Banana Cafe
Last inspected: Jan 12, 2026
47
Score
Across the available record, Banana Cafe has nine inspections on file, the first dated 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Jan 12, 2026. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around 10 violations each.
The pattern that stands out is “food stored on floor”, which has been cited five times.
That's lower than the typical Key West restaurant, which scores around 74. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
11
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 12, 2026
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Intermediate - Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by the inability to answer basic food safety questions. Observed staff member no knowing the correct chlorine concentration for the dish machine. Coached staff on correct procedure. **Corrective Action Taken**
53B-16-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed white cutting soiled across cook line.
22-02-4
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at bathroom door directly at end of hallway.
32-04-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles soiled at prep area.
36-34-5
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. Observed 7 ROP bags of fully thawed salmon at walk-in cooler. Packs were discarded.
06-09-1
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed raw salmon bucket on floor at dry storage area. Bucket was removed from floor. Also observed box of fries on walk-in freezer floor. **Corrective Action Taken**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup at reach-in freezer cooling unit.
14-69-4
Basic - Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Observed light shield in disrepair across from walk-in cooler.
38-01-4
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed light shield missing at dry storage area.
38-07-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer gaskets soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Self-closing device on bathroom door disconnected. Observed at one of the bathrooms doors.
32-17-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled directly behind sink next to dish machine. **Repeat Violation**
36-27-5
Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Observed under hand washing sink at cook line. Bucket was removed. **Corrected On-Site**
21-38-4
47
Aug 18, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation.
View 3 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Live, small flying insects found observed 1 fly around compartment sink area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-18: Observed 2 flying insects flying by ware washing area. **Admin Complaint**
35A-02-7
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked potatoes next to stove top at 129 f cook Reheat the potatoes for over 165 f And place on the steam table. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-18: Observed Cooked potatoes next to stove top at 119°F cook Reheat the potatoes at 165°F And place on the steam table. **Admin Complaint** **Corrected On-Site**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Nonservice animals in the food establishment or on premises. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-18: Observed a dog inside establishment. **Time Extended**
35A-01-4
67
Aug 13, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed kitchen employees touching Face then engaging in food preparation. **Warning**
12A-10-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found observed 1 fly around compartment sink area. **Warning**
35A-02-7
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Kitchen cooks, changing tasks from cooking to Service. **Warning**
12A-09-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked potatoes next to stove top at 129 f cook Reheat the potatoes for over 165 f And place on the steam table. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
05-08-4
Intermediate - Nonservice animals in the food establishment or on premises. **Warning**
35A-01-4
Intermediate - Probe thermometer not used to ensure proper food temperatures of cooked time/temperature control for safety food. **Warning**
05-13-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Cooking area. **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. **Warning**
10-07-4
Basic - Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. Kitchen area. **Warning**
21-10-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed food spills on kitchen walls next to dishwasher area. (Clean where is needed) **Warning**
36-27-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. **Warning**
16-03-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Walk in cooler door handle , top surfaces of kitchen shelves, from food debris. **Warning**
23-24-4
30
Apr 7, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Food placed in soiled container/equipment. Observe several soiled food containers on shelves at walk in cooler.
08B-27-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observe sliced ham (47F - Cold Holding); pooled eggs (48F - Cold Holding) on reach in cooler at cook line,as per employee less than 2 hours. Employee add ice bags to food containers. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observe cooked sausages (121F - Hot Holding) on flat grill at cook line, as per employee less than 2 hours. Employee proceeded to reheat food. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
03B-01-6
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.
11-27-4
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
53A-05-6
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.
53B-14-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observe by front counter
22-20-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observe flour bag, oil container and avocado case stored on floor at dry storage area. Employee stored properly during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observe ice cream scoop on standing water at 92° F at kitchen area, employee removed during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
10-07-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observe next to dishwasher machine.
31B-04-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observe personal drink inside reach in cooler at cook line, employee removed during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observe raw mahi fillets on standing water by dry storage area. Employee moved to 2 compartment sink and turned on water. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observe flour and dry pasta containers not identified at dry storage area.
02D-01-5
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observe behind dishwasher machine. **Repeat Violation**
36-27-5
32
Dec 10, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Food stored in ice used for drinks. See stop sale. Observed plastic container of juice stored on ice used for customer beverages at upstairs bar.
08B-56-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed plastic container of juice stored on ice used for customer beverages at upstairs bar.
01B-13-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked sausage (97F - Hot Holding) at room temperature on stove at cook line. As per employee, less than 2 hours. Employee began reheating product to 165F. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Equipment drain line draining into handwash sink. Observed soda gun waste line leading into hand sink at downstairs bar.
31A-10-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board with stains at expo area.
22-02-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed container of avocados, plastic water bottles and plastic container of cooking oil stored on floor at dry storage area.
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed ice scoop handle touching ice inside bin at downstairs bar. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - Observed cutting boards stored on wall soiled with old food debris at expo area.
24-06-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed sliding door reach in cooler at downstairs bar with standing water.
29-49-6
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed container of beans not covered at dry storage area.
08B-12-5
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled with black substance at ware washing area. Observed wall soiled with old food debris at expo area.
36-27-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet cloths not stored in solution at cook line and bar.
21-12-4
37
Aug 23, 2023
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Reach in cooler located in the bar area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-23: **Time Extended**
14-33-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-23: **Time Extended**
14-17-4
90
Aug 15, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
No Bare Hand Contact with Ready-to-Eat Food
FL-09
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
12
Apr 4, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 18 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed butter (50F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese (50F - Cold Holding) as per operator items were moved from walk in cooler to reach in preparation cooler approximately 1 hour ago, operator closed lid on preparation cooler. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at upstairs bar **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed employee Abraham with no food handler training. **Warning**
53B-02-5
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink at upstairs bar **Warning**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. **Warning**
03F-10-5
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Manager arrived after inspection start time. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
53A-05-6
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl no handle used to scoop rice **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee beverage stored on top of oven in kitchen area **Warning**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee personal phone stored in bowl in reach in preparation cooler. Operator removed phone from area. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed broken container lids **Warning**
14-38-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed bag of onions and cooking oil on floor **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. **Warning**
10-01-5
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Operator removed towel from under cutting board. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
21-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed walk in cooler fan guards soiled **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation. Observed air curtain not on at front door, and upstairs patio door. Operator turned on air curtains. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
35B-05-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior have accumulation of soil residues at bar area **Warning**
22-16-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust throughout establishment **Warning**
36-27-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed working containers of oil, flour, rice salt, and sugar with no label **Warning**
02D-01-5
29
Sep 13, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board soiled.
22-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Downstairs front counter.
22-20-5
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Soup spoon not inverted, hanging from shelf.
24-05-4
Basic - Clean utensils stored between equipment and wall. Cook replaced the knife. **Corrected On-Site**
24-14-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
14-09-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed a bag with onions at storage area stored on floor. Cook placed bag on shelf . **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
10-07-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed file soiled at hood.
23-03-4
Basic - Sanitizing solution for wiping cloths not free of food debris and visible soil.
21-11-4
61
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Banana Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Banana Cafe on file is from Jan 12, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Banana Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “food stored on floor” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Banana Cafe.
How does Banana Cafe compare to other restaurants in Key West?
Banana Cafe most recently scored 47 out of 100, which is lower than the Key West average of 74.
Has Banana Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Banana Cafe have averaged around 10 violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Banana Cafe means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Banana Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Banana Cafe is inspected around three times per year on average.
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