Two well-known Florida Keys spots were briefly shut down this week after state inspectors walked into kitchens full of rodent droppings, live roaches and other health code red flags. MEAT Eatery & Taproom on Plantation Key and Party Cake in Key Largo were both ordered closed while staff cleaned up. After follow-up visits, the state cleared each restaurant to reopen.
Inspectors found droppings, roaches and soiled equipment
Inspection reports describe a pretty grim scene: rodent droppings on and under dishwashers, droppings in handwash sinks and signs of rodent activity near back doors. Inspectors also noted built-up grease and mold-like residue on kitchen equipment and in ice machines. According to the Miami Herald, the state wrote up multiple high-priority violations and issued a stop-sale on several ready-to-eat sandwiches at Party Cake.
State records show earlier trouble
Public records show this was not the first time either business landed in hot water over sanitation. Earlier inspection reports for MEAT Eatery & Taproom, filed with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and Party Cake Bakery, documented in a separate Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation record, note earlier problems. Prior inspections flagged everything from dirty walk-in cooler floors and contaminated slicer blades to dishmachine sanitizer failures and food stored directly on the floor.
Stop-sale, cleanup and reopenings
During the latest round of inspections, the state issued stop-sale orders on a variety of ready-to-eat items at Party Cake and again documented droppings on top of and under dishwashing equipment at one or both kitchens, according to the inspection notes. After cleanup and a callback reinspection, Party Cake reopened on Thursday, and MEAT cleared its own follow-up check on Friday, the Miami Herald reported.
Why it matters for Keys diners
State inspectors routinely shut down South Florida kitchens when they find rodent activity, and Monroe County racked up a notable number of high-violation reports last year. A review of county records by Prism News lists both Party Cake and MEAT among restaurants that received repeat citations in 2025, suggesting these closures are part of longer-running sanitation struggles rather than one-time slipups.
If you recently ate at either spot and are feeling uneasy, you can check the state’s online inspection portal for the most current reports or contact the restaurants directly with questions. This story will be updated if state officials or the businesses release additional information.
