The Reef Cafe

33000 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33043

Café / Breakfast

Last inspected: Aug 26, 2025

Score

Low Risk

The Reef Cafe has been inspected five times since 2024. The latest inspection on file is from Aug 26, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.

Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around six violations to closer to three violations per visit.

That falls roughly in the middle of the pack for Big Pine Key restaurants. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Aug 26, 2025

Routine - Food

2 major violations. 1 minor violation.

View 3 violations

Food Obtained from Approved Sources

FL-11

Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature

FL-16

Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed

FL-50

Apr 15, 2025

Routine - Food

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

View 4 violations

High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical, bleach,degreaser , oven cleaner improperly stored on shelf above the triple sink. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-15: Observed bottles of cleaners , bleach oven cleaner, glass cleaner above triple sink on the shelf. **Admin Complaint**

41-10-4

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-15: No proof of food handler training at callback inspection. **Admin Complaint**

53B-01-5

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Mobile food dispensing vehicle license number not permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least 2 inches high and in contrasting colors from the background of the vehicle. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-15: at call back inspection the MFDV has no license number affixed to the side of the unit **Time Extended**

50-04-4

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Single-service articles, side order cups, improperly stored on the floor **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-15: **Time Extended**

25-05-4

Jan 21, 2025

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 3 minor violations.

View 8 violations

High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical, bleach,degreaser , oven cleaner improperly stored on shelf above the triple sink. **Warning**

41-10-4

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 - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. **Warning**

27-16-4

Intermediate - Hot water at three-compartment sink does not reach 85 degrees Fahrenheit. **Warning**

27-24-5

Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. **Warning**

53A-01-7

Basic - Mobile food dispensing vehicle license number not permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least 2 inches high and in contrasting colors from the background of the vehicle. **Warning**

50-04-4

Basic - Hotel and Restaurant license decal not displayed on mobile food dispensing vehicle. **Warning**

50-03-4

Basic - Single-service articles, side order cups, improperly stored on the floor **Warning**

25-05-4

Jul 17, 2024

Food-Licensing Inspection

No violations found.

100

Jul 11, 2024

Food-Licensing Inspection

1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.

View 6 violations

Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels

FL-14

Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed

FL-27

Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature

FL-29

Approved Thawing Methods Used

FL-31

Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal

FL-51

Insects, Rodents, and Animals Not Present

FL-38

Frequently Asked Questions

When was The Reef Cafe last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at The Reef Cafe on file is from Aug 26, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.

How does The Reef Cafe compare to other restaurants in Big Pine Key?

The Reef Cafe most recently scored 78 out of 100, which is about the same as the Big Pine Key average of 77.

Has The Reef Cafe's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at The Reef Cafe have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at The Reef 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.

Nearby Restaurants

China Garden

209 Key Deer Blvd

Score: 70 — Medium Risk

Fritter Factory

33000 Overseas Highway

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Coco's Kitchen

275 Key Deer Blvd Unit 283

Score: 82 — Low Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Big Pine Key → Café / Breakfast restaurants in Florida → Café / Breakfast restaurants in Big Pine Key