GOOD INFORMATION. BETTER PEACE OF MIND.Always free. No signup required.

Restaurant · Minneapolis, MN

Caspian Bistro

2418 University Ave Se

Last inspected Aug 21, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Complete

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when Caspian Bistro has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

No account needed. Unsubscribe at any time.

Repeat problemsSerious findings or closures appear in two or more of the last three inspections. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

5 inspections

Routine

Aug 21, 2026

Complete

Official score: 94 · Understand this area’s scale

6 recorded violations

majorCode MN Rule 4626.0705BFood temperature

Official wording

Have a thin-tipped food thermometer easily available to measure the internal temperature of thin pieces of food.

Inspector’s notes

The thin-tipped thermometer provided last year could not be located. Provide a thin-tipped thermometer for taking internal temperatures of foods.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0735ABEquipment and utensils

Official wording

All equipment and components must be in good repair. Keep them maintained to manufacturer's specifications.

Inspector’s notes

The walk-in cooler was not working properly so as to hold the food within at proper temperature. The thermometer on the walk in cooler is not working properly either, bouncing around showing significantly different temperatures every few seconds. Provide service.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
minorCode MCO 204.30AOther

Official wording

Provide containers for food or beverages prepared for takeout or to be eaten immediately. Containers must be reuseable, recyclable or compostable.

Inspector’s notes

Styrofoam take out containers present. Replace these with containers that are recyclable or compostable. See https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/business-assistance/run/food-business-rules/green-to-go/

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0300ACleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Store all food: • In a clean, dry location • At least 6 inches above the floor

Inspector’s notes

Observed numerous delivery boxes of food on the floor of the walk-in freezer. Move items up onto shelves six inches above floor.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0395A2Food temperature

Official wording

Keep all cold TCS foods at 41 degrees F or colder under mechanical refrigeration.

Inspector’s notes

All foods in the walk-in cooler were measured at temperatures between 48F and 50F - including large portions of food in five gallon containers. This indicates temperatures in the walk-in have been elevated for a longer period than what would happen if the door was open during delivery. All TCS foods must be maintained at 41F or below. Person in Charge called for immediate service. As corrective action, inspector and CFPM evaluated the relative risk of different food items being in the temperatures danger zone. All foods prepared in the business were discarded. Raw meats and poultry (with competing live organisms) were relocated to the front refrigerator and prep cooler to re-cool. Cheeses and yogurts with high acidity, and commercially pickled items were relocated to a nearby refrigerator that holds back-up market items. Raw vegetables (all non-TCS) remained in the walk-in. These represented about half the volume of food. Do not return TCS items to the walk-in cooler until it is reliably maintaining contents at 41F or below.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1040BWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Keep the plumbing system in good repair.

Inspector’s notes

In the women's restroom, water pressure at hand sinks was observed very low. Person in Charge called for service.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Aug 21, 2026 · Original Source

Follow-Up

Sep 17, 2025

Complete

Official score: 98 · Understand this area’s scale

3 recorded violations

majorCode MN Rule 4626.0705BFood temperature

Official wording

Have a thin-tipped food thermometer easily available to measure the internal temperature of thin pieces of food.

Inspector’s notes

The thin-tipped thermometer was not working, even when a new battery was provided. Owner will purchase a new thermometer.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0735ABEquipment and utensils

Official wording

All equipment and components must be in good repair. Keep them maintained to manufacturer's specifications.

Inspector’s notes

The thermometer on the walk-in cooler is still jumping around to different temperatures. However, the prep cooler which was not effectively holding foods cold has been replaced.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
minorCode MCO 204.30AOther

Official wording

Provide containers for food or beverages prepared for takeout or to be eaten immediately. Containers must be reuseable, recyclable or compostable.

Inspector’s notes

Foam clam-shell containers are still in use for to-go containers. Replace with compostable containers or recyclable plastic (not #6 plastic, and not any black plastic). See Green To Go page for more information and free consultant help. https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/business-assistance/run/food-business-rules/green-to-go/

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Sep 17, 2025 · Original Source

Routine

Aug 21, 2025

Complete

Official score: 88 · Understand this area’s scale

6 recorded violations

majorCode MN Rule 4626.0705BFood temperature

Official wording

Have a thin-tipped food thermometer easily available to measure the internal temperature of thin pieces of food.

Inspector’s notes

A thin-tipped thermometer was onsite, but needed batteries. Provide a working thin-tipped thermometer for measuring internal food temperatures.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0395A2Food temperature

Official wording

Keep all cold TCS foods at 41 degrees F or colder under mechanical refrigeration.

Inspector’s notes

Foods in front prep cooler were observed above 52F, because the cooler is no longer working properly. Prepared foods were discarded. Feta cheese was moved to the refrigerator to re-cool. Several raw vegetables that were non-TCS remained in the prep cooler.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0735ABEquipment and utensils

Official wording

All equipment and components must be in good repair. Keep them maintained to manufacturer's specifications.

