FOUR MARLINS
1435 SIMONTON ST, Key West FL 33040 · 305-296-5000
Last inspected Aug 4, 2026 · 9 visits since September 2023
DEC 24
APR 25
AUG 25
JAN 26
AUG 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed two flying insects in the rolling areas: one in warewashing area and one observed on cookline near stove.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Aug 4, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 7 findingsThe state's own report →
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener soiled. Operator moved to washing area.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at pantry station.
Wash solution in spray type hot water sanitizing dishmachine not reaching proper temperature according to manufacturer's specifications. Observed Dishwasher (Temperature 142).
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles at cook line. Observed vents at cook line.
Show the remaining 3 findings ▾
Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Observed at cook line.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed under fryer.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed conch mix thawing at room temperature at pantry station.
Jan 27, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed 6 mahi filets completely thawed in ROP. Observed 10 grouper filets completely thawed in ROP.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemical spray on rack where chocolate syrup and mixers are held in bar. Operator removed during inspection.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed at mop sink area.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed on dry food racks.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed exterior soiled.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed 1 tile missing outside of walk in cooler. Observed 1 missing in pastry prep area.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed on air vents; dust accumulation.
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 6 mahi filets completely thawed in ROP. Observed 10 grouper filets completely thawed in ROP.
Dishmachine missing baffles, curtains in wash/rinse tanks. Observed at dish machine in kitchen.
Food stored on floor. Observed oil on floor in dry storage. Operator placed on shelf during inspection.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in multiple freezers.
Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Observed at reach in freezer outside of meat cooler.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in reach in cooler in bar.
Aug 20, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed inside reach in freezer in dry storage.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed inside Bar. Operator stored scoop correctly.
Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Observed in hand wash sink in Bar.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed cinnamon powder container unlabeled in kitchen. Operator labeled container.
Apr 28, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink, located at preparation area. During the inspection operator placed a new paper towel.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of 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. Observed mahi fish in individual vacuum packages inside reach in cooler at cooking station. Operator opened the packages.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. During the inspection employee removed tongs.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed several kitchen utensils stored in standing water at 76F. During the inspection employee discarded water.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed 2 doors standing reach in cooler gaskets soiled.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed 2 doors standing reach in cooler interior soiled.
Dec 11, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 12 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
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 20 lbs of thawed raw grouper stored inside reduced oxygen packaging at walk in cooler. Discussed with Chef and GM safe handling procedures.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw shrimp (50F - Cold Holding); raw ground beef (52F - Cold Holding) at reach in cooler drawers at cook line. As per chef, less than 2 hours. Chef took products to walk in freezer.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed establishment utilizing time as a public health control for butter at front line, no written procedures available. Provided form via email to GM.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
Clean utensils or equipment stored in dirty drawer or rack. Observed clean cooking utensils stored in dirty tray underneath preparation table across from protein walk in cooler. GM began removing items.
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 20 lbs of thawed raw grouper stored inside reduced oxygen packaging at walk in cooler. Discussed with Chef and GM safe handling procedures.
Dishmachine missing baffles, curtains in wash/rinse tanks.
Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed bug zapper stored over shaker cups at bar. GM removed cups.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed underneath reach in cooler drawers heavy accumulation of old food debris.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall above fryer area soiled with old grease and pipes behind area also soiled.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
No current insurance inspector boiler report or boiler certificate available for boiler. For reporting purposes only. Observed boiler certificates expired.
Jun 24, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener soiled. Employee washed it.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Food debris inside oven.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Towels on top of the preparation table. Manager put inside the sanitizer bucket.
Sep 27, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Sep 27, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 9 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority4 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed two flying insects in the rolling areas: one in warewashing area and one observed on cookline near stove.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. half and half creamer (50F - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler in bar area. Operator stated server had it out for customers coffee this morning. Operator stated he will discuss with server to put back in cooler after each use. Also, butter (46F - Cold Holding); buttermilk (45F - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler in pastry area. Operator stated employee has been in cooler a lot this morning. Operator will move items to a nearby cooler to chill items. rechecked temps on butter and buttermilk at end of inspection and both at 43F
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Vacuum breaker missing from threaded hose bibb in warewashing area. Engineering installed vacuum breaker during this inspection.
Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served. Multiple oyster tags missing last date served. Discussed with operator. Also, tags not in chronological order. Operator started to put tags in order during this inspection.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Portable Cutting boards on cookline and in prep area soiled/ stained.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at hand wash sink next to ice machine. Operator replenished paper towels.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Operator using TPHC on front service area for the butter and on cook line for items near flip top reach-in cooler unable to provide TPHC paperwork during this inspection. Emailed paperwork to operator and he started to fill out during this inspection.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Pair of tongs hanging from handle of oven. Employee removed tongs to properly store.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Vents throughout kitchen soiled/ rusted
Sep 25, 2023Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 1 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in reach-in cooler on cook line held from previous day Cut melon (57F - Cold Holding); Salmon (57F - Cold Holding); Yogurt (57F - Cold Holding); Feta cheese (57F - Cold Holding) See Stop Sale. Cooler had Ambient temperature of 50F. Observed in walk-in cooler Ham (57F - Cold Holding); Sharp cheddar cheese (57F - Cold Holding); Raw shell eggs Ambient temperature (50F - Cold Holding); Milk (56F - Cold Holding); Heavy cream (56F - Cold Holding); Goat cheese (56F - Cold Holding); Blue cheese crumbles (56F - Cold Holding); Yogurt (57F - Cold Holding); Mozzarella cheese (57F - Cold Holding); Pepper jack cheese (57F - Cold Holding); mozzarella cheese (57F - Cold Holding); Butter (57F - Cold Holding); Half and Half (57F - Cold Holding); Liquid egg whites (57F - Cold Holding); Culinary Cream (57F - Cold Holding); Tuna salad (57F - Cold Holding); Ham (57F - Cold Holding); Pork (57F - Cold Holding); Turkey (57F - Cold Holding); Potato salad (57F - Cold Holding) Walk in cooler had Ambient temperature of 57F. See Stop Sale.
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.