81671 OLD HIGHWAY, ISLAMORADA, FL 33036
CHEF MICHAEL'S has a mixed inspection record — 9 violations in the past year, including 1 high-priority. Not alarming, but worth knowing before you order. The trailing-year record shows 9 violations, including 1 high-priority and 0 Emergency Orders of Closure.
Scores higher than 78% of the 68 inspected restaurants in ISLAMORADA on the trailing-year record.
1 high-priority violation on the trailing-year record — below the Monroe County average of 2.9.
Full available history. The score uses only the most recent 365 days — older visits are shown for context, not counted.
Roaches, rodents, flies, or other pests present — or doors and openings that let them in not protected.
Handwash sink missing, blocked, or used for other purposes, or missing soap, towels, or the handwash sign.
Handwash sink missing, blocked, or used for other purposes, or missing soap, towels, or the handwash sign.
High-risk food (like meat) thawed improperly, promoting bacterial growth.
Plumbing not installed or maintained properly — leaks, mop sink issues, unserviced water filters, or missing backflow prevention.
Garbage overflowing or uncovered, or the premises not maintained.
Handwash sink missing, blocked, or used for other purposes, or missing soap, towels, or the handwash sign.
High-risk food (like meat) thawed improperly, promoting bacterial growth.
Scoops and other in-use utensils stored improperly (e.g. handle down in the food).
Garbage overflowing or uncovered, or the premises not maintained.
Raw meat, poultry, or seafood not separated from ready-to-eat food, or food left unprotected during prep, storage, or display.
Handwash sink missing, blocked, or used for other purposes, or missing soap, towels, or the handwash sign.
Water not safe, or hot (100°F) and cold water not available under pressure.
Plumbing not installed or maintained properly — leaks, mop sink issues, unserviced water filters, or missing backflow prevention.
Raw meat, poultry, or seafood not separated from ready-to-eat food, or food left unprotected during prep, storage, or display.
Handwash sink missing, blocked, or used for other purposes, or missing soap, towels, or the handwash sign.
High-risk food (like meat) thawed improperly, promoting bacterial growth.
Scoops and other in-use utensils stored improperly (e.g. handle down in the food).
Clean equipment and utensils stored improperly or not air-dried.
Plumbing not installed or maintained properly — leaks, mop sink issues, unserviced water filters, or missing backflow prevention.
Missing or expired food manager certification, or employee food-safety training not documented.
Food-contact or nonfood-contact surfaces improperly designed, constructed, maintained, or located.
Raw meat, poultry, or seafood not separated from ready-to-eat food, or food left unprotected during prep, storage, or display.
A sick or symptomatic employee present, or staff unaware of when illness bars them from working with food.
Handwash sink missing, blocked, or used for other purposes, or missing soap, towels, or the handwash sign.
Missing or expired food manager certification, or employee food-safety training not documented.
Plumbing not installed or maintained properly — leaks, mop sink issues, unserviced water filters, or missing backflow prevention.
Scoops and other in-use utensils stored improperly (e.g. handle down in the food).
Food-contact or nonfood-contact surfaces improperly designed, constructed, maintained, or located.
Other conditions related to sanitary and safe operation.
Every violation on this record falls into one of the state's standardized categories. Here is what each category covers and why inspectors check for it — in plain English, with the trailing-year count for this kitchen.
No live pests — roaches, rodents, flies — and no gaps that let them in: doors, screens, and outer openings must be protected. Pests move between waste areas and food-prep surfaces, carrying bacteria with them, which is why live activity is among the most serious findings on the form.
On this record, the category appears in 1 of the 1 trailing-year inspection. The written details for each entry are in the state inspection documents linked above.
Dirty Dish List is built from public inspection data published by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The inspection dates, dispositions, and violations on this report card mirror what the state has on file for License No. 5401522 — you can read the original documents yourself and compare.