LIGHTHOUSE CAFE
1200 CRANDON BLVD, Key Biscayne FL 33149
Last inspected May 28, 2026 · 7 visits since October 2023
FEB 24
JUL 24
MAR 25
NOV 25
MAY 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections, one direction. The current grade is the worst on record.
Live, small flying insects found. Observed in the food preparation area approximately 6 to 8 live flies in the air and some landing on prep tables, cutting boards and food preparation equipment. Observed approximately 6 flies in the air by the front cook line and service area.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
7 visits, newest first
May 28, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled.
Probe thermometer not within the intended measuring range of use. Observed probe thermometer maximum temperature of 160F.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
Equipment or utensils not designed or constructed in a durable manner. Observed cutting gloves in disrepair at ware washing area.
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed by dishwasher.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed WIC gaskets soiled.
May 27, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 19 recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority4 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 19 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours. Observed white rice (80F - Cooling), as per chef for more than 4 hours prior. Chef discarded.
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food.
Live, small flying insects found. Observed in the food preparation area approximately 6 to 8 live flies in the air and some landing on prep tables, cutting boards and food preparation equipment. Observed approximately 6 flies in the air by the front cook line and service area.
Nonexempt fish offered raw or undercooked has not undergone proper parasite destruction. Fish must be fully cooked or discarded.
Pesticide use not in accordance with manufacturer's directions. Observed fly bait powder on a plate located on top of the prep table and top shelf on a prep area with.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed ceviche (52F - Cold Holding); shrimp (50F - Cold Holding); butter (50F - Cold Holding); (50F - Cold Holding) inside RIC at prep area by kitchen entrance, as per cook for 30 minutes prior.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled.
Probe thermometer not within the intended measuring range of use. Observed probe thermometer maximum temperature of 160F.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked pasta, rice, and beef inside WIC missing date marked, as per chef from previous day.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed degreaser and bleach missing label at prep area.
Accumulation of dead flies on a plate with fly bait powder.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed inside seasoning container.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee food on top of shelf by ware washing area.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Equipment or utensils not designed or constructed in a durable manner. Observed cutting gloves in disrepair at ware washing area.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed by dishwasher.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed WIC gaskets soiled.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw fish and raw chicken thawing at room temperature, chef placed inside WIC.
Nov 17, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at preparation area.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup at walk in freezer.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed Gaskets soiled at reach in cooler by front counter. Observed Hood filter soiled at cook line.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed Reach in cooler soiled at front counter.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed Shelves rusted at reach in cooler kitchen
Mar 18, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed thank you bags with Frozen food inside walk-in freezer.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Kitchen can opener.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Next to three compartment sink.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Frozen shrimp be thawed in standing water.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Jul 1, 2024Inspection 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 ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed produce stored inside thank you bag at walk in cooler.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored over cut lettuce inside reach in cooler. Coached operator on correct storage procedures.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed chicken fingers (72F - Hot Holding) at steam table. As per operator for less than an hour prior. Operator sent product to oven to reheat.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked noodles and rice and beans at walk in cooler with no date marking. As per operator for more than 24 hours prior.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at kitchen area.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting on clean containers at shelf beside 3 compartment sink.
Food stored on floor. Observed tomato sauce container on floor at walk in freezer.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup inside walk in freezer.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed handle touching rice inside container. Operator removed handle.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled inside reach in cooler at front counter.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed throughout kitchen and front counter.
Feb 27, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked chicken breast 119F, cooked beef patty 102F. Cook reheated on chicken 174F and beef to 183F.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Ice bin lid soiled at cake counter.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl stored in rice.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Equipment in poor repair. Cold hold drawers- marinated sliced beef 51F, sliced white fish 51F. ( ambient temperature 52F). Employee placed fish and beef on ice until refrigeration is repaired.
Heavy ice build up in walk-in freezer.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoop handle stored in rice.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding units.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Plantains being thawed on make bar, shrimp being thawed in a pan at prep table. No running water.
Oct 13, 2023Inspection 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 ▾
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. At the time of the inspection observed wiping cloth stored in the preparation table.
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.