BLACKFIN BISTRO
918 DUVAL STREET, Key West FL 33040
Last inspected Aug 18, 2026 · 7 visits since April 2024
AUG 24
APR 25
AUG 25
FEB 26
AUG 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 28 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
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.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $400
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2019013907 | Feb 11, 2019 | Apr 22, 2019 | $400 |
Inspection history
7 visits, newest first
Aug 18, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken above raw pork inside reach in cooler. Cook inverted them immediately.
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.
Expired chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed expired chlorine and quat test kit since 2025. Cook immediately bought new ones.
Equipment gaskets in poor repair. Observed freezer gaskets in disrepair.
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop handle in ice in ice machine located outside.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed frozen ground beef thawing in standing water. Employee opened the cold running water.
Feb 11, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw beef burgers stored over green beans inside reach in cooler in kitchen. Operator properly relocated products.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored over chopped garlic inside flip top portion of reach in cooler in kitchen area. Operator properly relocated products.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed blanched fries (70F - Hot Holding) across from fryer. Operator placed product inside reach in freezer for rapid cooling. Operator opting to use time as public health control for blanched fries moving forward.
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 operator form via email.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed towel under cutting board in prep area.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided operator via email.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rusted shelves inside reach in cooler in kitchen area.
Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Observed hand sink draining slowly in kitchen area.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled in dish area.
Aug 18, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored over fish inside reach in cooler.
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.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed milk opened for more than 24 hours prior not date marked.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed pans not inverted at cook line.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided to operator via email.
Apr 7, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs above mashed potatoes inside reach in cooler. Employee inverted the products.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Missing paper towel at the bar station.
Equipment gaskets in poor repair. Observed gaskets in disrepair at the dessert area.
Ice bucket/shovel stored on floor between uses. Observed ice bucket stored on the floor at the front bar.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed some mold like substance on reach in cooler gaskets for desserts.
Aug 19, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed raw tuna tartare not identified as raw item on Menu.
No container installed for catching grease from hood drip tray.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled reach in cooler gaskets in front of cook line.
Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Observed inside kitchen. Operator removed bucket from floor.
Jun 26, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
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.
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in unit at cook line.
Apr 16, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority4 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed Dishwasher (Chlorine 25ppm).
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
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.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test strips available.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed lobster salad not date marked in reach in cooler at kitchen area. As per Chef from previous day.
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in unit at cook line.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed soiled reach in freezer interior.
Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed on preparation table.
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.