CHICOS CANTINA OF KEY WEST
5230 US HWY 1, Key West FL 33040 · 305.296.4714
Last inspected Jul 28, 2026 · 6 visits since October 2023
JUL 24
APR 25
AUG 25
APR 26
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and C. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw shell eggs stored over raw shrimp inside reach in cooler.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
6 visits, newest first
Jul 28, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed non food grade paper towel lining container of broccoli inside reach in cooler.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw chicken stored over unwashed cabbage inside walk in cooler.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw shell eggs stored over raw shrimp inside reach in cooler.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water on floor outside of walk in cooler.
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on oven door handle. Operator removed tongs.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed wet towel under cutting board in prep area.
Apr 8, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. In rice container. During the inspection employee removed.
Interior of oven has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed standing reach in cooler interior soiled, located at preparation area.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler, located at cooking area.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Aug 13, 2025Inspection 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/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs over green sauce and cheese in open lids reach in cooler. Operator properly stored it.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw ground beef over raw shrimp in reach in cooler, operator properly stored it.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cut lettuce (58F - Cold Holding); cooked pork (52F - Cold Holding) for less than 4 hours as per operator, operator placed moved the items to another reach in cooler.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed spatula stored in hand sink.
Food stored on floor. Observed box of shrimp and box of raw pork on walk in freezer floor. Operator properly stored it.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Operator removed it.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Operator removed it.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled hand sink next to the exit door.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Observed sanitation bucket on top of preparation area. Operator properly stored it.
Wet wiping cloths stored in detergent and sanitizer mixed together. Operator redo the sanitaizer.
Apr 2, 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 ▾
Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Storage area: utility containers used to store fried nacho chips and rice.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards.
Food stored on floor. Walk in cooler and walk in freezer raw chicken and a bag of carrots.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. By the door nearby the microwaves.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed in the ware wash area, black wall by the dish washer and rinse single compartment sink.
Jul 30, 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 ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed pico de gallo (57F - Cold Holding) at preparation cooler across from cook line. As per operator, product placed inside unit less than 1 hour prior. Advised operator to place bag of ice over product.
Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 200 plus ppm) at preparation area. Employee took solution to dilute with water.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed hand sink at ware washing area utilized as dump sink. Operator discussed with employee.
Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine.
Food stored on floor. Observed containers of radishes, raw whole fish and raw beef stored on floor underneath shelves at walk in cooler.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed hoods soiled with grease.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall near dish machine soiled with black substance.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed water leaking from faucet at sink when valves are closed at ware washing area.
Oct 9, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 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 chlorine dish machine at 0 ppm. Operator primed line. Final reading, 50ppm.
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 employee health reporting agreement and operator printed and some employees reviewed and signed.
Oyster tags not marked with last date served. Coached operator on oyster tag procedures.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed container of flan not date marked at reach in cooler at beverage area. As per operator, item prepared 2 days prior.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed at reach in cooler at cook line.
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.