Southernmost Beach Cafe
Last inspected: Nov 12, 2025
67
Score
Southernmost Beach Cafe has been inspected 15 times since 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Nov 12, 2025. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around five violations, down from roughly eight violations earlier in the record.
When inspectors have written things up, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.
The city-wide average sits at 74, which Southernmost Beach Cafe's 67 doesn't quite reach. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
15
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 12, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed a hose connected to a faucet without vacuum breaker.
29-34-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener soiled. Employee washed it.
22-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine soiled.
22-20-5
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed a metal container with raw chicken on the floor inside walk in cooler. Chef put it on the shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-47-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled.
23-03-4
67
Jul 16, 2025
Routine - Food
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed dust on kitchen ceiling.
36-34-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed plastic bottles of water stored on Walk in cooler floor. Operator removed bottles from floor. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tong stored on oven handle in kitchen. Operator removed tong. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in standing water at 90°F in kitchen. Operator removed water. **Corrected On-Site**
10-07-4
Basic - No container installed for catching grease from hood drip tray.
14-73-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed flour container unlabeled in kitchen. Operator labeled container. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
70
Jun 11, 2025
Complaint Full
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bathroom facility in disrepair. The Urinals do not flush in men's bathroom **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-06-11: The Urinals do not flush in men's bathroom **Time Extended**
32-05-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-06-11: **Time Extended**
36-02-5
90
Jun 10, 2025
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Fish not held frozen before, during and after being packaged onsite using a reduced oxygen packaging method. Observed RAW FISH ROP today and dated today , not frozen , fish was transferred to zip locks **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03G-04-5
High Priority - Fish packaged in the establishment using a reduced oxygen method not bearing a label indicating that it is to be kept frozen until time of use. ROP FISH WAS prepared today, vacuum packed on site , no haccp, **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03G-05-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. The can opener blade is soiled **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Water pitcher store in handwashing sink **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Wild birds or present on ground/table/chairs/railings in outside dining room/bar. Observed wild birds in outdoor dining area on the floor and landing on tables and rafters over the bar area . Also observed wild birds in the dry storage area in back of the restaurant, doors are opened and birds are coming in and out at free will. **Warning**
35A-24-5
Basic - Potato, panko stored on floor in dry storage **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. **Warning**
36-02-5
Basic - Bathroom facility in disrepair. The Urinals do not flush in men's bathroom **Warning**
32-05-4
47
Mar 25, 2025
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed tuna ROP package not removed from bag with warning label.
01B-13-4
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed Kimberly expired on 2/10/24.
53B-14-5
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed tuna ROP package not removed from bag with warning label.
06-09-1
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed employee cup on top of prep table.
12B-02-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
21-12-4
64
Mar 12, 2025
Complaint Full
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed thawed ROP raw tuna and unopened package on cook line.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly.0 ppm chlorine at dish machine . Eco lab is onsite repairing the dishmachine sanitation
22-41-4
High Priority - Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized.0 ppm chlorine sanitizer in dish machine 3 compartment sink is set up to sanitize wash dishes **Corrective Action Taken**
22-45-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Poultry hot holding @110F burner was lite to increase heat on warmer . **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled.
41-17-4
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package.
06-09-1
Basic - Dishmachine not washing/rinsing properly. Must wash, rinse and sanitize all dishware, equipment and utensils in three-compartment sink until dishmachine is functioning properly. **Corrected On-Site**
16-55-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Wood lid for warmer is broken and rusting
14-11-5
Basic - Food stored on floor in the walk-in cooler
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. **Corrective Action Taken**
10-07-4
39
Dec 10, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed macaroni salad (48F - Cold Holding); carnitas (47F - Cold Holding) at walk in cooler.
03A-02-5
High Priority - Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed cook crack raw shell egg and then began handling plastic spatula, no hand wash.
12A-27-4
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food.
12A-07-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw beef stored over opened box of corn at preparation area. Manager rearranged products. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-02-6
Intermediate - Clam tags not marked with last date served. **Repeat Violation**
01C-03-4
Intermediate - Establishment not maintaining clam tags for 90 days.
01C-02-4
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed no hot water available when valve is open at hand sink at cook line. **Repeat Violation**
27-16-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling in disrepair at ware washing area.
36-32-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling soiled with black substance at ware washing area. Observed ceiling vents soiled with black substance near walk in coolers. Observed ceiling vents soiled with accumulated dust at cook line.
36-34-5
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water on floor at ware washing, cook line and preparation areas. **Repeat Violation**
36-22-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer inside walk in cooler.
05-09-4
33
Dec 14, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Establishment license expired 10/01/2023 License paid for at time of inspection. **Corrective Action Taken** **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Container of shell eggs at 70° ambient in kitchen. Placed about 2 hours ago. Moved by manager. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-03-5
Intermediate - Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served. Tags not marked by last date of use.
01C-03-4
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Hot water turned off at kitchen Hand wash sink.
27-16-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl as scoop In sauce in prep line . Moved by manager **Corrective Action Taken**
14-01-5
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Soiled exterior of equipment including handles to coolers. Multiple.
23-24-4
Basic - Condensation or other drainage not disposed of according to law. Condensation drip form Ac vent by Dish Machine line.
28-02-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee jacket by canned foods. Moved by manager. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
40-06-5
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Standing water on floor by prep line. Cleaned by manager. **Corrective Action Taken**
36-22-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Old labels on exterior of cleaned containers.
