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Restaurant · Minneapolis, MN

Nicos Tacos

2516 Hennepin Ave

Last inspected Apr 1, 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

4 inspections

Follow-Up

Apr 1, 2026

Complete

Official score: 100 · Understand this area’s scale

1 recorded violation

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 automatic chemical dispenser still needs to be repaired. In the meantime, chlorine is being manually added to the 3 compartment sink.

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, Apr 1, 2026 · Original Source

Routine

Mar 12, 2026

Complete

Official score: 90 · Understand this area’s scale

10 recorded violations

majorCode MN Rule 4626.0715Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Have a test kit for the type of sanitizer used.

Inspector’s notes

The facility still does not have any test strips for confirming the concentration of the sanitizer in the 3 compartment sinks and the wiping cloth buckets. Some need to be purchased.

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 4626.0735ABEquipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

The automatic chemical sanitizer dispenser at the 3 compartment sink was not able to dispense sanitizer. This needs to be fixed.

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 MN Rule 4626.0285BCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths used for wiping surfaces must: • Be held in an approved sanitizing solution • Laundered daily

Inspector’s notes

The wiping cloth bucket in the dishroom had only soap in it instead of sanitizer. This should have 200-400ppm quats in it for cleaning food contact surfaces. There was not wiping cloth bucket in the kitchen.

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 4626.0900Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Sanitize food contact surfaces before using and after cleaning.

Inspector’s notes

The dishwasher was not using any sanitizer at the time of the inspection. The automatic dispenser was not working. I demonstrated how to set up the sanitizer sink to the correct concentration.

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

The utensils tray in the wait station had some debris in the bottom of the tray where the utensils were being kept. The bulk storage containers in the basement had an accumulation of food debris on top of the lids. Clean these regularly to avoid contamination of utensils and food.

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 4626.0275FFood temperature

Official wording

Discontinue storing food preparation or dispensing utensils in a container of water that is not maintained at 135 degrees F (57 degrees C) and not cleaned when empty.

Inspector’s notes

The upstairs bar had drink utensils stored in a container of water. This water could potentially support the growth of bacteria over time. Store the utensils dry and rotate them out every 4 hours or clean them regularly.

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 4626.0965BContamination

Official wording

Keep clean utensils that are unwrapped in trays and holders with their handles up.

Inspector’s notes

The utensils in the wait station area were stored in a tray with the handles facing both directions. Store them with all the handles facing one direction to prevent contact with the eating surfaces.

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
majorCode MN Rule 4626.1440Handwashing

Official wording

Have hand soap at all handwashing sinks.

Inspector’s notes

The upstairs bar hand sink did not have soap. Employees were using the nearby restroom handsink for handwashing. This sink needs to be used and it should be supplied with soap.

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 4626.1445Handwashing

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

The upstairs bar hand sink did not have paper towels. Employees were using the nearby restroom hand sink for handwashing. This sink needs to be used and it should be supplied with paper towels.

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 4626.1040BWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Keep the plumbing system in good repair.

Inspector’s notes

The hand sink in the 1st floor bar was not affixed to the wall. This needs to be repaired.

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, Mar 12, 2026 · Original Source

Routine

Mar 4, 2025

Complete

Official score: 90 · Understand this area’s scale

9 recorded violations

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

There is a visible gap between the side of the back door and the frame that is big enough to allow the entry of something as big as a mouse. Seal this gap.

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 4626.1457Handwashing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

None of the handwashing sinks had signs reminding employees to wash hands. Sticker signs were left with the operator to post.

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 4626.0715Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Have a test kit for the type of sanitizer used.

Inspector’s notes

Test kits were needed for both the chlorine and the quaternary ammonium. Test strips were left with the operator.

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 4626.1335ACleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors, walls and/or ceiling finishes are not approved. Finishes must be smooth and easily cleanable.

Inspector’s notes

Several storage areas in the basement were without an approved easily cleanable ceiling. Install appropriate ceiling in these areas.

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 4626.0845EContamination

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

The beverage dispensing nozzles in the upstairs bar had a build up of residue on them. Remind all bartenders to clean these regularly.

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
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0040COther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

No employee illness log was located at the time of the inspection. One in Spanish was left with the operator.

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 4626.1620Chemicals

Official wording

Use only chemical sanitizers on food-contact surfaces that meet Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations requirements: • Part 180, section 180.940 • Part 180, subpart E, section 180.2020

Inspector’s notes

The concentration of the wiping cloth bucket in the kitchen was over 200ppm chlorine. This was corrected to 100ppm

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 188.390Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

The business license must be posted where it can be easily seen.

Inspector’s notes

The health license needs to be posted in a visible location. One was not posted.

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 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 shelving in the walk in cooler had chipping paint and was badly rusted. These need to be 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

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Mar 4, 2025 · Original Source

Routine

Feb 29, 2024

Complete

Official score: 94 · Understand this area’s scale

6 recorded violations

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

There is a significant hole in the back door to the outside that is large enough for the entry of mice and other pests. This must be repaired or the door replaced.

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 4626.1457Handwashing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Handwashing signs are needed at all sinks being used by employees including the restroom sinks. Signs in both English and Spanish are included with this report.

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 4626.0715Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Have a test kit for the type of sanitizer used.

Inspector’s notes

A test kit for checking sanitizer strengh was not available. One was given to the employees.

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 4626.1335ACleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors, walls and/or ceiling finishes are not approved. Finishes must be smooth and easily cleanable.

Inspector’s notes

There is an area of the basement where beverages are being stored. Any area of food storage needs to have approved walls, ceiling and floor that can be easily cleaned and protecting the surface of the food from contamination of dust and debris.

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 4626.0845EContamination

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

The beverage dispensor nozzles on first floor and at the bar on 2nd floor are soiled with some mold. These need to be cleaned regularly and checked each morning.

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
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0405AOther

Official wording

Throw away TCS foods seven days after being made or opened. Day one is the date food was made or opened.

Inspector’s notes

There was a container of food that was datemarked indicating that it was 12 days old. It was discarded immediately. Please review procedures with staff so that they are accurately datemarking foods and discarding after 7 days.

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, Feb 29, 2024 · Original Source

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