China Garden
Last inspected: Jan 27, 2026
14
Score
Going back to 2022, China Garden has 10 inspections in the public record. The latest inspection on file is from Jan 27, 2026. A high risk tier suggests the facility had a rough recent inspection, with multiple violations on record.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around 15 violations lately compared to roughly six violations before.
The pattern that stands out is “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease”, which has been cited six times.
Restaurants in Key West average 74, so China Garden trails the local norm. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.
10
Inspections
4
Critical latest
4
Major latest
19
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 27, 2026
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 4 major violations. 19 minor violations.
View 27 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef stored above veggies chopped in walk in cooler. Operator corrected order during inspection. Observed in cooler next to prep sink; raw beef stored above tempura chicken. Operator changed order during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed no breaker.
29-42-4
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed iodine stored on dry dish rack above triple sink, . Operator corrected during inspection. Observed container of menthol cream above reach in coolers across cook line. Operator removed cream during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
41-07-4
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed dented can; 16 oz Szechuan Sweet Bean Sauce.
01B-01-4
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed at men's restroom hand sink.
27-16-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled dry food shelves. Observed soiled dry dish racks.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed on knife magnets. Observed on dry food and dish racks.
22-31-4
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 2 expired certificates Kevin and Si Qi; 8/14/24 and 07/14/24.
53B-14-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed exterior soiled.
16-21-4
Basic - Bathroom facility not clean. Observed urinal and toilet stained.
32-07-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed deli cup stored inside sugar located in dry storage room. **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed microwave handles soiled next to cook line.
23-24-4
Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed in kitchen under dish and dry food racks across cook line.
14-05-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed cracks/ water damage to multiple tiles in kitchen.
36-32-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed throughout kitchen.
36-34-5
Basic - Employee preparing food in customer section of dining area. Observed snow peas being prepped in dining area. Observed dumplings being made outside of restrooms. Operator discontinued food prep on both areas; all items returned to kitchen. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-48-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at back screen door.
35B-01-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cases of soy on floor outside of walk in cooler. Observed case of soy in walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in freezers.
14-69-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of warmer soiled.
22-08-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Observed no choking poster on site. Inspector provided via email. **Corrective Action Taken**
51-13-4
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available. Observed no printed copy on site.
51-18-6
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled in multiple coolers. Observed hood system heavily soiled. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed in multiple coolers. Observed in walk
22-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in multiple reach in coolers across cook line.
14-33-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed interior walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout kitchen area.
36-27-5
14
Aug 12, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 9 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee touching apron and touching clean utensils.
12A-28-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed yellow rice (130 F - Hot Holding) inside kitchen. As per Operator rice has been outside for 30 minutes. Operator stored rice inside rice cooker to be reheated. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled hand wash sink in kitchen. Also, observed soiled reach in cooler gaskets in front of cook line.
23-03-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed chicken container uncovered inside reach in cooler in kitchen. Operator covered container. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
Basic - Walk in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. **Repeat Violation**
22-16-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed inside Walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet towels throughout kitchen.
21-12-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
16-03-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic cup stored inside soy container in kitchen. Operator removed cup. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed grease accumulated on floor under cook line.
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed oil plastic containers stored on kitchen floor. Operator removed containers from floor. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
47
Mar 4, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
45
Sep 18, 2024
Routine - Food
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
16-03-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic cup stored inside flour container inside dry storage. Operator removed cup. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
36-37-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer
14-69-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled, located at cooking line.
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in freezer interior have accumulation of soil residues.
22-16-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
67
Jun 24, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs over cooked shrimps inside reach in cooler in front of cook line. Operator stored products correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic cup stored inside flour container inside dry storage. Operator removed cup. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employees engaged with food preparation without hair restraint inside kitchen.
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed ice machine lid in disrepair. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed oil plastic containers stored on kitchen floor. Operator removed containers from floor. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled black fan inside kitchen. Also, observed soiled reach in cooler gaskets inside kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed cooked chicken container uncovered inside white refrigerator in kitchen. Operator covered container. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
61
Sep 29, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Items in reach-in cooler across from fryers: chicken (47F - Cold Holding); beef (46F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items placed in cooler 2 hours prior to temperatures being taken. Manager moved items to walk-in freezer to reduce temperature to 41F. Items in reach-in cooler at end of cook line near kitchen entrance from dining room: chicken (47F - Cold Holding); beef (46F - Cold Holding); egg roll (47F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items stored in cooler overnight. Items stored in walk-in cooler: shrimp (47F - Cold Holding); slaw (45F - Cold Holding); chicken (47F - Cold Holding); pork (48F - Cold Holding); egg roll (48F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items were at proper temperature 2 hours prior to temperatures being taken. Manager had employees move some items to walk-in freezer and place bags of ice on the other items. Items stored on cook line counter: chicken (58F - Cold Holding); shrimp (53F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items placed on counter 30 minutes prior to temperature being taken. Manager placed items in reach-in freezer to reduce temperature to 41F. Manager stated items would be held on time going forward, inspector provided operator with time as a public health control paperwork. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-28: Walk-in cooler:bean sprouts 47F, beef 47F,cream cheese 47F. Manager stated items placed in walk-in cooler from walk-in freezer two hours prior to temperature being taken, these are the only Time/Temperature controlled for Safety stored in cooler. Manager moved items to walk-in freezer to reduce temperature to 41F.**Admin Complaint** **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-29: Walk-in cooler: tofu47F. Manager stated item was placed in cooler two hours prior to temperature being taken, ice on product melted. Tofu is the only Time/Temperature controlled for Safety item in walk-in cooler. Repairman had ambient temperature down to 45F and steadily dropping. **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
86
Sep 28, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Items in reach-in cooler across from fryers: chicken (47F - Cold Holding); beef (46F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items placed in cooler 2 hours prior to temperatures being taken. Manager moved items to walk-in freezer to reduce temperature to 41F. Items in reach-in cooler at end of cook line near kitchen entrance from dining room: chicken (47F - Cold Holding); beef (46F - Cold Holding); egg roll (47F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items stored in cooler overnight. Items stored in walk-in cooler: shrimp (47F - Cold Holding); slaw (45F - Cold Holding); chicken (47F - Cold Holding); pork (48F - Cold Holding); egg roll (48F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items were at proper temperature 2 hours prior to temperatures being taken. Manager had employees move some items to walk-in freezer and place bags of ice on the other items. Items stored on cook line counter: chicken (58F - Cold Holding); shrimp (53F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items placed on counter 30 minutes prior to temperature being taken. Manager placed items in reach-in freezer to reduce temperature to 41F. Manager stated items would be held on time going forward, inspector provided operator with time as a public health control paperwork. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-28: Walk-in cooler:bean sprouts 47F, beef 47F,cream cheese 47F. Manager stated items placed in walk-in cooler from walk-in freezer two hours prior to temperature being taken, these are the only Time/Temperature controlled for Safety stored in cooler. Manager moved items to walk-in freezer to reduce temperature to 41F.**Admin Complaint** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
86
Sep 27, 2023
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Employee entered kitchen from outside and began handling clean dishes without washing hands.
