Dirty Dining: Clean Plates, Callbacks and a Leaderboard of Violations Across the Keys
Most restaurants pass inspections, but a handful rack up high violation counts.
MONROE COUNTY, Fla. — A new round of restauranthealth inspections across the Florida Keys delivered a split verdict over the past 30 days, with most establishments passing on the first visit but a smaller group drawing warnings, follow-ups and, in some cases, steep violation totals.
According to Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation records, 51 restaurants passed their initial inspections, while 10 failed to clear the first visit, triggering warnings or further enforcement.
At the top of the list, six establishments recorded zero violations, a clean sweep in an industry where even minor infractions are common.
Those included:
March 31 — Hampton Inn Key West, 3755 S. Roosevelt Blvd.
March 31 — G and G’s Pizza, 14620 SW 50 St.
March 30 — Breezers Tiki Bar Restaurant, 103800 Overseas Hwy.
March 30 — Cactus Jack’s, 103900 Overseas Hwy.
March 30 — Salty’s Bar and Grill, 103900 Overseas Hwy.
March 17 — Punta Morada, 81001 Overseas Hwy., Suite 3
Inspectors found no violations at those locations, placing them among the cleanest kitchens in the Keys during the reporting period.
But the same inspection cycle also flagged a group of restaurants that did not pass on the first attempt, with several facing escalating scrutiny.
Among the most serious cases:
City Hall Cafe, 88511 Overseas Hwy. (March 31) — Call back required, administrative complaint recommended
Italian Food Company Express, 92330 Overseas Hwy. (March 31) — Call back required, administrative complaint recommended
The Island Fish Company, 12468 Overseas Hwy. (March 4–5) — Administrative complaint recommended, followed by call back
Other restaurants receiving warnings included:
Bungalows Key Largo, 99060 Overseas Hwy. (March 31)
Marquesa 4-1-4, 414 Simonton St. (March 31)
Little Palm Island, 28500 Overseas Hwy. (March 24)
Baby’s Coffee, 3180 U.S. 1, Bay Point Shopping Center (March 24)
Sushi Sake, 103400 Overseas Hwy., Suite 108 (March 16)
Most Violations
Leading the charge with 23 violations, Doc’s Dinner posted the highest total during the reporting period, followed by Sushi Sake with 22 violations and Pickles Pub Sandbar with 21. Denny’s Latin Cafe recorded 18 violations, while Waffle House #1310 rounded out the top five with 15, placing all five establishments well above the typical range seen in routine inspections.
Just outside the top tier, Snappers Key Largo/Turtle Club and Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen II each logged 14 violations, while Keys Latin House, Upper Crust Pizza and El Meson de Pepe recorded 13 violations apiece.
Violation counts alone do not necessarily indicate long-term conditions, as many issues can be corrected quickly. However, higher totals often reflect broader breakdowns in food handling, sanitation or operational controls during the inspection window.
State inspectors evaluate restaurants on criteria including food storage, temperature control, cleanliness and employee hygiene. Establishments that fail initial inspections are typically given an opportunity to correct violations before facing penalties.
For diners, the reports provide a snapshot — not a permanent grade — of kitchens operating under constant pressure in one of Florida’s most tourism-driven regions.
Dirty Dining is a recurring monthly feature covering restaurant health inspections throughout Monroe County. Watch this space.