Montauk Lobster House
Last inspected: Jan 30, 2026
45
Score
Going back to 2022, Montauk Lobster House has eight inspections in the public record. Inspectors last stopped by on Jan 30, 2026. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around 12 violations to closer to six violations per visit over the last few inspections.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “no paper towels”, showing up four times.
Compared to other Coral Gables restaurants (averaging 68), there's room to close the gap. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.
8
Inspections
3
Critical latest
3
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 30, 2026
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed non food grade paper towel lining containers of mixed greens and spinach inside reach in cooler and container of celery inside walk in cooler. Operator removed paper towels from containers. **Corrected On-Site**
14-86-1
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee change gloves after cracking raw shell eggs and begin to prepare customer order without first washing hands.
12A-07-5
High Priority - Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed employee crack raw shell eggs and touch clean equipment without changing gloves and washing hands.
12A-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand sink blocked at dish area by dish racks. Operator removed rack. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Incorrect chemical test kit provided for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer solution used in the three-compartment sink and/or dishmachine. Observed establishment using Quaternary sanitizer at triple sink, no test kit for Quaternary.
16-32-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at front counter. Operator added paper towels. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole in wall inside walk in cooler.
36-24-5
45
Jan 8, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed hose attached to mop sink; no breaker.
29-42-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand sink outside of office. Operator replaced during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed bucket in kitchen hand sink. Employee removed during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand sink outside of office. Operator replaced during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed soiled exterior. Operator had employee begin cleaning during inspection. **Corrective Action Taken**
16-21-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave soiled inside; across ovens. Operator had employee clean on site. **Corrected On-Site**
22-08-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed in walk in cooler; soiled shelves. Operator had employee begin wiping down shelves. **Corrective Action Taken**
22-16-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed in dish machine area. **Repeat Violation**
36-27-5
52
Aug 7, 2025
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed at dry dish racks. Operator removed on site. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-07: **Time Extended**
16-46-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed behind warewash. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-07: **Time Extended**
36-27-5
90
Aug 5, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on flat top: onion soup (66F - Hot Holding); lentil soup (66F - Hot Holding); lasagna (64F - Hot Holding); tomato soup (66F - Hot Holding). As per operator; less than 3 hours prior to inspection. Operator placed soups on stove and were reheated to 165F. Lasagna was placed back in walk in cooler for rapid chill. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed smoked salmon above fruits and veggies in walk in cooler; operator changed order during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap next to dish machine. Operator replaced on the spot. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-03-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed exterior soiled. Operator began cleaning during inspection. **Warning**
16-21-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in reach in coolers across cook line. Operator began wiping gaskets out. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed at dry dish racks. Operator removed on site. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
16-46-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed in walk in cooler. Operator began wiping shelves during inspection. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
22-16-4
Basic - Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed next to dish machine face up. Operator flipped utensils over. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
24-18-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in walk in freezer. Operator began cleaning and covering rust. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
14-17-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed behind warewash. **Warning**
36-27-5
47
Mar 21, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on flat top: Cooked onions (70F - Hot Holding). Operator turned flat top to higher heat to raise temperature. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Observed no training or agreement for several new employees; operator printed and signed for all employees. **Corrected On-Site**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed on knife magnet in kitchen.
22-31-4
Basic - Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Observed at walk in cooler entrance.
36-03-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed backpack stored on ice machine. Operator moved to proper storage area. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed on cook line. Operator placed into water on flat top. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at flat top; operator turned heat up for proper holding. **Corrective Action Taken**
10-07-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Observed no poster; inspector provided via email and operator printed form. **Corrected On-Site**
51-13-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in reach in across hand sink in kitchen. Operator covered with foil. **Corrective Action Taken**
14-33-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed exterior soiled. Operator had employee clean during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
16-21-4
50
Apr 18, 2024
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 5 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
29-42-4
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Observed clams chowder soup date marked 03-29-24. And fish deep date marked 03-29-24. Operator segregated the products to be discarded. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
01B-24-5
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed clams chowder soup date marked 03-29-24. And fish deep date marked 03-29-24. Operator segregated the products to be discarded. **Corrective Action Taken**
02C-01-5
High Priority - Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. Observed chicken broth, garlic butter and vegetables with mold like substance. Operator segregated the products to be discarded. **Corrective Action Taken**
01B-07-4
High Priority - Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed an employee touching the floor and then started touching clean utensils at preparation area. Operator was instructed that he need to wash hands. Employee washed his hands. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-13-4
Intermediate - Clam/mussel/oyster tags not maintained in chronological order according to the last date they were served in the establishment.
01C-05-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed two cutting boards soiled at bar area. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. One located next to dishwasher machine and one at bar area. **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No quaternary chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No tag on/for original container of raw, in-shell clams/mussels/oysters. Observed a bag of mussels without tag at walk-in cooler. Operator provided the tag. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
01C-01-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler located in front of the grill. **Repeat Violation**
29-49-6
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed single service cup inside of condiments containers at preparation area. And one plastic cup without handle inside of the flour container. Operator removed the SS cups. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-03-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed oil containers stored on floor at preparation area. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. One located at preparation area. **Repeat Violation**
31B-04-4
22
Dec 6, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 8 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. At mop sink. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-06: Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. At mop sink. **Warning** **Time Extended**
29-34-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Nonexempt fish offered raw or undercooked has not undergone proper parasite destruction. Fish must be fully cooked or discarded. For Salmon. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-06: Nonexempt fish offered raw or undercooked has not undergone proper parasite destruction. Fish must be fully cooked or discarded. For Salmon. **Warning** Operator will sell the salmon only cooked. **Time Extended**
01D-01-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-06: Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served. **Warning** **Time Extended**
01C-03-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Establishment not maintaining clam/mussel/oyster tags for 90 days. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-06: Establishment not maintaining clam/mussel/oyster tags for 90 days. **Warning** **Time Extended**
01C-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No chlorine and quaternary chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-06: No chlorine and quaternary chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Warning** **Time Extended**
16-37-1
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At bar area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-06: No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At bar area. **Warning** **Time Extended**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed shelves rusted at reach in cooler and walk in freezer. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-06: Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed shelves rusted at reach in cooler and walk in freezer. **Warning** **Time Extended**
22-31-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At preparation area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-06: No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At preparation area. **Warning** **Time Extended**
31B-04-4
43
Sep 21, 2022
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
Insects, Rodents, and Animals Not Present
FL-38
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
39
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Montauk Lobster House last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Montauk Lobster House on file is from Jan 30, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Montauk Lobster House?
Across the inspection record, “no paper towels” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Montauk Lobster House.
How does Montauk Lobster House compare to other restaurants in Coral Gables?
Montauk Lobster House most recently scored 45 out of 100, which is lower than the Coral Gables average of 68.
Has Montauk Lobster House's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Montauk Lobster House have averaged around six violations per visit, down from roughly 12 earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Montauk Lobster House 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 Montauk Lobster House inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Montauk Lobster House is inspected around two times per year on average.
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