OLD TOWN TAVERN
900 DUVAL ST, Key West FL 33040 · 594.610.6111
Last inspected Aug 18, 2025 · 5 visits since December 2023
DEC 23
APR 24
AUG 24
APR 25
AUG 25
▼ IMPROVING
5 inspections trending up, 16 points better than where it started.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Establishment license expired 10/01/2023 Manager renewed license during inspection.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
4 cases · $1,800
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2016002599 | Jan 20, 2016 | Jun 30, 2016 | — |
| 1--2015032604 | Jul 2, 2015 | Jan 20, 2016 | $800 |
| 1--2015027256 | Jun 16, 2015 | Dec 7, 2015 | — |
| 1--2015011729 | Mar 10, 2015 | Jul 6, 2015 | $1,000 |
Inspection history
5 visits, newest first
Aug 18, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 7 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw fish stored over sauces inside reach in cooler across cook line. Operator properly arranged.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw chicken (49F - Cold Holding); beef patties (48F - Cold Holding) inside reach in cooler across cook line. As per operator for less than 4 hrs. Operator added ice for rapid cooling.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed tuna poke not identified as raw.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle containing degreaser not labeled next to triple sink. Operator labeled.
Show the remaining 3 findings ▾
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed at washing area.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed at salad station.
Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Quaternary 0ppm)at prep area. Operator replaced solution, retest Sanitizer Bucket (Quaternary 150ppm)
Apr 7, 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 ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade and holder soiled.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed tuna poke on the menu, not identify as raw item.
Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Observed food containers with food contact surface up. Employee inverted them.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed food containers with water residue inside.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rusted shelves inside walk in cooler ( the one used for vegetables).
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed a leak underneath the hand sink located by the cook line.
Aug 21, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw shrimp over onions gravy stored inside reach in cooler, located at cooking line. Operator removed items and placed them correctly.
Clean, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed some employees without hairs restraints. Operator provided hair restraints.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board, located at preparation area. Employee removed it.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler, located at kitchen preparation area.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Apr 16, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority3 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled can opener blade, also observed soiled white cutting boards at cook line.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed food residue on HWS across from dishwasher machine.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed corned beef not date marked inside walk in cooler, as per Manager from previous day.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observe ice bucket not inverted. Next to ice machine.
Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Observed ice bucket stored on floor next to ice machine.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in all units at kitchen area.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed soiled interior on both units at cook line.
Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed at kitchen area.
Dec 13, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 8 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Dish Machine chlorine 0ppm. Supply bucket empty. Person In Charge replaced supply bucket. 100 ppm. Chlorine.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Establishment license expired 10/01/2023 Manager renewed license during inspection.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Chemical spray bottle over clean plates in kitchen. Moved by manager
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Soiled deflector plate in ice machine located: rear kitchen.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Soiled exterior of equipment including handles to coolers.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Unsecured co2 tanks. Rear kitchen. Secured by manager.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Food service employees with bracelets/ large jewelry.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Frozen beef thawing in standing water. Water faucet turned on.
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.