El Molcajete Restaurant

1500 Bertha St, Key West, FL 33040

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Feb 24, 2026

Score

Medium Risk

The health department has logged four inspections at El Molcajete Restaurant, the earliest from 2024. The most recent report on file is from Feb 24, 2026. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.

Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around eight violations to closer to five violations per visit.

Compared to other Key West restaurants (averaging 74), there's room to close the gap. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Feb 24, 2026

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.

View 5 violations

Certified Food Manager Identification

FL-02

Employee Health Policies Present

FL-03

Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible

FL-10

Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used

FL-32

Washing Fruits and Vegetables

FL-42

Aug 18, 2025

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.

View 4 violations

Certified Food Manager Identification

FL-02

Hands Clean and Properly Washed

FL-08

Food Received at Proper Temperature

FL-12

Approved Thawing Methods Used

FL-31

Apr 7, 2025

Routine - Food

2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.

View 11 violations

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed beef (47 F - Cold Holding); chicken (47 F - Cold Holding) inside the reach in cooler across from the stove. As per operator less than 2 hours. Operator placed food inside the walk in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**

03A-02-5

High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed fish stored supermarket bags inside the reach in freezer.

14-31-5

Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed ceviche is not identified as raw food in the menu.

02B-01-5

Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.

16-37-1

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

05-08-4

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. Observed equipment is not working properly, thermometer is at 52°F. Operator was advised to discontinue the use of the equipment.

14-74-7

Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed plastic oil container and water bottles stored on the floor. Operator removed it. **Corrected On-Site**

08B-38-4

Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed a utensil stored in standing water at 82°F . Employee reheated the water to 135°F. **Corrected On-Site**

10-07-4

Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit.

05-09-4

Basic - Waste Water draining onto floor surface. Observed at the mop sink. The drainage is covered and the waste water draining onto the floor by the employee bathroom.

29-03-4

Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed mop inside the bucket.

42-01-4

Jun 26, 2024

Food-Licensing Inspection

1 major violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink.

31B-02-4

Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.

32-04-4

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Molcajete Restaurant last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Molcajete Restaurant on file is from Feb 24, 2026. The public record contains four inspections in total.

How does El Molcajete Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Key West?

El Molcajete Restaurant most recently scored 67 out of 100, which is lower than the Key West average of 74.

Has El Molcajete Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at El Molcajete Restaurant have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at El Molcajete Restaurant means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

How often is El Molcajete Restaurant inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, El Molcajete Restaurant is inspected around two times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Key West Conch Fritters

1 Whitehead St

Score: 70 — Medium Risk

The Cabana Inn Restaurant

409 Applerouth Lane

Score: 90 — Low Risk

Ocean Grill

1075 Duval St Ste C12

Score: 64 — Medium Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Key West → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Florida → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Key West