The Lobster Hut

218 A Duval Str, Key West, FL 33040

Seafood

Last inspected: Mar 31, 2026

Score

Low Risk

The health department has logged five inspections at The Lobster Hut, the earliest from 2023. The latest inspection on file is from Mar 31, 2026. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.

The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around two violations, down from roughly six violations earlier in the record.

The Lobster Hut's latest score of 86 sits above the Key West average of 74. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Mar 31, 2026

Food-Licensing Inspection

1 major violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

Food Obtained from Approved Sources

FL-11

Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal

FL-51

Aug 19, 2024

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 7 minor violations.

View 12 violations

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed pico de gallo (47F - Cold Holding); cooked shrimp (47F - Cold Holding) on reach in cooler next to fryer. As per employee less than 1 hour. Employee moved food to reach in freezer to cooling down temperature. **Corrective Action Taken**

03A-02-5

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. **Corrected On-Site**

31B-02-4

Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.

05-08-4

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked lobster not date marked, as per employee over 24 hours. **Corrected On-Site**

02C-02-5

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed scooter and garbage bags blocking HWS. **Corrected On-Site**

31A-09-4

Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed napkins case stored on floor by bathroom. Also observed a case of Togo cups **Corrected On-Site**

25-05-4

Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.

42-01-4

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed honey container not labeled with common name. **Corrected On-Site**

02D-01-5

Basic - Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Observed missing faucet on 3 compartment sink.

29-09-4

Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.

13-03-4

Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cooking oil containers stored on floor on hallway. **Corrected On-Site**

08B-38-4

Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Observed at HWS.

29-08-4

Feb 21, 2024

Food-Licensing Inspection

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Basic - Exterior front door has a gap at the top of doorway that opens to the outside. Air curtain is not operational and is required by plan review on existing approve plans from previous owner.

35B-01-4

Aug 15, 2023

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.

View 4 violations

Food Obtained from Approved Sources

FL-11

Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures

FL-21

Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature

FL-29

Washing Fruits and Vegetables

FL-42

Jun 26, 2023

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

Employee Health Policies Present

FL-03

Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used

FL-32

Frequently Asked Questions

When was The Lobster Hut last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at The Lobster Hut on file is from Mar 31, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

How does The Lobster Hut compare to other restaurants in Key West?

The Lobster Hut most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is higher than the Key West average of 74.

Has The Lobster Hut's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at The Lobster Hut have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at The Lobster Hut 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 The Lobster Hut inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, The Lobster Hut is inspected around two times per year on average.

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