12A-16-4
High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Chicken and shrimp on cook line stored in cardboard boxes. Manager had employee place items in stainless pans. **Corrected On-Site**
14-15-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Items in reach-in cooler at end of cook line near kitchen entrance from dining room: chicken (47F - Cold Holding); beef (46F - Cold Holding); egg roll (47F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items stored in cooler overnight.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Items in reach-in cooler across from fryers: chicken (47F - Cold Holding); beef (46F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items placed in cooler 2 hours prior to temperatures being taken. Manager moved items to walk-in freezer to reduce temperature to 41F. Items in reach-in cooler at end of cook line near kitchen entrance from dining room: chicken (47F - Cold Holding); beef (46F - Cold Holding); egg roll (47F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items stored in cooler overnight. Items stored in walk-in cooler: shrimp (47F - Cold Holding); slaw (45F - Cold Holding); chicken (47F - Cold Holding); pork (48F - Cold Holding); egg roll (48F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items were at proper temperature 2 hours prior to temperatures being taken. Manager had employees move some items to walk-in freezer and place bags of ice on the other items. Items stored on cook line counter: chicken (58F - Cold Holding); shrimp (53F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items placed on counter 30 minutes prior to temperature being taken. Manager placed items in reach-in freezer to reduce temperature to 41F. Manager stated items would be held on time going forward, inspector provided operator with time as a public health control paperwork. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Faucet on wall across from walk-in cooler.
29-34-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach-in cooler car from cook line stove. Interior of microwave at end of cook line. Nozzles of coffee machine in kitchen.
22-02-4
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. No written procedure available. Inspector provided operator with written procedure. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-27-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Cooking oil stored on floor at end of cook line.
08B-38-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets for walk-in cooler .
14-11-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Inside of door to reach-in cooler in back of kitchen. Hood vents above grill. Fan at end of cook line dusty. Gasket of reach-in cooler across from fryer.
23-03-4
Basic - Screen in door torn/in poor repair. Screen to back door torn.
35B-09-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Shelves in walk-in cooler.
14-17-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phones on shelf above reach-in cooler across from stove. Manager had employees remove phones from shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
29
Feb 7, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed sprouts (74°F - Cold Holding) for less than 4 hours as per operator. Operator placed inside walk in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. **Repeat Violation**
36-37-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
78
Nov 28, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed noodles (48F - Cold Holding); cut cabbage (47F - Cold Holding) at walk in cooler. As per person in charge, walk in cooler door was open for approximately 30 minutes for restocking. Advised person in charge to submerge containers in ice. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw eggs stored over cooked chicken at reach in cooler across from cook line. Employee rearranged items. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-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
Intermediate - Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of employee health policy and health requirements. **Corrected On-Site**
11-03-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed top of dish machine soiled.
16-21-4
Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed cardboard lining shelves containing flour at dry storage area. Observed cardboard lining shelves underneath microwave at cook line.
14-05-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed throughout kitchen and storage areas.
36-37-5
Basic - Clean utensils stored between equipment and wall. Observed knife stored between wall and reach in freezer at cook line. **Corrected On-Site**
24-14-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed walk in cooler gasket in disrepair. Observed reach in freezer gasket in disrepair at cook line. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed raw chicken stored on floor at walk in cooler. Person in charge placed items on shelf. Observed sauces and cooking oil stored on floor at cook line. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed walk in cooler gasket and reach in cooler gaskets at cook line soiled. Observed shelves soiled with old food debris at cook line. Observed hood vents soiled with accumulated grease.
23-03-4
Basic - Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed near ware washing area and server station.
24-18-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed bags of flour not covered at dry storage area. Person in charge covered items. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
39
Frequently Asked Questions
When was China Garden last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at China Garden on file is from Jan 27, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at China Garden?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at China Garden.
How does China Garden compare to other restaurants in Key West?
China Garden most recently scored 14 out of 100, which is lower than the Key West average of 74.
Has China Garden's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at China Garden have averaged around 15 violations per visit, up from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at China Garden 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 China Garden inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, China Garden is inspected around three times per year on average.
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