Buffalo's Reef

116 Eglin Pkwy Ne, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

American

Last inspected: Dec 10, 2025

Score

Low Risk

Public records show eight inspections at Buffalo's Reef stretching back to 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Dec 10, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.

Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near two violations per visit.

“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” comes up most often, recorded three times in the inspection record.

Buffalo's Reef's latest score of 90 falls below the Fort Walton Beach average of 96. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Dec 10, 2025

Routine - Food

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Debris buildup on top of dish machine.

16-21-4

Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Shelves in walk in cooler have rust buildup. **Repeat Violation**

14-17-4

Mar 5, 2025

Routine - Food

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels

FL-14

Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place

FL-36

Jul 17, 2024

Complaint Full

1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

Employee Health Policies Present

FL-03

Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels

FL-14

Feb 20, 2024

Routine - Food

No violations found.

100

Oct 24, 2023

Routine - Food

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles/vents throughout kitchen have dust buildup.

36-34-5

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Dust buildup on ceiling/over door in walk in cooler.

23-03-4

Mar 16, 2023

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 5 minor violations.

View 6 violations

High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.

29-42-4

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease. Grease container with grease build up present on top of container next to garbage dumpster area.

23-03-4

Basic - Stored food not covered. Upon inspection observed large containers of wing sauce on floor in walk in cooler. Operator corrected storage during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**

08B-12-5

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. Upon inspection observed fish in reduced oxygen packages thawing in reach in cooler across from cook line. Operator pierced packages to allow oxygen to enter package. **Corrective Action Taken**

06-09-1

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Upon inspection observed sunglasses, cell phone, purse and jacket on shelf in dry storage area second shelf from top.

40-06-5

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Upon inspection observed clean stacked drink cups with moisture in between in wait station area. Operator removed cups during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**

24-08-4

Jan 13, 2023

Routine - Food

1 critical violation.

View 1 violation

Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved

FL-35

Nov 9, 2022

Routine - Food

4 minor violations.

View 4 violations

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Upon inspection observed door handles in disrepair on reach in cooler right side of cook line.

14-11-5

Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. **Repeat Violation**

14-69-4

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt or dust. Fan covers with dust in main walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**

23-03-4

Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Repeat Violation**

14-17-4

Show all 8 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Buffalo's Reef last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Buffalo's Reef on file is from Dec 10, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Buffalo's Reef?

Across the inspection record, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Buffalo's Reef.

How does Buffalo's Reef compare to other restaurants in Fort Walton Beach?

Buffalo's Reef most recently scored 90 out of 100, which is lower than the Fort Walton Beach average of 96.

Has Buffalo's Reef's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Buffalo's Reef have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Buffalo's Reef 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 Buffalo's Reef inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Buffalo's Reef is inspected around three times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Stewby's Market

235 Santa Rosa Blvd

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Stewby's Seafood Shanity

235 Santa Rosa Blvd

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Pepitos Restaurant

67 Eglin Pkwy Ne

Score: 100 — Low Risk

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→ All locations in Fort Walton Beach → American restaurants in Florida → American restaurants in Fort Walton Beach