The Jerk
Last inspected: Mar 3, 2026
61
Score
Across the available record, The Jerk has six inspections on file, the first dated 2023. On Mar 3, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near six violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “hole in or other damage to wall” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded three times.
Restaurants in Key West average 74, so The Jerk trails the local norm. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
6
Inspections
2
Critical latest
1
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 3, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation.
View 3 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
61
Nov 12, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
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
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
50
Apr 23, 2025
Routine - Food
5 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Intermediate - Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items. Info was provided.
11-07-5
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. Info was provided.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed stained cutting boards.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Missing paper towel at the hand sink station. Owner restocked the station immediately. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed not hot running water at the kitchen hand sink. Owner opened the hot line immediately. **Corrected On-Site**
27-16-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed a hole on the wall behind the mop sink. **Repeat Violation**
36-24-5
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
51-13-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed a leak underneath the hand sink . **Repeat Violation**
29-11-4
Basic - Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Observed at the kitchen area.
36-03-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
47
Dec 9, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
82
Jul 29, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked carrots with sauce (97F - Hot Holding) at room temperature at cook line. Person in charge began reheating product to 165F. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Person in charge replenished paper towels. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Observed Food Manager certificate for Deon Wong expired on 5-30-19. **Warning**
53A-03-7
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole in wall near 3 compartment sink. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-24-5
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed single service trays not inverted at preparation area. **Warning**
25-06-4
Basic - Unwrapped single-service utensils not presented so that only the handles are touched. Observed single service forks not inverted at preparation area. **Warning**
25-02-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed water leaking from pipe onto floor underneath hand sink. **Warning**
29-11-4
52
Jan 30, 2023
Routine - Food
4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
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
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
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 - Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed hot water at 78Fat hand sink at cook line. Operator repaired water heating unit during inspection. Final reading at 115F. **Corrected On-Site**
27-16-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at cook line.
14-09-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed near 3 compartment sink.
36-24-5
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled with food debris near steam table at cook line.
36-27-5
58
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Jerk last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Jerk on file is from Mar 3, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Jerk?
Across the inspection record, “hole in or other damage to wall” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at The Jerk.
How does The Jerk compare to other restaurants in Key West?
The Jerk most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the Key West average of 74.
Has The Jerk's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Jerk have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at The Jerk 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 The Jerk inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Jerk is inspected around two times per year on average.
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