THIRSTY MERMAID
521 FLEMING STREET, Key West FL 33040 · 305.204.4828
Last inspected Jul 21, 2026 · 9 visits since September 2023
AUG 24
MAR 25
JUL 25
JAN 26
JUL 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 14 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
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. Operator unable to provide written procedures for clean up events. Distributed Training material during this inspection.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $200
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2022005723 | Oct 18, 2021 | Mar 10, 2022 | $200 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Jul 21, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed advil at waiter station with tobasco sauce and above single service items. Operator removed and placed with first aid kit.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw beef patties over snapper in reach in. Operator corrected during inspection.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed chemical bottle in bar area with no label. Operator wrote name of contents at time of inspection.
Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Observed at coolers across cook line.
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover. Observed on shelf across grill.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed across grill; deli cup of salt with no label. Operator labeled salt.
Feb 24, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jan 12, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed dirty cooking utensils inside handwashing sink at cook line. Manager removed and stored properly.
Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed Junior Mendez, Jose Reyes,Ionela Nicolaescu Food handlers certificate expired 07-22-25.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed to go plastic container being used to dispense flour at dry storage area. Manager discarded during inspection.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed clean plates not inverted at cook line, manager inverted during inspection.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee personal bottle water on top prep table at cook line. Manager removed and discarded during inspection.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop inside ice cooler behind front counter, employee removed and stored properly.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed in use ice scoop on top ice machine at preparation area. Manager removed m washed and stored inside metal container.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed in use tongs being stored on oven door handles. Manager removed and replaced with clean one and stored properly.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed oven interior soiled with food debris.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in cooler soiled with food debris at cook line.
Jul 15, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw steaks over raw oysters inside reach in cooler.Chef inverted them.
Expired chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed expired test kits ( chlorine since 2021)
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Missing at the employee restroom. Chef restocked the station immediately.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed missing date marking on clam chowder ( as per chef from 7/12/25). Label with date marking was placed on it.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Chef fixed it.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed some containers with food items not identified with the common name ( flour, salt, mix salt ). Chef labeled all the containers immediately.
Mar 10, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm). During the inspection employee primed dishwasher machine Dishwasher (Chlorine 100ppm).
Hot time/temperature control for safety food received at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Observed cooked mushrooms with garlic (123F - Hot Holding)stored at room temperature near the grill at cooking line. As per employee food was prepared 5 hours before the inspection. Employee discarded.
Hot time/temperature control for safety food received at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Observed cooked mushrooms with garlic (123F - Hot Holding)stored at room temperature near the grill at cooking line. As per employee food was prepared 5 hours before the inspection. Employee discarded.
Clean, bowls, plates, pots and not stored inverted or in a protected manner.
Reach-in cooler freezer have accumulation of soil residues.
Aug 27, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw burgers over oysters stored inside the standing ric. Employee removed items and placed them correctly.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees, located at cooking line.
May 21, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw ground beef (49F - Cold Holding) inside standing reach in cooler. As per employee for 2 hours. Instructed employee to placed product inside reach in freezer for rapid cooling.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed next to triple sink.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at employee restroom.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Observed personal food not properly segregated inside reach in cooler at cook line.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled.
Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. Observed on cutting board at cook line. Employee removed the the wiping cloth.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bread crumbs, flour and salt inside plastic containers without label at dry storage. Employee properly marked products.
Sep 26, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Sep 25, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 8 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. butter (87F - Cold Holding) on table next to wall on cook line. Employee stated it was placed there around 4pm. Also, butter (46F - Cold Holding); heavy whipping cream (47F - Cold Holding); in reach-in cooler across from food pick up window. Operator stated it was left out earlier. Operator stated he will keep it in cooler to chill.
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. Operator unable to provide written procedures for clean up events. Distributed Training material during this inspection.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach-in cooler across from stove stained/soiled
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ More than four employees working without a CFM on duty.
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. Reach-in cooler across from stove unable to maintain temperature of 41F and below. Ambient temperature of reach-in cooler across from stove 48F-49F. Observed torn gaskets on doors of cooler. Operator stated it was serviced two days ago and has been working fine. Operator removing TCS foods from reach-in cooler until unit is serviced.
Equipment in poor repair. Torn gaskets on reach-in cooler across from stove.
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Multiple hood filters missing from above grill in hood area.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Pair of tongs hanging on oven handle. Operator removed. Tongs to. Properly store.
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.