Viva Saloon
Last inspected: Feb 11, 2026
29
Score
The health department has logged nine inspections at Viva Saloon, the earliest from 2022. Viva Saloon was last inspected on Feb 11, 2026. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near 12 violations each time.
Looking across the full record, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
By comparison, the average Key West facility scores 74, putting Viva Saloon on the weaker side. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.
9
Inspections
3
Critical latest
4
Major latest
8
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 11, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed non food grade paper towel lining container of raw beef inside standing reach in cooler next to cook line.
14-86-1
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw chicken removed from original packaging stored over raw beef and fries inside standing reach in freezer.
08A-17-6
High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed raw shell eggs stored at room temperature next to fryers. As per operator for 20 mins.
03A-03-5
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. **Repeat Violation**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled at prep table. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed bucket stored inside hand sink next to walk in cooler.
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chemical test kit for chlorine for dish machine.
16-37-1
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cases of fryer oil stored on floor in dry storage area.
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Observed tongs stored inside container of raw chicken with handle in contact with food at reach in cooler across from cook line.
10-06-5
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. **Repeat Violation**
51-13-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At hand sink next to dish machine. **Repeat Violation**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled across from fryers. Observed hood filters soiled. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Next to cook line.
14-33-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in cooler shelves rusted.
14-17-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled near dish machine. **Repeat Violation**
36-27-5
29
Aug 18, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed butter (50F - Cold Holding) at cook line. Advised operator on correct procedures.
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked potatoes not date marked inside WIC, as per owner for more than 24 hours prior.
02C-02-5
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. Provided to operator via email.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled.
22-02-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided to operator via email.
51-13-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at HWS by dishwasher machine.
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled by reach in cooler by cook line.
23-03-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed cooked potatoes inside WIC not covered.
08B-12-5
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed by WIC.
36-27-5
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed pipe leaking in HWS by dishwasher.
29-11-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
21-12-4
45
Mar 12, 2025
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Kitchen can opener very soiled
22-02-4
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 - 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
Basic - Accumulation of debris in three-compartment sink.
16-07-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
16-03-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner.
24-05-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed buckets of food on walk-in cooler floor.
08B-38-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Momo's kitchen reaching coolers.
05-09-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Most kitchen RIC.
14-33-4
Basic - Soiled dry wiping cloth in use.
21-10-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
50
Aug 20, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. During the routine inspection observed cooked steak with corn (56F - Cold Holding); cooked pasta (57F - Cold Holding); raw beef (55F - Cold Holding); cooked risotto (58F - Cold Holding); steak empanadas (55F - Cold Holding); cooked potatoes (56F - Cold Holding), stored inside the walk in cooler. As per employee food was prepared 12 hours before the inspection. - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-20: Previous Stop sale complied during routine inspection. another stop sale was issued during callback inspection for 3 cases of heavy cream at 51 F over night in walk-in cooler. **Admin Complaint**
01B-02-5
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. During the routine inspection observed cooked steak with corn (56F - Cold Holding); cooked pasta (57F - Cold Holding); raw beef (55F - Cold Holding); cooked risotto (58F - Cold Holding); steak empanadas (55F - Cold Holding); cooked potatoes (56F - Cold Holding), stored inside the walk in cooler. As per employee food was prepared 12 hours before the inspection. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-20: At callback inspection in the walk-in All TCS Items were relocated to stand up refrigerator units and uncut produce is in the walk-in cooler at callback inspection except 3 cases / 12 each of heavy cream over night in walking cooler @51F. STOP SALE **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. By the bar entrance. - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-20: Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. By the bar entrance. **Time Extended**
36-17-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed flip top reach in cooler gaskets soiled, located at cooking line. Observed hood filters soiled. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-20: reach in gaskets are soiled . Hood filters are clean **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-20: Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Time Extended**
14-17-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : 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. During the routine inspection observed walk in cooler running at 50F. - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-20: The walk-in cooler is @41-46 F ambient temp. The owners have an estimate for replacing the WIC. **Time Extended**
14-74-7
61
Aug 19, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 4 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee engaging in food preparation and no washing hands after changing task.
