VIVA ARGENTINIAN STEAKHOUSE
903 DUVAL ST, Key West FL 33040 · 786-450-8727
Last inspected Jul 21, 2026 · 9 visits since December 2023
AUG 24
MAR 25
AUG 25
FEB 26
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 50+ rodent droppings in the dry storage area underneath shelves and pallets. At the time of the inspection observed single service items and reach in freezer with raw beef stored in dry storage area.
★ 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--2024048183 | Aug 19, 2024 | Oct 2, 2024 | $400 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Jul 21, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority0 Intermediate7 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 10 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored over sliced onions at flip top portion of reach in cooler across cook line. Operator relocated products.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw tuna (50F - Cold Holding); feta cheese (58F - Cold Holding) inside reach in cooler next to fryers. As per operator for 1 hour. Operator moved products to separate reach in cooler for rapid cooling.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed mashed potatoes (128F - Hot Holding) at steam table, as per operator for 30 mins.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Show the remaining 6 findings ▾
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 reach in cooler next to fryers with ambient temperature 50F. Operator called technician to fix unit.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on oven door handle. Operator properly placed tongs.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand washing sign at hand sink next to dish machine.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in freezer gaskets soiled.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Next to cook line.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in cooler shelves rusted.
Feb 11, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 15 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority4 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed non food grade paper towel lining container of raw beef inside standing reach in cooler next to cook line.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw chicken removed from original packaging stored over raw beef and fries inside standing reach in freezer.
Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed raw shell eggs stored at room temperature next to fryers. As per operator for 20 mins.
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.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled at prep table.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed bucket stored inside hand sink next to walk in cooler.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chemical test kit for chlorine for dish machine.
Food stored on floor. Observed cases of fryer oil stored on floor in dry storage area.
In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Observed tongs stored inside container of raw chicken with handle in contact with food at reach in cooler across from cook line.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At hand sink next to dish machine.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled across from fryers. Observed hood filters soiled.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Next to cook line.
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. Observed wall soiled near dish machine.
Aug 18, 2025Inspection 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 ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed butter (50F - Cold Holding) at cook line. Advised operator on correct procedures.
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. Provided to operator via email.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked potatoes not date marked inside WIC, as per owner for more than 24 hours prior.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided to operator via email.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at HWS by dishwasher machine.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets soiled by reach in cooler by cook line.
Stored food not covered. Observed cooked potatoes inside WIC not covered.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed by WIC.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed pipe leaking in HWS by dishwasher.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Mar 12, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority3 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
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.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Kitchen can opener very soiled
No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.
Accumulation of debris in three-compartment sink.
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner.
Food stored on floor. Observed buckets of food on walk-in cooler floor.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Momo's kitchen reaching coolers.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Most kitchen RIC.
Soiled dry wiping cloth in use.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Aug 20, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 6 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. During the routine inspection observed cooked steak with corn (56F - Cold Holding); cooked pasta (57F - Cold Holding); raw beef (55F - Cold Holding); cooked risotto (58F - Cold Holding); steak empanadas (55F - Cold Holding); cooked potatoes (56F - Cold Holding), stored inside the walk in cooler. As per employee food was prepared 12 hours before the inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. During the routine inspection observed cooked steak with corn (56F - Cold Holding); cooked pasta (57F - Cold Holding); raw beef (55F - Cold Holding); cooked risotto (58F - Cold Holding); steak empanadas (55F - Cold Holding); cooked potatoes (56F - Cold Holding), stored inside the walk in cooler. As per employee food was prepared 12 hours before the inspection.
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. During the routine inspection observed walk in cooler running at 50F.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. By the bar entrance.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed flip top reach in cooler gaskets soiled, located at cooking line. Observed hood filters soiled.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Aug 19, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 16 violations recorded, 4 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
4 High priority4 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee engaging in food preparation and no washing hands after changing task.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 50+ rodent droppings in the dry storage area underneath shelves and pallets. At the time of the inspection observed single service items and reach in freezer with raw beef stored in dry storage area.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. During the routine inspection observed cooked steak with corn (56F - Cold Holding); cooked pasta (57F - Cold Holding); raw beef (55F - Cold Holding); cooked risotto (58F - Cold Holding); steak empanadas (55F - Cold Holding); cooked potatoes (56F - Cold Holding), stored inside the walk in cooler. As per employee food was prepared 12 hours before the inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. During the routine inspection observed cooked steak with corn (56F - Cold Holding); cooked pasta (57F - Cold Holding); raw beef (55F - Cold Holding); cooked risotto (58F - Cold Holding); steak empanadas (55F - Cold Holding); cooked potatoes (56F - Cold Holding), stored inside the walk in cooler. As per employee food was prepared 12 hours before the inspection.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times, located at cooking line.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Employee placed a paper towel roll.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin, located near the kitchen entrance.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed walk in cooler ceiling soiled.
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. During the routine inspection observed walk in cooler running at 50F.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. By the bar entrance.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer, located at front counter.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed 2 tongs in use stored on oven handle. During the inspection employee removed it.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed flip top reach in cooler gaskets soiled, located at cooking line. Observed hood filters soiled.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Apr 16, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 16 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority4 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw chicken (48F - Cold Holding) in reach in cooler at cook line, as per employee less than 1 hour. Employee moved food to walk in cooler.
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.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled cutting boards, also observed soiled can opener blade.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at the bar.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked sweet potatoes not date marked inside walk in cooler, as per employee from previous day.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed in women's bathroom.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed throughout kitchen.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed at walk in cooler.
Food stored on floor. Observed several plastic food containers stored on walk in cooler floor.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed at the bar.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at the bar.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in all units at kitchen area.
Stored food not covered. Observed several not covered food containers inside walk in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw ground beef in standing water in kitchen area.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed on preparation table.
Dec 14, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Dec 11, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 9 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
No proof of parasite destruction or aquaculture documentation for cold smoked salmon served raw or undercooked. Fish must be fully cooked or discarded. Establishment offers Raw salmon for ceviche. Unable to verify salmon is farm raised / pellet fed. Salmon must be fully cooked until able to verify farm raised/ pellet fed.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Garbage can in front of kitchen Hand wash sink. 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: hallway.
Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance. Mens restroom door left open.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. No self closing mechanism on restroom door
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Soiled exterior of equipment including handles to coolers. Prep line.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Unsecured co2 tank by rear kitchen.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee beverage on prep table. Moved by manager.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Missing Hand wash sign by rear Hand wash sink.
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.