Inspection Report

Florida DBPR Inspection Report

EL MESON DE PEPE

410 WALL ST · KEY WEST · Monroe County · FL 33040

Restaurant history →

Inspection Summary

Inspection dateAugust 11, 2026
Inspection typeRoutine – Food
Inspection classFood
DBPR dispositionInspection Completed – No Further Action
Resultmet_inspection_standards
Inspection number3701647
Visit number1
Inspection Visit ID13740122
DBPR license5402522

Violation Summary

Counts reported for this inspection visit.

Full inspector observations available
2 High Priority5 Intermediate8 Basic0 Critical0 Non-Critical15 Total

All DBPR Inspector Observations

15 full violation description(s) documented by the inspector during this visit.

High Priority 2

#9High Priority03A-02-5

High Priority – Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked chicken wings (44F – Cold Holding); garlic oil (76F – Cold Holding) at cook line, as per operator less than 1 hour. Operator add ice for rapid cooling. **Corrective Action Taken**

Corrective Action Taken
#10High Priority29-34-4

High Priority – Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed on hose attached at dishwashing area.

Intermediate 5

#11Intermediate22-02-4

Intermediate – Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled with food debris can opener blade, operator moved to dishwashing area. **Corrective Action Taken**

Corrective Action Taken
#12Intermediate16-37-1

Intermediate – No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test strips available.

#13Intermediate53A-05-6

Intermediate – 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/

#14Intermediate31B-02-4

Intermediate – No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed by dishwashing area, operator provided. **Corrected On-Site**

Corrected On-Site
#15Intermediate02C-02-5

Intermediate – Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed shredded beef prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not date marked on shelves at walk in cooler.

Basic 8

#1Basic36-34-5

Basic – Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed dust accumulated on vents throughout kitchen.

#2Basic24-07-4

Basic – Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Observed clean pot stored on floor at dishwashing area. Operator removed from floor. **Corrected On-Site**

Corrected On-Site
#3Basic08B-38-4

Basic – Food stored on floor. Observed a plastic container stored on walk in cooler floor, operator stored properly. **Corrected On-Site**

Corrected On-Site
#4Basic10-20-4

Basic – In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed at cook line, operator moved to dishwashing area. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**

Corrective Action TakenRepeat Violation
#5Basic10-01-5

Basic – In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed on rice container, operator stored properly. **Corrected On-Site**

Corrected On-Site
#6Basic10-07-4

Basic – In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensil in standing water at 93° F at cook line, operator moved to flat grill. **Corrective Action Taken**

Corrective Action Taken
#7Basic23-03-4

Basic – Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets on reach in cooler at cook line.

#8Basic22-16-4

Basic – Walk in cooler shelves have accumulation of soil residues.

Inspector observations synchronized from DBPR on August 13, 2026 12:20 PM.

Violation category totals
Category 2 · Original container, labeling, date marking and consumer advisory
1 observation(s)
Category 3 · Time/temperature control for safety food
1 observation(s)
Category 8 · Food protection and cross-contamination
1 observation(s)
Category 10 · In-use food dispensing utensils
3 observation(s)
Category 16 · Dishwashing facilities, test kits and gauges
1 observation(s)
Category 22 · Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized
2 observation(s)
Category 23 · Non-food-contact surfaces clean
1 observation(s)
Category 24 · Storage/handling of clean equipment and utensils
1 observation(s)
Category 29 · Plumbing, mop sink, filters and backflow prevention
1 observation(s)
Category 31 · Handwash sinks, supplies and signage
1 observation(s)
Category 36 · Floors, walls, ceilings, attached equipment and ventilation
1 observation(s)
Category 53 · Food manager certification / employee training verification
1 observation(s)

Inspection records and inspector observations reflect conditions documented by DBPR at the time of the inspection and may not reflect current conditions.