Paradise Cafe
Last inspected: Jan 26, 2026
100
Score
Going back to 2023, Paradise Cafe has five inspections in the public record. The newest entry in the record is dated Jan 26, 2026. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around zero violations, down from roughly five violations earlier in the record.
Looking across the full record, “equipment and utensils not washed” is the recurring theme, flagged two times.
Paradise Cafe's latest score of 100 sits above the Key West average of 74. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 26, 2026
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Oct 28, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef stored over ground chorizo in flip top reach in cooler. During the inspection employee removed items and placed them correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager. ,Observed Jose Mendoza. Expired 06/12/2025
53A-03-7
Basic - Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized.
16-13-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees
31B-04-4
64
May 7, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed cook crack raw shell egg and then handled tortilla and clean plate. Manager discussed hand washing procedures with employee. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-27-4
High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed 7 dozen eggs held at room temperature. As per manager, for approximately 3 hours. Manager placed in reach in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-03-5
High Priority - Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink.
29-37-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employees preparing food and washing dishes without hair restraints.
13-03-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee phone on cutting board at preparation area. Employee removed item. Employee sanitized area. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
58
Jul 30, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
26
May 3, 2023
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken stored over raw beef in bottom of reach-in cooler across from stove. Operator removed raw chicken to properly store **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. sliced American cheese (48F - Cold Holding) in 3rd door of reach-in cooler below front window. Observed large bags of produce on top shelf blocking the air flow in reach-in cooler. Operator removed cheese to place in nearby cooler to chill. Operator also reorganized top shelf of reach-in cooler to help air flow. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Two spray bottles containing toxic substance stored next to single use souflee cups under shelf at hand wash sink. Operator removed both cleaners to properly store. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Vacuum breaker missing from splitter in back of building outside dining area.
29-34-4
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. Operator unable to provide written procedures for clean up events. Distributed Training material during this inspection.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board at reach-in cooler across from oven soiled/stained. Also, portable cutting board in prep area soiled/ stained. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Operator stated eggs can be ordered at guest request without a consumer advisory. Emailed consumer advisory to operator to post at window. **Corrected On-Site**
02B-02-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled Spray bottle containing toxic substance stored on bottom shelf near hand wash sink. Operator labeled spray bottle of cleaner. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Torn Gasket on glass reach-in cooler across from Front window. Also, handle missing from glass reach-in cooler door across from front counter Also, interior of microwave next to stove in disrepair
14-11-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Employee washing dishes at triple sink did not have sanitizer set up and placed dishes on clean storage shelf. Discussed with operator. Operator stated he will have dishes sanitized **Corrective Action Taken**
16-13-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Cup without handle used to dispense cheese in flip top reach-in cooler across from stove. Operator removed souflee cup **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
32
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Paradise Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Paradise Cafe on file is from Jan 26, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Paradise Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “equipment and utensils not washed” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Paradise Cafe.
How does Paradise Cafe compare to other restaurants in Key West?
Paradise Cafe most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Key West average of 74.
Has Paradise Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Paradise Cafe have averaged around zero violations per visit, down from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Paradise 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 Paradise Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Paradise Cafe is inspected around two times per year on average.
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