 20864738

Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Corrected On-Site

Oct 12, 2021

Routine - Food

Call Back - Admin. complaint recommended

Intermediate: 1Basic: 4Total: 5

51-16-7

Detail 20582064

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. During the inspection, observed an additional storage room by the back door: reach in cooler with: muffins, fresh fruits, milk, orange juice, butter, boiled eggs, yogurt and 1 reach in cooler with sodas and beer stored in the open dining room. On a countertop nearby a refrigerator, observed a water and ice dispenser under a roof structure with no walls or any protection from environmental contamination. Observed the dining room is not fully enclosed, walls and roof are made of wood. pests. Observed additional area in the back of the building near by the mop sink with a roof and wooden fence with gaps as the walls. The area is not fully enclosed. Observed bottles of water, can goods, two stand up reach in coolers with raw shelled eggs, bread, cheese, variety of bottled drinks and can goods, cream cheese, orange juice, one stand up reach in freezer with cubes of coffee, two chest freezers with frozen fruits and meats. Observed single service items on shelves with cups, containers and napkins for the customers stored in an additional storage area. - From follow-up inspection 2021-10-12: No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. Observed an additional storage room by the back door: reach in cooler with: muffins, fresh fruits, milk, orange juice, butter, hummus , yogurt, raw pork and 1 reach in cooler with sodas , and stored in the open dining room. On a countertop nearby a refrigerator, observed a water and ice dispenser under a roof structure with no walls or any protection from environmental contamination. Observed the dining room is not fully enclosed, walls and roof are made of wood. pests. Observed additional area in the back of the building near by the mop sink with a roof and wooden fence with gaps as the walls. The area is not fully enclosed. Observed bottles of water, can goods, two stand up reach in coolers with raw shelled eggs, bread, cheese, variety of bottled drinks and can goods, cream cheese, orange juice, one stand up reach in freezer with cubes of coffee, two chest freezers with frozen fruits and meats. Observed single service items on shelves with cups, containers and napkins for the customers stored in an additional storage area. Admin Complaint

08B-43-4

Detail 20582065

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored in a room/shed that is not fully enclosed. Observed in additional storage area by the mop sink by the back door: Observed additional area in the back of the building near by the mop sink with a roof and wooden fence with gaps as the walls. The area is not fully enclosed. Observed stand up reach in cooler nearby a tree with bottles of water, can goods, two stand up reach in coolers with raw shell eggs, bread, cheese, variety of bottled drinks and can goods, cream cheese, orange juice, one stand up reach in freezer with cubes of coffee, two chest freezers with frozen fruits and meat, can goods, and single service items for the customers stored in the area. - From follow-up inspection 2021-10-12: Food stored in a room/shed that is not fully enclosed. Observed additional area in the back of the building near by the mop sink with a roof and wooden fence with gaps as the walls. The area is not fully enclosed. Observed stand up reach in cooler nearby a tree can goods, two stand up reach in coolers with raw shell eggs, bread, cheese, variety of bottled drinks and can goods, cream cheese, orange juice, one stand up reach in freezer with cubes of coffee, two chest freezers with frozen fruits and meat, can goods, and single service items for the customers stored in the area. Admin Complaint

08B-42-4

Detail 20582061

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored outside. pests. Observed additional area in the back of the building near by the mop sink with a roof and wooden fence with gaps as the walls. The area is not fully enclosed. Observed bottles of water, can goods, two stand up reach in coolers with raw shell eggs, bread, cheese, variety of bottled drinks and can goods, cream cheese, orange juice, one stand up reach in freezer with cubes of coffee, two chest freezers with frozen fruits and meat, can goods, and single service items for the customers stored in the additional storage area. - From follow-up inspection 2021-10-12: Food stored outside. pests. Observed additional area in the back of the building near by the mop sink with a roof and wooden fence with gaps as the walls. The area is not fully enclosed. Observed bottles of water, can goods, two stand up reach in coolers with raw shell eggs, bread, cheese, variety of bottled drinks and can goods, cream cheese, orange juice, one stand up reach in freezer with cubes of coffee, two chest freezers with frozen fruits and meat, can goods, and single service items for the customers stored in the additional storage area. Admin Complaint

35B-12-4

Detail 20582063

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Perimeter walls and roofs do not effectively protect establishment against environmental cross contamination or the entrance of pests. Observed additional area in the back of the building near by the mop sink with a roof and wooden fence around three sides of the building with gaps as the walls. The area is not fully enclosed. Observed bottles of water, can goods, two stand up reach in coolers with raw shell eggs, bread, cheese, variety of bottled drinks and can goods, cream cheese, orange juice, one stand up reach in freezer with cubes of coffee, two chest freezers with frozen fruits and meat, and single service items for the customers stored int the area. - From follow-up inspection 2021-10-12: Perimeter walls and roofs do not effectively protect establishment against environmental cross contamination or the entrance of pests. Observed additional area in the back of the building near by the mop sink with a roof and wooden fence around three sides of the building with gaps as the walls. The area is not fully enclosed. Observed bottles of water, can goods, two stand up reach in coolers with raw shell eggs, bread, cheese, variety of bottled drinks and can goods, cream cheese, orange juice, one stand up reach in freezer with cubes of coffee, two chest freezers with frozen fruits and meat, and single service items for the customers stored in the area back Admin Complaint

