Key West, Monroe County

THE CAFE

509 SOUTHARD ST, Key West, FL 33040

FoodSeating
Latest violations
5
1 High Priority
Jul 15, 2025
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.

Jul 15, 2025

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 1Basic: 4Total: 5

41-10-4

Detail 23871179

High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed sanitizer bucket on preparation table, operator properly stored. Corrected On-Site

10-07-4

Detail 23871180

Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in used utensil stored in standing water at 88°F, operator placed on top of the stove to be reheated at 135°F. Corrective Action Taken

31B-04-4

Detail 23871181

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

23-03-4

Detail 23871182

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Filter soiled

02D-01-5

Detail 23871178

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sugar container.

Jul 15, 2025

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

Apr 22, 2025

Routine - Food

Warning Issued

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 1Basic: 9Total: 11

03A-02-5

Detail 23723210

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cheese (48F - Cold Holding) inside 3 doors reach in cooler located by the exit door, for less than 4 hours as per operator. Operator replaced the food items to another equipment. Corrective Action Taken Warning

05-08-4

Detail 23723209

Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. Warning

32-02-4

Detail 23723207

Basic - Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance. Customer restrooms. Warning

06-09-1

Detail 23723208

Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Warning

14-11-5

Detail 23723215

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler with ambient temperature of 55°F, located by the back door. Warning

36-17-5

Detail 23723211

Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. At warewash area. Warning

36-11-4

Detail 23723213

Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed plywood in dish room. Repeat Violation Warning

29-27-4

Detail 23723214

Basic - No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. Warning

14-33-4

Detail 23723206

Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Warning

21-44-1

Detail 23723205

Basic - Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Observed sanitation bucket on preparation table. Operator removed it. Corrected On-Site Warning

06-01-5

Detail 23723212

Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed frozen shrimp, fish thawing in standing water on three compartment sink. Warning

Aug 14, 2024

Complaint Full

Call Back - Complied

Basic: 3Total: 3

14-74-7

Detail 23063288

Basic - - From initial inspection : 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. Lift lid units on cookline are not cold holding @41F or below . The owner called the repair technician for service on the units during the inspection. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-23: At callback inspection the repair technician was called but has not been out to repair the lift lid units on cookline . One unit is iced down and the other has no TCS foods in it. Time Extended - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-14: 1 lift lid on cook line is cold holding at 42-43 F , the 2nd unit is off and is empty and as per cook does not work but holds non TCS foods, Time Extended

36-17-5

Detail 23063290

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair by the back door Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-23: Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair by the back door Time Extended - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-14: Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair by the back door Time Extended

36-11-4

Detail 23063289

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed plywood flooring in dish room Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-23: Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed plywood flooring in dish room Time Extended - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-14: Observed plywood flooring in dish room Time Extended

May 23, 2024

Complaint Full

Call Back - Extension given, pending

Intermediate: 2Basic: 4Total: 6

31A-10-4

Detail 22891556

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Equipment drain line draining into handwash sink. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-23: Equipment drain line draining into handwash sink in ice machine room Time Extended

53B-01-5

Detail 22891554

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-23: - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Warning Time Extended

14-74-7

Detail 22891558

Basic - - From initial inspection : 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. Lift lid units on cookline are not cold holding @41F or below . The owner called the repair technician for service on the units during the inspection. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-23: At callback inspection the repair technician was called but has not been out to repair the lift lid units on cookline . One unit is iced down and the other has no TCS foods in it. Time Extended

36-17-5

Detail 22891553

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair by the back door Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-23: Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair by the back door Time Extended

36-11-4

Detail 22891557

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed plywood flooring in dish room Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-23: Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed plywood flooring in dish room Time Extended

38-07-4

Detail 22891555

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. In dishwasher area Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-23: Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. In dishwasher area Time Extended

May 22, 2024

Complaint Full

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 4Intermediate: 3Basic: 7Total: 14

41-07-4

Detail 22888879

High Priority - Container of medicine , first aid kit improperly stored on shelving with food product. Corrected On-Site Warning

35A-05-4

Detail 22888880

High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found.observed 1 live roach on the floor under the standup cooler in the kitchen area. Warning

01B-13-4

Detail 22888878

High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed carrots that are soft and have black mold like substance on them Warning

03A-02-5

Detail 22888868

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. tofu (43F - Cold Holding); potatoes cut tomatoes (55F - Cold Holding); vegi meatballs (57F - Cold Holding); vegi sausage , in reach-in lift lid unit at the start of cook line. All TCS foods were located to a working unit. Warning

31A-10-4

Detail 22888867

Intermediate - Equipment drain line draining into handwash sink. Warning

31A-11-4

Detail 22888870

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed water pitcher in handwash sink in the kitchen Warning

53B-01-5

Detail 22888872

Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Warning

22-20-5

Detail 22888869

Basic - Accumulation of black mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Warning

14-74-7

Detail 22888871

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. Lift lid units on cookline are not cold holding @41F or below . The owner called the repair technician for service on the units during the inspection. Warning

35A-03-4

Detail 22888874

Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Observed approximately 5 dead roaches 2 under the triple sink, 3 under the dishwasher against the wall on the floor Warning

36-17-5

Detail 22888876

Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair by the back door Warning

36-11-4

Detail 22888877

Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed plywood flooring in dish room Warning

08B-38-4

Detail 22888875

Basic - Food stored on floor 5 gallon bucket of oranges and apples on the floor in dish room Warning

38-07-4

Detail 22888873

Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. In dishwasher area Warning

Feb 21, 2024

Routine - Food

Call Back - Admin. complaint recommended

Intermediate: 4Basic: 3Total: 7

22-02-4

Detail 22661813

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on flip top coolers on cookline soiled/ stained. - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-21: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on flip top coolers on cookline soiled/ stained. Time Extended

