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GARDENS HOTEL

526 ANGELA ST, Key West FL 33040 · 305-294-2661

Last inspected Aug 24, 2026 · 4 visits since May 2024

Licence typeRestaurant
Seats14
Risk levelRisk Level 1
LicenceSEA5428129
Grade history
MAY 24
APR 25
AUG 25
AUG 26
▼ IMPROVING

4 inspections, climbing. The current grade is the best on record.

Worst finding on record
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed License Expired since October 1st, 2023.
High priority/50-17-3/Admin Complaint
Badges — 1 earned
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined

Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →

Inspection history

4 visits, newest first

Aug 24, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 1 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 1 finding
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Observed no poster; inspector provided via email.
Basic/51-13-4
Aug 20, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

0 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Expired chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed expired what test kit since 2024.
Intermediate/16-37-1/Repeat Violation
Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Consumer advisory was printed and posted.
Intermediate/02B-02-5/Corrected On-Site
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed some mold like substance inside ice machine.
Basic/22-20-5
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee personal cell phone on prep table.
Basic/40-06-5
In-use utensil stored in sanitizer between uses. Observed different utensils stored inside sanitizer in between uses. Employee discarded the sanitizer.
Basic/10-18-5/Corrected On-Site/Repeat Violation
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed towel underneath cutting board.
Basic/21-04-4
Apr 16, 2025Inspection 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 ▾
Expired chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed what test kit expired on 12/2024.
Intermediate/16-37-1
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed
Basic/50-09-4
In-use utensil stored in sanitizer between uses. Observed kitchen utensils stored inside sanitizer solution in between use. Employee discarded the sanitizer.
Basic/10-18-5/Corrected On-Site
May 21, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection

Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 8 violations recorded, 2 high priority.

2 High priority3 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed License Expired since October 1st, 2023.
High priority/50-17-3/Admin Complaint
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed behind dumpster.
High priority/29-34-4
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled soda nozzle inside Bar.
Intermediate/22-02-4
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no Quaternary Test Kit.
Intermediate/16-37-1
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spry bottle with Windex unlabeled inside Bar. Operator labeled spry bottle.
Intermediate/41-17-4/Corrected On-Site
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed at employee restroom.
Basic/32-04-4
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed CO2 tank not secured by employee restroom.
Basic/51-11-4
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Observed inside employee restroom.
Basic/32-12-5

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.