Market Cafe

20 N Market St, Lake Wales, FL 33853

Café / Breakfast

Last inspected: Feb 2, 2026

Score

Low Risk

Inspectors have visited Market Cafe eight times, with records going back to 2022. On Feb 2, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.

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

The pattern that stands out is “operating with an expired division of hotels”, which has been cited four times.

Compared to other Lake Wales restaurants (averaging 90), there's room to close the gap. Taken together, the history is a positive one.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Feb 2, 2026

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.

View 3 violations

High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Repeat Violation**

50-17-3

Basic - Interior of microwave has accumulation of food debris. Operator cleaned microwave with sanitizing solution. **Corrected On-Site**

22-08-4

Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Across from three compartment sink

29-49-6

Sep 10, 2025

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.

View 3 violations

High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

50-17-3

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Operator dumped ice hand washing sink. Operator cleaned sink. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**

31A-11-4

Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Operator removed box from floor. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

25-05-4

Feb 3, 2025

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

50-17-3

Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Operator cleaned and sanitized area. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

22-08-4

Jul 31, 2024

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels

FL-14

Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed

FL-50

Jan 25, 2024

Routine - Food

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer.

14-69-4

Basic - One of of the Cold holding equipment not maintained in proper temperature. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Temperature 50 degrees.

14-74-7

Oct 27, 2023

Routine - Food

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. On back dock. Employee secured tank. **Corrected On-Site**

51-11-4

Basic - Equipment reach in cooler not in use on back dock areas.

14-11-5

May 2, 2023

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.

View 4 violations

High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Admin Complaint**

50-17-3

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer. Near front counter and by bathrooms. **Repeat Violation**

14-69-4

Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Operator cleaned microwave by wash, rinse, and sanitize. **Corrected On-Site**

22-08-4

Basic - Unprotected ice machine in a customer/nonsecure area. Covering damage from storm. **Repeat Violation**

08B-62-4

Nov 29, 2022

Routine - Food

6 minor violations.

View 6 violations

Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.

50-09-4

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer at the top.

14-69-4

Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle oven between uses. Employee moved tongs to dish area. **Corrected On-Site**

10-20-4

Basic - Unprotected ice machine in a customer/nonsecure area. Ice machine currently outside with no enclosure due recent storm overhead protection was destroyed. Checked on Plan review and Advise operator to get the enclosure fixed.

08B-62-4

Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris next to the hot holding unit. Employee cleaned and sanitized area. **Corrected On-Site**

22-08-4

Basic - Clean utensils or equipment stored in a bathroom, locker room or mechanical room. Observed in bathroom,locker cooking equipment on bottom shelf stored.

24-13-4

Show all 8 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Market Cafe last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Market Cafe on file is from Feb 2, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Market Cafe?

Across the inspection record, “operating with an expired division of hotels” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Market Cafe.

How does Market Cafe compare to other restaurants in Lake Wales?

Market Cafe most recently scored 78 out of 100, which is lower than the Lake Wales average of 90.

Has Market Cafe's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Market Cafe have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Market Cafe 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 Market Cafe inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Market Cafe is inspected around three times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Kentucky Fried Chicken

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Eggs up Brunch

19301 Hwy 27

Score: 70 — Medium Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Lake Wales → Café / Breakfast restaurants in Florida → Café / Breakfast restaurants in Lake Wales