KARLITAS CAFE
934 TRUMAN AVE, Key West FL 33040 · 305-849-9395
Last inspected Jul 14, 2026 · 9 visits since December 2023
AUG 24
JUN 25
AUG 25
JAN 26
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
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. Poster was provided to operator.
★ 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--2023025618 | May 2, 2023 | Jun 27, 2023 | $400 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Jul 14, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw beef and raw chicken stored directly inside non food grade bag inside reach in freezer across employee bathroom.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed reach in cooler door handles soiled across from cook line.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
Clean utensils stored between equipment and wall. Observed clean knives stored between wall and triple sink.
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in cooler with rusted shelves.
Walk-in/Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed walk in cooler shelves soiled.
Jul 13, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 24 violations recorded, 11 high priority.
11 High priority2 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 24 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed bottles of vitamins and medicine stored on shelf above prep area in kitchen.
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee put on pair of gloves and begin preparing food without first washing hands.
Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee empty container of food into trash can then wiped hands on pants and put on new pair of gloves to begin preparing food without first washing hands.
Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee touch trash can and then put on pair of gloves without first washing hands. Observed employee grab cellphone then continue to touch clean equipment without changing gloves and washing hands.
Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed non food grade paper towel lining container of chopped cilantro inside reach in cooler across cook line.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw beef and raw chicken stored directly inside non food grade bag inside reach in freezer across employee bathroom.
Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Observed household insect spray stored inside employee bathroom.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken and raw pork stored over ready to eat sauces inside walk in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked potatoes (50F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken wings (48F - Cold Holding); hot dogs (47F - Cold Holding), as per operator for 3 hours, stored inside walk in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked beef (108F - Hot Holding) on top of grill, as per operator for 3 hours. Operator took product to be reheated.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed can of degreaser stored next to oil under prep table across cook line.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed rag stored inside hand sink at front counter. Observed clean equipment stored inside hand sink in kitchen.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed no employee training for Jose Luis, hired 3 months ago.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed reach in cooler door handles soiled across from cook line.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
Clean utensils stored between equipment and wall. Observed clean knives stored between wall and triple sink.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed walk in cooler ambient temperature 46F.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee cellphone and headphones stored on shelf in prep areas.
Food stored on floor. Observed case of raw shell eggs stored on floor inside walk in cooler.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled at reach in cooler across cook line.
Single-service articles stored in toilet room/locker room/garbage room/mechanical room. Observed single service to go boxes stored inside employee bathroom.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw pork thawing inside triple sink at room temperature.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in cooler with rusted shelves.
Walk-in/Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed walk in cooler shelves soiled.
Jan 12, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee placed gloves without washing hands. Instructed employee on proper method.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic container stored inside handsink at kitchen. Employee removed it.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed yellow rice and beef soup at walk in cooler held more than 24 hours not properly date marked.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed bucket of oil not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor near hand sink at kitchen.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed handsink soiled. Observed walk in cooler shelves soiled.
Observed Reach-in freezer interior soiled located near walk in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed Shrimp and chicken thawing with no running water. Instructed employee on proper method.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Aug 5, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 1 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Interior of oven has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Jun 5, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
Equipment in poor repair. The walk-in cooler door and gaskets are in poor repair
Dec 11, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb.observed hose connected to faucet without vacuum breaker.
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. Poster was provided to operator.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Ceiling in kitchen area.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Grease under cooking equipments.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Food debris inside oven.
Self-closing device on bathroom door disconnected/broken.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in cooler shelves rusted.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Grease on wall in kitchen area.
Aug 21, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 11 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb.observed hose connected to faucet without vacuum breaker.
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. Poster was provided to operator.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked chicken held for more than 24/hrs without date marked inside walk in cooler.
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Ceiling in kitchen area.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Grease under cooking equipments.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Food debris inside oven.
Self-closing device on bathroom door disconnected/broken.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in cooler shelves rusted.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Grease on wall in kitchen area.
Apr 16, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 16 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw Philly steak over case of tomatoes stored inside the walk in cooler. Employee removed items, and placed them correctly.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed employee washing hands in the three compartment sink. Discussed and coached employee in proper methods.
Observed no chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked sausage prepared 2 days before the inspection without date marked stored inside the reach in cooler,located at cooking.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee car keys stored on top of prep table, located at cooking line. Employee removed it.
Food stored on floor. Observed bag of onions stored on the floor inside the walk in cooler. Employee removed item, and placed it correctly. Observed cases of Powerade, and Coca Cola bottles stored on the floor near the front entrance. Employee removed items, and placed them correctly.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled, located at cooking line. Observed walk in cooler fans guard soiled.
Observed Ice buildup in chest freezer, located near the. Walk in cooler.
Observed ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
Observed ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance, throughout the kitchen areas,
Observed no handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees, located at the front counter
Observed reach-in cooler interior have accumulation of soil residues, located at cooking line.
Observed walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Observed wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust, throughout kitchen areas.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed case of hinge containers stored on the floor near the standing reach in freezer. Employee removed it, and placed it correctly.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed to go containers not inverted stored above the reach in cooler, located at cooking line. Employee placed them correctly.
Dec 15, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 14 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink. Hose for three compartment sink.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Bottle of glass cleaner stored next to case of cooking oil on shelf next to kitchen reach-in freezer. Manager moved glass cleaner to shelf where chemicals are stored.
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 written procedure available. Inspector provided operator with written procedure.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board stored over three compartment sink. Shelves of rolling rack in walk-in cooler.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test kit available.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Unisex bathroom in kitchen.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee bottle of water on prep table across from cook line grill. Employee removed bottle of water.
Food stored on floor. Plastic bottles of water stored on walk-in cooler floor. Plastic bottles of soda stored on floor behind front counter.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs hanging on cook line grill handle. Manager placed tongs on top of grill.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No hand washing sign in kitchen restroom.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood vents above cook line grill. Gasket of reach-in cooler across from cook line grill. Shelf in dry storage next to mop sink. Fan cover in walk-in cooler. Fan cover for kitchen fan.
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Back door to kitchen.
Single-service articles improperly stored. To go containers stored on floor in kitchen. To go containers on kitchen shelf not inverted.
Stored food not covered. Pepperoni in kitchen reach-in freezer. Manager placed lid on container.
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.