16-46-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Unlabeled salt container. Marked by manager. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
43
Aug 16, 2023
Routine - Food
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
78
Aug 15, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Wiping cloth stored in the coolers used as liner under the cut lettuce, manager removed it and discarded the salad. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-86-1
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Refrigerated drawers: located in the salad station observed cut tomatoes (53F - Cold Holding); coleslaw (50 F - Cold Holding); pasta salad (51F - Cold Holding). Reach in cooler located in front of the grills: in the cook line observed cooked pasta (48F - Cold Holding); Turkey sandwich (50 F - Cold Holding); cooked octopus (50 F - Cold Holding); lobster salad (49F - Cold Holding), Salad station observed: cheese (50F - Cold Holding); cheese (46F - Cold Holding); cooked shrimps (46F - Cold Holding) as per manager for less than 4 hours, employee place food in the walk in cooler to rapidly cool down. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Cell phone stored on prep table in the salad station. **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler located by the hand sink in the cook line gasket torn. **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. **Warning**
10-20-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Ice cream scoop in standing water at 89F. **Warning**
10-07-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler gasket soiled, reach in cooler located in the expo station. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Uncovered food stored near sink exposed to splash. Ice bin with ice used for drink next to the hand wash sink exposed to splash. **Warning**
08B-54-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth used to wipe tableware or carry-out containers. **Warning**
21-02-4
50
Jun 15, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Jun 14, 2023
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 3 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 20 violations
High Priority - Bottle stored in food. See stop sale. Bottles of water stored in lettuce located in salad prep reach-in cooler. Manager discarded pan of lettuce. **Corrective Action Taken**
08B-56-4
High Priority - Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Employee cracked eggs and proceeded to handle clean plate. Manager had employee wash hands and change gloves.
12A-27-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed three flies in kitchen.
35A-02-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to adulteration of food product. Bottles of water stored in lettuce located in salad prep reach-in cooler. Manager discarded pan of lettuce. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
01B-03-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Items in reach-in cooler on server side of pass through window: tomatoes (53F - Cold Holding); macaroni salad (55F - Cold Holding); cream cheese (58F - Cold Holding); slaw (53F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items placed in cooler three hours prior to temperature being taken. Manager moved items to reach-in freezer to reduce temperature to 41F. Items in reach-in cooler across from oven: tomatoes (48F - Cold Holding); cheese (49F - Cold Holding); pico (48F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items placed in cooler three hours prior to temperature being taken. Manager moved items to reach-in freezer to reduce temperature to 41F. Items in cook line grill drawers: cheese (48F - Cold Holding); lobster (48F - Cold Holding); ham (49F - Cold Holding); sausage (51F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items placed in cooler three hours prior to temperature being taken. Manager moved items to reach-in freezer to reduce temperature to 41F. Items in reach-in cooler across from grill: cheese (56F - Cold Holding); slaw (55F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items placed in cooler three hours prior to temperature being taken. Manager moved items to reach-in freezer to reduce temperature to 41F. **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Item in steam table across from grill: sausage (94F - Hot Holding). Manager stated item placed in steam table 1 hour prior to temperature being taken. Manager had employee place sausage on grill to reheat. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served. Last date used not marked on some of tags. **Repeat Violation**
01C-03-4
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Fish dip stored in salad prep area reach-in cooler. Manager stated item was placed in container two days earlier Manager added date to item. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-03-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards on reach-in coolers across from grill. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. CO2 tanks near back door in dry storage area. Manager had employee secure tanks. **Corrected On-Site**
51-11-4
Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Reach-in cooler across from fryers, ambient temperature 60F.
14-74-7
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table in prep area. Manager removed drink from table. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Employee eating in dish area. Manager had employee finish eating in dining room. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-02-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Container of soda and cases of cooking oil stored on floor in dry storage area. Manager placed items on shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Food-contact surface not smooth and easily cleanable. Pans stored on shelf in dish area.
14-13-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs hanging on cook line oven.
10-20-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Pans stored in dish area.
16-46-4
Basic - Storage area shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Shelf in dish area.
14-17-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall on cook line across from fryers.
36-27-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets of reach-in cooler across from fryer. Shelf with fan across from pass through window.
23-03-4
17
May 31, 2023
Complaint Full
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. The bar Handwash sink has a soda gun line hanging in it and water pitchers in front of I. - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-31: Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. The bar Handwash sink has a soda gun line hanging in it . **Time Extended**
31A-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Refrigerator Drawers on cook line not working, reach in unit on cookline not working,, no food in units .Equipment in poor repair. - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-31: Refrigerator Drawers on cook line not working, reach in unit on cookline not working,, no food in units .Equipment in poor repair. **Time Extended**
14-11-5
86
May 24, 2023
Complaint Full
4 critical violations. 7 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
No Bare Hand Contact with Ready-to-Eat Food
FL-09
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
9
Aug 2, 2022
Routine - Food
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed at the prep kitchen.
36-34-5
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Observed at the women bathroom .
32-12-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed a green cutting table at prep kitchen. Operator discarded it. **Corrected On-Site**
14-09-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on oven door handler. Operator removed it. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed a scoop handler in contact with the flour. Operator removed it. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at the men bathroom.
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler freezer gaskets soiled. Operator cleaned them **Corrected On-Site**
23-03-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed a plastic container with flour not labeled. Operator placed a label. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Southernmost Beach Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Southernmost Beach Cafe on file is from Nov 12, 2025. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Southernmost Beach Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Southernmost Beach Cafe.
How does Southernmost Beach Cafe compare to other restaurants in Key West?
Southernmost Beach Cafe most recently scored 67 out of 100, which is lower than the Key West average of 74.
Has Southernmost Beach Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Southernmost Beach Cafe have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Southernmost Beach Cafe means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Southernmost Beach Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Southernmost Beach Cafe is inspected around five times per year on average.
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