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

Restaurant · Minneapolis, MN

First Avenue

701 1st Ave N

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

Read Reviews on Google

Complete

Get the next inspection, free.

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

No account needed. Unsubscribe at any time.

ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

3 inspections

Routine

Apr 21, 2026

Complete

Official score: 98 · Understand this area’s scale

6 recorded violations

minorCode MN Rule 4626.1520ACleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Clean all physical facilities (floors, walls, ceilings). Keep them clean.

Inspector’s notes

Observed the floor under the cook line kitchen equipment in need of cleaning. Clean and maintain in a clean condition.

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0855Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Keep non-food contact equipment surfaces clean.

Inspector’s notes

Observed the sides of the fryer, casters/wheels of cooking equipment, small roll cart and some shelving in the kitchen in need of a good cleaning. Clean and maintain all referenced areas in a clean condition.

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1395AOther

Official wording

Doors and windows for all outside openings should be self-closing and tight-fitting. Seal openings along the outside of the building.

Inspector’s notes

Observed the side emergency exit door sweep to have a noticeable gap under the door. Replace door sweep with a new door sweep. The seventh street entry door and other side door have had new door sweeps installed. Monitor entry points and repair door sweeps as needed.

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 4626.0240Food source and labeling

Official wording

Label all containers of food and food ingredients with their common name.

Inspector’s notes

Observed the bulk sugar and flour containers to not be labeled. Label referenced containers. Operator labeled both containers during the inspection.

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
majorCode MN Rule 4626.1595Chemicals

Official wording

Clearly label working containers of toxic chemicals with the common chemical name.

Inspector’s notes

Observed a spray bottle of degreaser to not be labeled. Label degreaser spray bottle. Operator labeled the spray bottle during the inspection.

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 MN Rule 4626.0845EContamination

Official wording

Clean surfaces contacting non-TCS foods: • When surfaces may have been contaminated • At least once every 24 hours for consumer self-service utensils • Before restocking consumer self-service equipment and utensils • As often as needed to keep surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

Observed the interior of the large ice machines in the back of the facility to have black biofilm inside them. Clean and maintain ice machines clean.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination

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

Routine

Apr 10, 2025

Complete

Official score: 96 · Understand this area’s scale

10 recorded violations

minorCode MN Rule 4626.1260Other

Official wording

Have a covered trash can in toilet rooms.

Inspector’s notes

Observed the men's restrooms to not have covered trash cans in the upper level of the facility. Provide covered trash cans.

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 4626.1520ACleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Clean all physical facilities (floors, walls, ceilings). Keep them clean.

Inspector’s notes

Observed the following areas in need of cleaning: 1) Floor under kitchen cooking equipment and three compartment sink. 2) Floor under soda boxes in side storage room off of seating area. 3) Ceiling vent in all gender restroom. 4) Floor in side storage room off kitchen. 5) Quarry tile floor inside walk in cooler under shelving. 6) Upper level floor in perma bar. Clean and maintain all areas clean.

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0855Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Keep non-food contact equipment surfaces clean.

Inspector’s notes

Observed the sides of fryer, casters/wheels of cooking equipment, floor of walk in freezer and a few of the shelves in the kitchen with heavy soil accumulations. Clean and maintain all areas clean.

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1395AOther

Official wording

Doors and windows for all outside openings should be self-closing and tight-fitting. Seal openings along the outside of the building.

Inspector’s notes

Observed the seventh street entry door and side door to have noticeable gaps under the doors. Repair and seal up referenced areas as required.

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 4626.0735ABEquipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Observed corroded shelving in the walk in cooler that is no longer in a smooth and easily cleanable state. Replace shelving with new intact shelving.

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 4626.0400AFood 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

Observed a container of beef brisket to be dated 4/3 and over the seven day use or discard by date. Discussed date marking requirements with operator. Operator discarded referenced item during the inspection.

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1457Handwashing

Official wording

Post a sign at all handwashing sinks used by employees to remind them to wash their hands.

Inspector’s notes

Observed hand washing signage to not be posted at the front bar sink, staff restrooms off main seating area and all gender restrooms. Post signage as required. Operator posted applicable signage during the inspection.

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
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0515Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Stop using food contact surfaces with cracks, pits, chips, open seams or rough sections.

Inspector’s notes

Observed cracked and pitted spatulas in the kitchen to no longer be smooth and easily cleanable. Discard and provide new intact spatulas. Operator discarded the referenced spatulas during the inspection.

