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Restaurant · Minneapolis, MN

Columbia Cafe

3300 Central Ave Ne

Last inspected Aug 27, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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

The full inspection history

3 inspections

Routine

Aug 27, 2026

Complete

Official score: 100 · Understand this area’s scale

2 recorded violations

minorCode MN Rule 4626.0033APermits, training, and postings

Official wording

The business must employ at least one valid Minnesota Food Protection Manager's certification (CFPM). Find more information on the Minnesota Department of Health web page.

Inspector’s notes

Observed no state certified food protection manager (CFPM). Employ a CFPM and post a copy of their CFPM certificate in a conspicuous area.

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
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

Observed non-compliance #6 plastic containers in the business - remove or discard by the next inspection.

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 27, 2026 · Original Source

Routine

Aug 21, 2025

Complete

Official score: 94 · Understand this area’s scale

6 recorded violations

minorCode MN Rule 4626.0033APermits, training, and postings

Official wording

The business must employ at least one valid Minnesota Food Protection Manager's certification (CFPM). Find more information on the Minnesota Department of Health web page.

Inspector’s notes

Observed no certified food protection manager at the time of the inspection. Obtain a CFPM.

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
majorCode MN Rule 4626.1445Handwashing

Official wording

Keep at each handwashing sink or group of adjacent handwashing sinks one of: • A supply of disposable towels • A continuous towel system • An approved air temperature hand drying device

Inspector’s notes

Observed no hand drying towels or disposable towel at the time of the inspection. Provide.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
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

Mini hot unit holding hot dogs and burgers in the front observed not fully closing. Repair.

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

Observed #6 plastic to-go containers at the business during the inspection. Remove and provide compliant materials.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0260Food temperature

Official wording

Discontinue using ice as a food after it's use as a medium for cooling the exterior surfaces of food, packaged food, or cooling coils and tubes of equipment.

Inspector’s notes

Observed employee's can of coke sitting inside ice bin with ice that will be used for patron beverages. Discontinue this practice and store beverages in an appropriate area and discard ice. Ice was discarded.

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 4626.0275BEquipment and utensils

Official wording

Store the food preparation and dispensing utensil in a food that is not TCS food with the handles above the top of the food within containers or equipment that can be closed such as bins of sugar, flour or cinnamon.

Inspector’s notes

Observed ice scoop handle coming into contact with ice inside the ice bin. Scoop handle must be above ice to prevent contamination. PIC discarded ice.

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

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

Routine

Aug 6, 2024

Complete

Official score: 94 · Understand this area’s scale

4 recorded violations

minorCode MN Rule 4626.0033APermits, training, and postings

Official wording

The business must employ at least one valid Minnesota Food Protection Manager's certification (CFPM). Find more information on the Minnesota Department of Health web page.

Inspector’s notes

No certified food protection manager (CFPM). Provide a state CFPM by the next inspection.

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
majorCode MN Rule 4626.1445Handwashing

Official wording

Keep at each handwashing sink or group of adjacent handwashing sinks one of: • A supply of disposable towels • A continuous towel system • An approved air temperature hand drying device

Inspector’s notes

No paper towel at the far end handwashing station located next to door to storage room. Provide.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0395A1Food temperature

Official wording

Maintain all hot, TCS foods at 135 degrees F or hotter. (Roast beef may be held at 130 degrees F or hotter, if it is cooked according to Part 4626.0340 item B or reheated according to Part 4626.0360, item E.)

Inspector’s notes

Hot dog (127*F) located in the mini hot warmer observed reading lower than 135*F during the inspection. Maintain hot food at 135*F or above.

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

Mini hot unit in the front holding hot dogs observed not proper closing - gap when closing door. Repair.

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

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Aug 6, 2024 · Original Source

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