BUTTONWOOD GRILL
45 GARDEN COVE DR, Key Largo FL 33037 · 3055221300
Last inspected Aug 20, 2026 · 10 visits since August 2023
DEC 24
APR 25
DEC 25
APR 26
JUN 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections, one direction. The current grade is the worst on record.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
★ 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--2017045287 | Aug 9, 2017 | Oct 20, 2017 | $400 |
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Aug 20, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jun 22, 2026Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed 3 compartment sink was removed and installed at the kitchen area, also observed a wall located at kitchen separating front counter was removed.
Jun 19, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 15 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority6 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed clam chowder (56F - Cooling) at walk in cooler, as per operator soup was reheated the previous day. Operator discarded during inspection.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed clam chowder (56F - Cooling) at walk in cooler, as per operator soup was reheated the previous day. Operator discarded during inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw chicken (47F - Cold Holding); pooled eggs (52F - Cold Holding); raw steak (47F - Cold Holding) at walk in cooler, as per operator less than 4 hours. Also observed cooked pasta (46F - Cold Holding); raw burgers (46F - Cold Holding); clam chowder (56F - Cooling); raw shrimp (45F - Cold Holding); raw tuna (45F - Cold Holding) on reach in cooler at kitchen area, as per operator less than 3 hours. Operator add ice to food containers for rapid cooling.
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Observed commercially processed crab meat container not date marked, as per operator was opened over 24 hours inside reach in cooler at cook line.
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 paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at front counter, operator restocked during inspection.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed 3 compartment sink was removed and installed at the kitchen area, also observed a wall located at kitchen separating front counter was removed.
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.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed clam chowder not dated marked on shelves at walk in cooler, as per operator over 24 hours.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed flour white bin not stored 6 inches off floor by preparation area.
Food stored on floor. Observed raw chicken container also observed a bag of raw carrots stored on walk in cooler floor, operator stored properly during inspection.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed at walk in cooler.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at front counter.
Sanitizing solution for wiping cloths not free of food debris and visible soil. Observed at cook line, operator replaced.
Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Observed at cook line, operator stored properly.
Apr 16, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed raw grouper filet still on ROP package, operator discarded during inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw shrimp (49F - Cold Holding) in reach in cooler at cook line, as per employee less than 1 hour. Employee closed lid for rapid cooling. raw shrimp second temperature (43F - Cold Holding)
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed heavy duty detergent bottle on top of reach in cooler at kitchen area, employee removed during inspection.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed frozen conch fritters container inside hand wash sink at kitchen area, employee removed during inspection.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed raw grouper filet still on ROP package, operator discarded during inspection.
Frozen time/temperature control for safety food being slacked at room temperature is no longer frozen solid. Observed raw shrimp (72F - Cold Holding) in standing water inside compartment sink at kitchen area, as per employee less than 2 hours, employee drain the water and moved to reach in cooler.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop stored on top of ice machine.
In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Observed scoop handle on potatoes salad container at cook line, operator stored properly during inspection.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in all units at kitchen area.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed soiled reach in cooler interior across hand wash sink at kitchen area. Also observed soiled interior in reach in cooler across cook line.
Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. Observed at cook line.
Dec 30, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 9 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority0 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed Employee fail to wash hands prior to changing gloves.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. observed establishment preparing, serving, or selling food to customer with an experienced license.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed commercially packaged raw tuna in ROP defrosted in packaging in walk in cooler. Operator discarded tuna.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed Co2 tank to the left of three compartment sink not secured.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed commercially packaged raw tuna in ROP defrosted in packaging in walk in cooler. Operator discarded tuna.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed operator preparing food without hair restraint.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in reach in freezer to the right of three compartment sink.
Reach-in freezer interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed soiled inside reach in freezer, to the right of three compartment.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed container of flour and bread crumbs to the left of walk in cooler, not identified by common name.
Apr 22, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observe raw pork and raw steak stored on same container on unit at cook line. Employee stored properly.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observe sliced american cheese (51F - Cold Holding) on reach in cooler at cook line, as per employee less than 2 hours, employee moved container to reach in cooler interior to cool down.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observe gravy bag Inside hand wash sink at kitchen area, coached employee on proper procedures.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observe Lysol spray bottle not identified at front counter.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observe personal drink on preparation table at kitchen. Employee removed.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observe personal phone on preparation table at kitchen area, employee removed during inspection.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observe soiled gaskets on units at cook line.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observe on three units at cook line.
Sanitizing solution for wiping cloths not free of food debris and visible soil. Employee discarded and replaced with a new one.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed under hot running water. Observe hot running water on gravy bag (frozen) on hand wash sink at kitchen area. As per employee less than 15 minutes. Employee moved to compartment sink with running water.
Dec 18, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw hamburger patties stored above raw calamari inside reach in cooler at kitchen area.
Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed raw tuna still on ROP packages, inside reach in cooler at kitchen area.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop being stored on top of the ice machine. Operator moved scoop during inspection.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets on units across fryers.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed on unit across fryers in kitchen area.
Apr 9, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed sliced cheese (48F - Cold Holding); sliced pastrami (48F - Cold Holding) in reach in cooler at kitchen area. As per employee less than 3 hours. Employee stored food in a deeper container.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked pasta not date marked, inside reach in cooler across fryer. As per employee from previous day.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed soiled handles in unit at cook line.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed tuna thawed still in ROP inside reach in cooler at kitchen area.
Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Observe sanitizer solution in the middle compartment.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed spatulas stored in standing water at 110°F on stove.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed in unit across flat grill.
Oct 23, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed several WC at kitchen area.
Aug 17, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 14 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority3 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
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 form during inspection.
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. Provided form during inspection.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed degreaser spray bottle not identified at kitchen area.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed in all units at kitchen area.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed in kitchen area.
Food stored on floor. Observed dry garlic container stored on floor at dry storage area. Employee rearranged properly.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Observed in sugar container. Employee removed during inspection.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in all units at kitchen.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed at kitchen area.
Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed several WC at kitchen area.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar,flour,panko,rice and coconut containers not identified in kitchen area.
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.