Old Town Tavern
Last inspected: Aug 18, 2025
52
Score
Inspectors have visited Old Town Tavern seven times, with records going back to 2023. The latest inspection on file is from Aug 18, 2025. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around eight violations to closer to six violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “menu does not identify which items contain raw” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded three times.
By comparison, the average Key West facility scores 74, putting Old Town Tavern on the weaker side. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.
7
Inspections
2
Critical latest
2
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 18, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw fish stored over sauces inside reach in cooler across cook line. Operator properly arranged. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw chicken (49F - Cold Holding); beef patties (48F - Cold Holding) inside reach in cooler across cook line. As per operator for less than 4 hrs. Operator added ice for rapid cooling. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed tuna poke not identified as raw. **Repeat Violation**
02B-01-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle containing degreaser not labeled next to triple sink. Operator labeled. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed at washing area.
36-22-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed at salad station.
29-49-6
Basic - Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Quaternary 0ppm)at prep area. Operator replaced solution, retest Sanitizer Bucket (Quaternary 150ppm) **Corrected On-Site**
21-08-4
52
Apr 7, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade and holder soiled .
22-02-4
Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed tuna poke on the menu , not identify as raw item.
02B-01-5
Basic - Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Observed food containers with food contact surface up. Employee inverted them . **Corrected On-Site**
24-07-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed food containers with water residue inside.
24-08-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rusted shelves inside walk in cooler ( the one used for vegetables). **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed a leak underneath the hand sink located by the cook line.
29-11-4
67
Aug 21, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw shrimp over onions gravy stored inside reach in cooler, located at cooking line. Operator removed items and placed them correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-02-6
Basic - Clean , cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner.
24-05-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed some employees without hairs restraints. Operator provided hair restraints. **Corrected On-Site**
13-03-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board, located at preparation area. Employee removed it. **Corrected On-Site**
21-04-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler, located at kitchen preparation area.
29-49-6
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
67
Apr 16, 2024
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed corned beef not date marked inside walk in cooler, as per Manager from previous day. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled can opener blade, also observed soiled white cutting boards at cook line.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed food residue on HWS across from dishwasher machine.
31A-11-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observe ice bucket not inverted. Next to ice machine. **Corrected On-Site**
24-05-4
Basic - Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Observed ice bucket stored on floor next to ice machine. **Corrected On-Site**
24-07-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in all units at kitchen area.
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed soiled interior on both units at cook line.
22-16-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed at kitchen area.
21-09-4
55
Dec 13, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Dish Machine chlorine 0ppm. Supply bucket empty. Person In Charge replaced supply bucket. 100 ppm. Chlorine. **Corrected On-Site**
22-45-4
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Establishment license expired 10/01/2023 Manager renewed license during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Chemical spray bottle over clean plates in kitchen . Moved by manager
41-10-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Soiled deflector plate in ice machine located: rear kitchen.
22-20-5
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Soiled exterior of equipment including handles to coolers.
23-24-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Unsecured co2 tanks. Rear kitchen. Secured by manager. **Corrected On-Site**
51-11-4
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Food service employees with bracelets/ large jewelry.
13-07-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Frozen beef thawing in standing water. Water faucet turned on. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
50
Jun 15, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
45
Apr 4, 2023
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
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. Emailed Food Employee Reporting Agreement to operator. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
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. Clean-Up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events poster emailed to operator. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed Establishment offers Tuna Poke Bowl. Employee started marking the raw animal on the menu. Repeat Violation** **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02B-01-5
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed clean plates not stored in protected manner, located at the cook line.
24-05-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood and filter soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in freezer interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
22-16-4
Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Kitchen area, back area.Repeat Violation** **Repeat Violation**
36-02-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Above three compartment sink.
36-34-5
58
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Old Town Tavern last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Old Town Tavern on file is from Aug 18, 2025. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Old Town Tavern?
Across the inspection record, “menu does not identify which items contain raw” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Old Town Tavern.
How does Old Town Tavern compare to other restaurants in Key West?
Old Town Tavern most recently scored 52 out of 100, which is lower than the Key West average of 74.
Has Old Town Tavern's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Old Town Tavern have averaged around six violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Old Town Tavern 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 Old Town Tavern inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Old Town Tavern is inspected around three times per year on average.
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