25-11-5

Detail 20582062

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Single-service articles stored outside or in a room/shed that is not fully enclosed (open to outdoors/screened). pests. Observed additional area in the back of the building near by the mop sink with a roof and wooden fence around three sides with gaps as the walls or any protection from environmental contamination. The area is not fully enclosed. Observed single service items on shelves with cups, containers and napkins for the customers stored in an additional storage area. - From follow-up inspection 2021-10-12: Single-service articles stored outside or in a room/shed that is not fully enclosed (open to outdoors/screened). pests. Observed additional area in the back of the building near by the mop sink with a roof and wooden fence around three sides with gaps as the walls or any protection from environmental contamination. The area is not fully enclosed. Observed single service items on shelves with cups, containers and napkins for the customers stored in an additional storage area. Admin Complaint

Jul 27, 2021

Routine - Food

Warning Issued

Intermediate: 5Basic: 7Total: 12

31B-02-4

Detail 20377970

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at the hand washing sink sink at the front counter. Corrected On-Site

51-16-7

Detail 20377972

Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. During the inspection, observed an additional storage room by the back door: reach in cooler with: muffins, fresh fruits, milk, orange juice, butter, boiled eggs, yogurt and 1 reach in cooler with sodas and beer stored in the open dining room. On a countertop nearby a refrigerator, observed a water and ice dispenser under a roof structure with no walls or any protection from environmental contamination. Observed the dining room is not fully enclosed, walls and roof are made of wood. pests. Observed additional area in the back of the building near by the mop sink with a roof and wooden fence with gaps as the walls. The area is not fully enclosed. Observed bottles of water, can goods, two stand up reach in coolers with raw shelled eggs, bread, cheese, variety of bottled drinks and can goods, cream cheese, orange juice, one stand up reach in freezer with cubes of coffee, two chest freezers with frozen fruits and meats. Observed single service items on shelves with cups, containers and napkins for the customers stored in an additional storage area.

31B-03-4

Detail 20377973

Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink at the front counter. Corrected On-Site

53B-14-5

Detail 20377963

Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed operator provided copies of NRFSP food handlers training for employees Nazerke Nukaider, Loredana Ritea Coralia, Eva Lurcza, and Jerry Daigle.

53B-09-4

Detail 20377967

Intermediate - Required employee training provided by a third-party employee training program and operator unable to provide original certificate for employees trained. Observed operator provided copies of NRFSP food handlers training for employees Nazerke Nukaider, Loredana Ritea Coralia, Eva Lurcza, and Jerry Daigle.

22-20-5

Detail 20377964

Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin nearby the three compartment sink in the kitchen.

08B-43-4

Detail 20377969

Basic - Food stored in a room/shed that is not fully enclosed. Observed in additional storage area by the mop sink by the back door: Observed additional area in the back of the building near by the mop sink with a roof and wooden fence with gaps as the walls. The area is not fully enclosed. Observed stand up reach in cooler nearby a tree with bottles of water, can goods, two stand up reach in coolers with raw shell eggs, bread, cheese, variety of bottled drinks and can goods, cream cheese, orange juice, one stand up reach in freezer with cubes of coffee, two chest freezers with frozen fruits and meat, can goods, and single service items for the customers stored in the area.

08B-38-4

Detail 20377962

Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cases of bottles water for the customers stored on the floor in the additional not fully enclosed dry storage area. Observed three walls made of a wooden gate with gaps and without any protection from environmental contamination. Corrected On-Site

08B-42-4

Detail 20377966

Basic - Food stored outside. pests. Observed additional area in the back of the building near by the mop sink with a roof and wooden fence with gaps as the walls. The area is not fully enclosed. Observed bottles of water, can goods, two stand up reach in coolers with raw shell eggs, bread, cheese, variety of bottled drinks and can goods, cream cheese, orange juice, one stand up reach in freezer with cubes of coffee, two chest freezers with frozen fruits and meat, can goods, and single service items for the customers stored in the additional storage area.

31B-04-4

Detail 20377965

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Front counter: did not observe a hand washing sign posted at the hand washing sink. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

35B-12-4

Detail 20377971

Basic - Perimeter walls and roofs do not effectively protect establishment against environmental cross contamination or the entrance of pests. Observed additional area in the back of the building near by the mop sink with a roof and wooden fence around three sides of the building with gaps as the walls. The area is not fully enclosed. Observed bottles of water, can goods, two stand up reach in coolers with raw shell eggs, bread, cheese, variety of bottled drinks and can goods, cream cheese, orange juice, one stand up reach in freezer with cubes of coffee, two chest freezers with frozen fruits and meat, and single service items for the customers stored int the area.

25-11-5

Detail 20377968

Basic - Single-service articles stored outside or in a room/shed that is not fully enclosed (open to outdoors/screened). pests. Observed additional area in the back of the building near by the mop sink with a roof and wooden fence around three sides with gaps as the walls or any protection from environmental contamination. The area is not fully enclosed. Observed single service items on shelves with cups, containers and napkins for the customers stored in an additional storage area.