12A-07-5
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 50+ rodent droppings in the dry storage area underneath shelves and pallets. At the time of the inspection observed single service items and reach in freezer with raw beef stored in dry storage area.
35A-04-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. During the routine inspection observed cooked steak with corn (56F - Cold Holding); cooked pasta (57F - Cold Holding); raw beef (55F - Cold Holding); cooked risotto (58F - Cold Holding); steak empanadas (55F - Cold Holding); cooked potatoes (56F - Cold Holding), stored inside the walk in cooler. As per employee food was prepared 12 hours before the inspection.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. During the routine inspection observed cooked steak with corn (56F - Cold Holding); cooked pasta (57F - Cold Holding); raw beef (55F - Cold Holding); cooked risotto (58F - Cold Holding); steak empanadas (55F - Cold Holding); cooked potatoes (56F - Cold Holding), stored inside the walk in cooler. As per employee food was prepared 12 hours before the inspection. **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times, located at cooking line.
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing.
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Employee placed a paper towel roll. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin, located near the kitchen entrance.
22-20-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed walk in cooler ceiling soiled. **Repeat Violation**
36-34-5
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. During the routine inspection observed walk in cooler running at 50F.
14-74-7
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. By the bar entrance.
36-17-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed 2 tongs in use stored on oven handle. During the inspection employee removed it. **Corrective Action Taken**
10-20-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed flip top reach in cooler gaskets soiled, located at cooking line. Observed hood filters soiled. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer, located at front counter.
14-69-4
25
Apr 16, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw chicken (48F - Cold Holding) in reach in cooler at cook line, as per employee less than 1 hour. Employee moved food to walk in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at the bar. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked sweet potatoes not date marked inside walk in cooler, as per employee from previous day. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
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.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled cutting boards, also observed soiled can opener blade.
22-02-4
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed in women's bathroom.
32-04-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed throughout kitchen.
36-34-5
Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed at walk in cooler.
36-11-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed several plastic food containers stored on walk in cooler floor. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed at the bar. **Corrected On-Site**
10-08-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at the bar.
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in all units at kitchen area.
23-03-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed several not covered food containers inside walk in cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw ground beef in standing water in kitchen area. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
42-01-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed on preparation table.
21-09-4
33
Dec 14, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Dec 11, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - No proof of parasite destruction or aquaculture documentation for cold smoked salmon served raw or undercooked. Fish must be fully cooked or discarded. Establishment offers Raw salmon for ceviche. Unable to verify salmon is farm raised / pellet fed. Salmon must be fully cooked until able to verify farm raised/ pellet fed. **Warning**
01D-03-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Garbage can in front of kitchen Hand wash sink. Moved by manager. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Soiled deflector plate in ice machine located: hallway.
22-20-5
Basic - Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance. Mens restroom door left open.
32-02-4
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. No self closing mechanism on restroom door
32-04-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Soiled exterior of equipment including handles to coolers. Prep line.
23-24-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Unsecured co2 tank by rear kitchen.
51-11-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee beverage on prep table. Moved by manager. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Missing Hand wash sign by rear Hand wash sink.
31B-04-4
55
Aug 2, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed in the kitchen, a bucket of sanitizer stored by potatoes on a prep table. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Equipment drain line draining into handwash sink. Observed a drain from the coffee machine dripping into the bar hand wash sink **Repeat Violation**
31A-10-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Repeat Violation**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Servers station. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide tanks not adequately secured. **Repeat Violation**
51-11-4
Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Walk in cooler.
36-11-4
Basic - Old food stuck to clean dishware/utensils.
16-48-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. In front of the three compartment sink.
22-16-4
52
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Viva Saloon last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Viva Saloon on file is from Feb 11, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Viva Saloon?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Viva Saloon.
How does Viva Saloon compare to other restaurants in Key West?
Viva Saloon most recently scored 29 out of 100, which is lower than the Key West average of 74.
Has Viva Saloon's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Viva Saloon have averaged around 12 violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Viva Saloon means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Viva Saloon inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Viva Saloon is inspected around three times per year on average.
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