53A-02-7

Detail 22661807

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Person in charge is unable to provide proof of CFM and no other CFM employed at this establishment. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-21: At callback inspection there is no proof of certified food manager. The certificate behind the register is for an ex employee. Amanda Dawicki 9/29/19 serve safe Admin Complaint

53B-01-5

Detail 22661809

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Person in charge unable to provide proof of food safety training during this inspection. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-21: - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Person in charge unable to provide proof of food safety training during this inspection Admin Complaint

11-26-1

Detail 22661810

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Operator unable to provide proof that employees are informed of reporting symptoms related to food borne illnesses to person in charge. Distributed health form to operator during this inspection. Operator had employees start to read and sign off on health form during this inspection - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-21: 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. Admin Complaint

14-74-7

Detail 22661811

Basic - - From initial inspection : 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. Reach-in cooler at closed end of cookline unable to maintain temperature of 41F and below. Ambient temperature 68F. Observed no air blowing from fan area of cooler. Operator removed TCS from cooler until repaired. - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-21: The cold holding unit at end of cook-line is no working but has not working but no T S food items stored in it at Callback inspection Time Extended

14-11-5

Detail 22661808

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gasket on reach-in cooler door in prep area across from prep table torn. One filter in hood area above grill in disrepair. - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-21: Equipment in poor repair. Gasket on reach-in cooler door in prep area across from prep table torn. Time Extended

36-17-5

Detail 22661812

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floor tiles in ware washing area and at back door area in disrepair/ crumbled Repeat Violation - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-21: Time Extended

Dec 15, 2023

Routine - Food

Warning Issued

High Priority: 2Intermediate: 6Basic: 4Total: 12

12A-17-4

Detail 22517297

High Priority - Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands. Employee washed hands for less than 7 seconds in total handwashing. Discussed with operator.

03A-02-5

Detail 22517296

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. cut tomatoes (58F - Cold Holding); in top of flip top reach-in cooler at closed end of cook line. Observed tomatoes stored above chill line of cooler. Operator removed and placed into nearby cooler to chill. Also, ambient temperature of shelled eggs (55F - Cold Holding) on counter next to above mentioned reach-in cooler. Discussed with person in charge about using TPHC. Emailed paperwork for TPHC. Person in charge placed. Hour sticker and will fill out paperwork soon. Also, cooked rice (46F - Cold Holding) in bottom of above mentioned reach-in cooler. Observed reach-in cooler not blowing any air. Person in charge stated the item went into cooler this morning. Person in charge removed rice and placed in nearby cooler to chill. Also, house made ceviche (46-F48 - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler in prep area. Observed that large buckets in cooler blocking floor of air in cooler. Operator removed large buckets to chill ceviche. Corrective Action Taken Warning

11-27-4

Detail 22517290

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. Operator unable to provide written procedures for clean up events. Distributed Training material during this inspection. Corrected On-Site

22-02-4

Detail 22517288

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on flip top coolers on cookline soiled/ stained.

53A-02-7

Detail 22517292

Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Person in charge is unable to provide proof of CFM and no other CFM employed at this establishment. Warning

53B-01-5

Detail 22517291

Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Person in charge unable to provide proof of food safety training during this inspection. Warning

11-26-1

Detail 22517294

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. Operator unable to provide proof that employees are informed of reporting symptoms related to food borne illnesses to person in charge. Distributed health form to operator during this inspection. Operator had employees start to read and sign off on health form during this inspection

31B-03-4

Detail 22517299

Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at hand wash sink in first restroom in hallway area. Operator replenished soap.

14-74-7

Detail 22517293

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. Reach-in cooler at closed end of cookline unable to maintain temperature of 41F and below. Ambient temperature 68F. Observed no air blowing from fan area of cooler. Operator removed TCS from cooler until repaired.

14-11-5

Detail 22517289

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gasket on reach-in cooler door in prep area across from prep table torn. One filter in hood area above grill in disrepair.

36-17-5

Detail 22517295

Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floor tiles in ware washing area and at back door area in disrepair/ crumbled Repeat Violation

23-03-4

Detail 22517298

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gasket on multiple reach-in coolers on cook line and in prep area soiled. Also, area in hood and around pipe in hood dusty. Repeat Violation

Dec 15, 2023

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

Intermediate: 1Basic: 2Total: 3

53A-01-7

Detail 22517285

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-15: At callback no change. Person in charge lacking CFM and no other CfM at establishment. Admin Complaint

36-17-5

Detail 22517286

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. By dishwashing area and sewer. - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-15: At callback no change. Time needed to repair Time Extended

23-03-4

Detail 22517287

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets for reach in cooler at cook line. Repeat Violation - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-15: At callback no change Time Extended

Mar 27, 2023

Routine - Food

Warning Issued

Intermediate: 2Basic: 7Total: 9

22-02-4

Detail 21886394

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener. Cook took it for cleaning. Corrected On-Site

53A-01-7

Detail 21886393

Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.

24-14-4

Detail 21886390

Basic - Clean utensils stored between equipment and wall. Cook removed the knife. Corrected On-Site

14-09-4

Detail 21886398

Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.

36-17-5

Detail 21886396

Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. By dishwashing area and sewer.

08B-38-4

Detail 21886397

Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cases with bread on floor, kitchen.

23-03-4

Detail 21886392

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets for reach in cooler at cook line. Repeat Violation

36-27-5

Detail 21886395

Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Cook line.

14-06-4

Detail 21886391

Basic - Wood food-contact surface not properly sealed. Inside reach in cooler at kitchen. Cook removed it. Corrected On-Site