Inspector’s notes

The front prep cooler is not able to hold proper temperature and is being replaced. The replacement unit was onsite, but packaged, having recently been delivered. Replace the old cooler that is not working. The thermometer on the walk in cooler is not working properly, as it was bouncing around rapidly between 25F and 64F. (The walk-in cooler itself was at the proper temperature.) Have the thermometer repaired when able.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0390AFood temperature

Official wording

Use effective cooling methods to cool TCS foods.

Inspector’s notes

A large portion of rice was observed in a basket at room temperature in the prep kitchen. Employees reported the rice was cooling for later use. Cooling food in deep portions at room temperature is not an effective method to prevent bacterial growth. Inspector showed employees how to spread the rice out into two shallow hotel pans so it is no deeper than 2 inches, then place it uncovered in the walk-in cooler. This is an effective method. Train employees.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0905CChemicals

Official wording

Sanitize food contact surfaces of equipment and utensils after cleaning by using an approved chemical sanitizer in manual or mechanical operations for at least 7 or 10 seconds for chlorine depending on temperature, concentration, and pH; and 30 seconds for all other chemical sanitizers or an contact time used in relation with a combination of temperature, concentration, and pH.

Inspector’s notes

The dish machine was not producing any measurable concentration of chlorine sanitizer. The concentration must be at least 50ppm chlorine. Employee fixed the machine through trouble shooting after some time and obtained 75ppm chlorine.

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely
minorCode MCO 204.30AOther

Official wording

Provide containers for food or beverages prepared for takeout or to be eaten immediately. Containers must be reuseable, recyclable or compostable.

Inspector’s notes

Some Styrofoam clamshell to-go containers were in use. These are not allowed by Minneapolis Green To Go ordinance. Find information about compostable and recyclable plastic containers at: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/business-assistance/run/food-business-rules/green-to-go/

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Aug 21, 2025 · Original Source

Follow-Up

Aug 29, 2024

Complete

Official score: 98 · Understand this area’s scale

2 recorded violations

majorCode MN Rule 4626.0705BFood temperature

Official wording

Have a thin-tipped food thermometer easily available to measure the internal temperature of thin pieces of food.

Inspector’s notes

A thin-tip thermometer is still needed.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1040BWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Keep the plumbing system in good repair.

Inspector’s notes

Plumbing repairs at handsink are still required.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Aug 29, 2024 · Original Source

Routine

Aug 20, 2024

Complete

Official score: 86 · Understand this area’s scale

6 recorded violations

majorCode MN Rule 4626.0400AFood source and labeling

Official wording

Use an effective method to date mark refrigerated, ready-to-eat, TCS food prepared and held for more than 24 hours. Day one is the day the food was made.

Inspector’s notes

Several prepared foods did not have date marks on their containers. Person in charge had employees add date marks.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0395A2Food temperature

Official wording

Keep all cold TCS foods at 41 degrees F or colder under mechanical refrigeration.

Inspector’s notes

Many TCS foods in the prep cooler across from the cookline were in the temperature danger zone with temps between 45F and 53F. Items were discarded or moved to a cooler location until service could be provided to the prep cooler. Ensure the cooler holds all TCS foods at 41F or lower, even during busy periods.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0705BFood temperature

Official wording

Have a thin-tipped food thermometer easily available to measure the internal temperature of thin pieces of food.

Inspector’s notes

There was not thin-tipped thermometer available to take the internal temperature of thin pieces of food - such as the traditional meat skewers. Provide a thin-tipped thermometer.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1040BWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Keep the plumbing system in good repair.

Inspector’s notes

In the back prep room, the hot water to the hand sink had been turned off and the water pressure of the cold water was very low. Fix the handsink, so both the hot and cold water are turned on at all times, and produce enough pressure to easily wash hands.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0040COther

Official wording

Keep a log to record employee illness symptoms. Have it available upon request.

Inspector’s notes

There was not an Employee Illness Log available, although one has been used in the past. Print an Employee Illness Log off and use it to record when employees stay out of work with vomiting or diarrhea. A log will be sent with this report.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0030BCQPermits, training, and postings

Official wording

The person in charge must be able to explain: • Their responsibility for preventing the spread of foodborne illness by a food worker • The symptoms associated with a foodborne illness • How food workers must report illness symptoms and diseases • When a food worker must be excluded from work or restricted from working with food • When a food worker can return to work

Inspector’s notes

Person in charge did not know that employees ill with vomiting or diarrhea cannot return to work until they are free of those symptoms for at least 24 hours.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Aug 20, 2024 · Original Source

More restaurants nearby