THE CAFE
509 Southard Street
Key West, Florida, 33040
Downtown
Monroe County County
Overall Food Safety Rating
★★½☆☆ (2.5/5)
Based on 7 health inspection reports
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All Inspection Reports
Inspection on 4/22/2025
High Priority
1
Intermediate
1
Basic
9
Total
11
Disposition: Follow-up Inspection Required
Inspection Details:
- 32-02-4:Basic - Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance. Customer restrooms. Warning
- 06-09-1: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:Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler with ambient temperature of 55°F, located by the back door. Warning
- 36-17-5:Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. At warewash area. Warning
- 36-11-4:Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed plywood in dish room. Repeat Violation Warning
- 29-27-4:Basic - No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. Warning
- 14-33-4:Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Warning
- 21-44-1: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: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
- 03A-02-5: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:Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. Warning
Food safety inspection conducted on 4/22/2025 revealed 11 total violations (1 high priority, 1 intermediate, 9 basic).
Inspection on 8/14/2024
High Priority
0
Intermediate
0
Basic
3
Total
3
Inspection Details:
- 14-74-7: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: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: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**
Food safety inspection conducted on 8/14/2024 revealed 3 total violations (0 high priority, 0 intermediate, 3 basic).
Inspection on 5/23/2024
High Priority
0
Intermediate
2
Basic
4
Total
6
Disposition: Follow-up Inspection Required
Inspection Details:
- 14-74-7: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: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: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: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**
- 31A-10-4: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: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**
Food safety inspection conducted on 5/23/2024 revealed 6 total violations (0 high priority, 2 intermediate, 4 basic).
Inspection on 5/22/2024
High Priority
4
Intermediate
3
Basic
7
Total
14
Disposition: Follow-up Inspection Required
Inspection Details:
- 22-20-5:Basic - Accumulation of black mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Warning
- 14-74-7: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: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:Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair by the back door Warning
- 36-11-4:Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed plywood flooring in dish room Warning
- 08B-38-4:Basic - Food stored on floor 5 gallon bucket of oranges and apples on the floor in dish room Warning
- 38-07-4:Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. In dishwasher area Warning
- 41-07-4:High Priority - Container of medicine , first aid kit improperly stored on shelving with food product. Corrected On-Site Warning
- 35A-05-4: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: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: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:Intermediate - Equipment drain line draining into handwash sink. Warning
- 31A-11-4:Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed water pitcher in handwash sink in the kitchen Warning
- 53B-01-5: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
Food safety inspection conducted on 5/22/2024 revealed 14 total violations (4 high priority, 3 intermediate, 7 basic).
Inspection on 2/21/2024
High Priority
0
Intermediate
4
Basic
3
Total
7
Disposition: Follow-up Inspection Required
Inspection Details:
- 14-74-7: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: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: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**
- 22-02-4: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: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: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: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
Food safety inspection conducted on 2/21/2024 revealed 7 total violations (0 high priority, 4 intermediate, 3 basic).
Inspection on 12/15/2023
High Priority
0
Intermediate
1
Basic
2
Total
3
Disposition: Met Inspection Standards
Inspection Details:
- 36-17-5: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: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**
- 53A-01-7: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
Food safety inspection conducted on 12/15/2023 revealed 3 total violations (0 high priority, 1 intermediate, 2 basic).
Inspection on 12/15/2023
High Priority
2
Intermediate
6
Basic
4
Total
12
Disposition: Follow-up Inspection Required
Inspection Details:
- 14-74-7: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: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: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: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
- 12A-17-4: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: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: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: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: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: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: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:Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at hand wash sink in first restroom in hallway area. Operator replenished soap.
Food safety inspection conducted on 12/15/2023 revealed 12 total violations (2 high priority, 6 intermediate, 4 basic).