CAFE SOLE
1029 SOUTHARD ST, Key West FL 33040 · (305)294-0230
Last inspected Feb 18, 2026 · 5 visits since May 2024
MAY 24
MAR 25
AUG 25
FEB 26
≈ ERRATIC
4 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Confirmation 246058099 paid 323.00 on 3-25-2025
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $200
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2022019031 | Mar 8, 2022 | May 17, 2022 | $200 |
Inspection history
5 visits, newest first
Feb 18, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 19 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority6 Intermediate9 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 19 findingsThe state's own report →
Employee washed hands with no soap. Observed employee wash hands by cook line hand sink no soap. Employee provided.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef container stored above cooked mash potatoes at walk in cooler.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw beef stored over raw oysters by walk in cooler.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. 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 six raw tuna thawing more than 4 hours inside reach in cooler.
Show the remaining 15 findings ▾
Clam/mussel/oyster tags not maintained in chronological order according to the last date they were served in the establishment.
Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards soiled by ware washing area. Observed can opener soiled by back kitchen.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. By bar area.
No soap provided at handwash sink. By cook line. Employee provided.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cook rice inside walk in cooler not dated. As per employee prepared two days prior.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a container with no handle inside corn meal container by back kitchen.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed above AC by dishwasher.
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 six raw tuna thawing more than 4 hours inside reach in cooler.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area.observed employee drinking a can of soda at cook line.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed by cook line utensils at room temperature.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. By cook line.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled by ware washing area.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler shelves across cook line.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed container with sugars not labeled at prep area near dishwasher.
Aug 27, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
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. Tuna fish not frozen not removed from ROP BAG.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler gasket soiled.
Mar 25, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority5 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Confirmation 246058099 paid 323.00 on 3-25-2025
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.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Kitchen can opener.
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.
Probe thermometer not used to ensure proper food temperatures of cooked time/temperature control for safety food.
Probe thermometer not used to ensure proper food temperatures.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Clean most kitchen colors throughout.
Soiled dry wiping cloth in use.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean.
May 21, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled, located at preparation area.
Raw or undercooked oysters offered and establishment has no consumer advisory sign provided on wall, menu, placard, table tent or by any other written means. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Discussed with employee and provided printed consumer advisory for oyster.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in gaskets soiled, located at preparation area.
May 21, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
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.