Openseas Cafe
Last inspected: Jan 15, 2026
33
Score
Openseas Cafe has been inspected eight times since 2022. On Jan 15, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around five violations to closer to seven violations per visit.
The pattern that stands out is “ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer”, which has been cited five times.
That's lower than the typical Key Biscayne restaurant, which scores around 57. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.
8
Inspections
1
Critical latest
4
Major latest
11
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 15, 2026
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Establishment operating without a license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Operator must obtain a public food service license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within 60 days. Submit a license application and payment to DBPR/Bureau of Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. To apply online or obtain an application for license visit https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/ **Warning**
50-08-7
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels in employee bathroom. **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed new added hand washing sink next to 3CS at new area blocked. **Warning**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed addition of chest freezer units, three compartment sink, and hand washing sink at new area adjacent to bathroom. Also observed removal of three compartment sink shown on original plan and the addition of 4 fryers, 2 cook ranges, a flat grill, and hood to area shown as "counter tops" on previous approved plan. **Warning**
51-16-7
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. **Warning**
05-08-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed some water damage and parts of ceiling above kitchen area in disrepair. **Warning**
36-32-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee personal water bottle on prep table. Employee removed and was coached. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employees wearing watches while preparing food. **Warning**
13-07-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed the white chest freezers exterior rusted at kitchen area. **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup up in both reach freezers located near roll up windows. **Warning**
14-69-4
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed no light shields on lights at cook line. **Warning**
38-07-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no sign for hws across of RIF and RIC in the kitchen side. **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Observed mop sink pipe in disrepair. **Warning**
29-08-4
Basic - Screening is not 16-mesh to the inch. Observed 8 openings with no screening or protection from outside pest or vermin to enter establishment. **Warning**
35B-13-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed two wet wiping cloths on prep tables. **Warning**
21-12-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed two plastic containers with white substances with no label above the microwave. **Warning**
02D-01-5
33
Jan 31, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed metal lid on top of handwashing sink by 3 compartment sink. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-11-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed inside reach in freezer storage area. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed clams thawing at room temperature, advised operator on correct procedures.
06-01-5
82
Nov 6, 2024
Routine - Food
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Clean equipment/dishware/utensils stored next to handwash/food preparation sink exposed to splash. Observed cleaned plates stored on shelf next to hand washing sink by back exterior door exposed to splash. - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-06: **Time Extended**
24-27-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup inside reach in freezer by front counter. - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-06: **Time Extended**
14-69-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gasket soiled inside reach in cooler by mop sink. - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-06: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
86
Apr 5, 2024
Routine - Food
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
78
Jan 24, 2024
Complaint Full
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles.
23-24-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water.
36-22-4
Basic - Ice buildup in stand up reach-in freezer.
14-69-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler.
29-49-6
Basic - Uncleanable knife block in use to store knives.
14-55-4
78
Dec 7, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 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.
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.
11-27-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles.
23-24-4
Basic - Paper towel used as a food-contact surface.
21-05-5
74
Feb 17, 2023
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles.
23-24-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler fan cover soiled.
23-03-4
90
Nov 3, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
50-17-2
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored over carrots in reach in cooler.
08A-05-6
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed on reach in cooler door handles.
23-24-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
36-34-5
Basic - Improper storage of equipment that interferes with cleaning. Observed boat engine motor stored in storage hallway across from storage shelf.
42-02-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler gaskets soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-33-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.
14-69-4
55
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Openseas Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Openseas Cafe on file is from Jan 15, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Openseas Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Openseas Cafe.
How does Openseas Cafe compare to other restaurants in Key Biscayne?
Openseas Cafe most recently scored 33 out of 100, which is lower than the Key Biscayne average of 57.
Has Openseas Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Openseas Cafe have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Openseas Cafe 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 Openseas Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Openseas Cafe is inspected around two times per year on average.
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