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0935Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Allow equipment and utensils to air-dry after cleaning and sanitizing; only use cloths that are clean and dry for polishing utensils that have been air dried.

Inspector’s notes

Observed previously cleaned hotel pans stacked inverted while wet on the shelving while not in use. Discussed issues with microbial growth when equipment is not allowed to air dry properly. Operator to discuss proper air drying process with staff.

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0955AContamination

Official wording

Store all clean equipment, utensils, linens, in a clean dry location where not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination and at least six inches above the floor.

Inspector’s notes

Observed frozen ice wand stored unprotected on shelf in walk in freezer. Discussed proper storage methods of ice wand with operator. Operator addressed the ice wand storage during the inspection.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Apr 10, 2025 · Original Source

Routine

Mar 27, 2024

Complete

Official score: 94 · Understand this area’s scale

10 recorded violations

majorCode MN Rule 4626.0840ACleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils must be clean.

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE CAN OPENER PIERCING BLADE WITH DRIED UP FOOD DEBRIS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN A CLEAN CONDITION.

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1515Facility maintenance

Official wording

Keep the physical facilities in good repair.

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE SECOND STALL NEAR WINDOW IN WOMEN'S BATHROOM TO HAVE A CRACKED TILE AND HOLE IN THE WALL REVEALING PLUMBING. REPAIR REFERENCED AREA.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1260Other

Official wording

Have a covered trash can in toilet rooms.

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE MEN'S RESTROOMS TO NOT HAVE COVERED WASTE BINS IN THE UPPER LEVEL RESTROOMS. PROVIDE.

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 4626.1520ACleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Clean all physical facilities (floors, walls, ceilings). Keep them clean.

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN NEED OF A THOROUGH CLEANING: 1) FLOOR UNDER KITCHEN COOKING EQUIPMENT. 2) FLOOR UNDER SODA BOXES IN SIDE STORAGE ROOM. 3) CEILING VENT IN THE ALL GENDER RESTROOM. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS CLEAN.

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0240Food source and labeling

Official wording

Label all containers of food and food ingredients with their common name.

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A FEW BOTTLES OF WATER AND LIQUID BUTTER TO NOT BE LABELED. LABEL BOTTLES.

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0855Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Keep non-food contact equipment surfaces clean.

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE CASTERS ON THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND SIDE OF FRYER IN THE KITCHEN TO HAVE HEAVY GREASE ACCUMULATIONS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN REFERENCED AREAS IN A CLEAN CONDITION.

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 4626.0385AFood temperature

Official wording

Cool cooked TCS food: • Within two hours from 135 to 70 degrees F, and • Within a total of six hours from 135 to 41 degrees F or less

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THRU ON SITE OBSERVATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS WITH PERSON IN CHARGE THAT THE CONTAINER OF GRAVY HAS BEEN MADE THE EVENING PRIOR. GRAVY WAS FOUND TO BE AT 46*F. AS THE PROPER COOLING TIMES AND PARAMETERS HAD NOT BEEN MET, OPERATOR DISCARDED THE GRAVY ON SITE. FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS AND DISCUSSION WERE HELD REGARDING COOLING TECHNIQUES TO ENSURE COOLING OF TCS FOODS WAS DONE PROPERLY. OPERATOR TO HAVE FURTHER DISCUSSIONS WITH STAFF REGARDING COOLING OF TCS 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 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 BLACK PLASTIC LIDS USED ON SITE. OPERATOR TO REPLACE WITH PRODUCTS THAT ARE RECYCLABLE. AN INFORMATIONAL HANDOUT ON APPROVED PRODUCTS IS BEING SENT OUT WITH THE INSPECTION REPORT.

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 4626.1395AOther

Official wording

Doors and windows for all outside openings should be self-closing and tight-fitting. Seal openings along the outside of the building.

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A FEW OF THE SIDE DOORS TO HAVE NOTICEABLE GAPS UNDER THE DOORS. DOUBLE CHECK ALL EXTERIOR DOORS AND SEAL UP GAPS AND PROVIDE TIGHT FITTING SEALS.

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 4626.0955CContamination

Official wording

Store single-service and single-use articles in the original protective package or other effective means to protect them from contamination.

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED UNPACKAGED CLAM SHELL CONTAINERS STORED UPRIGHT ON SHELVING. MAINTAIN ITEMS EITHER COVERED OR STORED IN AN INVERTED MANNER. OPERATOR ADDRESSED PROPER STORAGE OF THE TAKE OUT CONTAINERS DURING THE INSPECTION.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Mar 27, 2024 · Original Source

More restaurants nearby