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

Restaurant · Minneapolis, MN

Ray J's

500 Central Ave Se

Last inspected May 12, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

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

The full inspection history

5 inspections

Follow-Up

May 12, 2026

Complete

Official score: 100 · Understand this area’s scale

2 recorded violations

minorCode MN Rule 4626.1565ABDPests

Official wording

Provide control of pests by routinely: • Inspecting incoming food shipments • Inspecting the premises for evidence of pests • Eliminating conditions that attract pests

Inspector’s notes

Large amount of unorganized storage directly on the floor in the basement in the liquor room, by the ice machine and in the back area by the keg walk-in. Organize storage and store boxes at least six inches off of the floor so floors can be routinely cleaned and monitored for pests.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
minorCode MCO 204.30BOther

Official wording

GREEN TO GO RECYCLING/ORGANICS SYSTEM. Provide consumers with an opportunity to recycle and/or appropriately manage compostable plastics and utilize a qualified recycling and/or organics management system. This ordinance shall take effect April 22, 2015. (89-Or-060,§ 1, 3-31-89; 96-Or-059, ? 3, 6-28-96; 2014-Or-023, ? 3, 5-23-14)

Inspector’s notes

Compostable plastic lids without a compost waste hauler. Provide a compost waste hauler or discontinue using compostable plastics.

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, May 12, 2026 · Original Source

Routine

Apr 20, 2026

Complete

Official score: 90 · Understand this area’s scale

10 recorded violations

minorCode MN Rule 4626.1565ABDPests

Official wording

Provide control of pests by routinely: • Inspecting incoming food shipments • Inspecting the premises for evidence of pests • Eliminating conditions that attract pests

Inspector’s notes

There is a large amount of unorganized storage in the basement liquor room, by the ice machine and in the back area by the keg walk-in. Many items are piled and stored directly on the floor. This provide pest harborage conditions. Organize storage and keep items off of the floor so that it can be clean and monitored for pests.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0495Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Non-food contact surfaces of equipment must be made of materials which are corrosion-resistant, non-absorbent, and smooth. Remove equipment with non-food contact surfaces made of other materials.

Inspector’s notes

Observed cloth towels used to line shelves, beneath cutting board storage and to line coolers. Towels cannot be used in this manner because they do not meet the criteria highlighted in above rule. Remove towels.

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 MCO 204.30BOther

Official wording

GREEN TO GO RECYCLING/ORGANICS SYSTEM. Provide consumers with an opportunity to recycle and/or appropriately manage compostable plastics and utilize a qualified recycling and/or organics management system. This ordinance shall take effect April 22, 2015. (89-Or-060,§ 1, 3-31-89; 96-Or-059, ? 3, 6-28-96; 2014-Or-023, ? 3, 5-23-14)

Inspector’s notes

Observed compostable plastic lids. There is no compost waste hauler for this location. Provide a compost waste hauler or discontinue using compostable plastics.

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 4626.0845EContamination

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

Baffle of ice machine contains heavy build-up. Clean and sanitize.

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 4626.1445Handwashing

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 towels at bar handwashing sink. This is repeat violation for the bar handwashing sink. 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
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0442AFood temperature

Official wording

Use a consumer advisory to inform customers of the increased risk of consuming raw or undercooked animal foods.

Inspector’s notes

Online menu does not contain a consumer advisory, provide.

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 4626.0349FFood temperature

Official wording

Develop written procedures for the raw animal food noncontinuous cooking process and obtain prior approval from the regulatory authority before implementation.

Inspector’s notes

Chicken wings are par-cooked and inspector could not locate a written procedures. Written procedures are required for par-cooking. Template provided with report. Keep this located so that they are available during inspections.

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 4626.0405AOther

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

Observed multiple foods beyond the 7 day date mark. Staff discarded items. Make sure that foods are routinely checked for date marking so they are used or discarded within 7 days of preparation. Day 1 of the 7 is the day prepared. Examples: chicken sauce 4/11, pizza sauce 4/7, cheese sauce 4/12.

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 4626.0955AContamination

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 multiple boxes of takeout containers and other single use items stored on the floor by ice bin. Store at least 6 inches above the floor.

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0725ACleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Place fixed equipment to allow access for cleaning or, seal to adjoining equipment or walls.

Inspector’s notes

Seal of mop sink in kitchen area has deteriorated. Sea reseal mop sink to adjoining wall.

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

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Apr 20, 2026 · Original Source

Routine

Apr 18, 2025

Complete

Official score: 94 · Understand this area’s scale

11 recorded violations

minorCode MN Rule 4626.1457Other

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

A couple of hand wash sinks (server area in kitchen & bar) lacked hand wash signage. Signage provided on site and hung. Corrected on site.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0840COther

Official wording

Clean non-food contact surfaces of equipment. Keep them clean.

Inspector’s notes

Observed the following needing to be cleaned: -server side shelving and condiment area -soda gun holders at bar containing mold build up

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1565ABDOther

Official wording

Provide control of pests by routinely: • Inspecting incoming food shipments • Inspecting the premises for evidence of pests • Eliminating conditions that attract pests

Inspector’s notes

This was not observed due to door being locked and no management on site to open it. Previous report indicates that there are a large amount of unnecessary items in the liquor room.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0275COther

Official wording

Store in-use food preparation and serving utensils only on clean, sanitized surfaces.

Inspector’s notes

Observed: -tongs stored on oven handle doors -bowl for fry batter stored on faucet of mop sink Store these in locations that are clean and sanitized and where they cannot be contaminated. Per inspector request these were all sent to be washed and sanitized. Discussed approved storage locations with staff.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0495Other

Official wording

Non-food contact surfaces of equipment must be made of materials which are corrosion-resistant, non-absorbent, and smooth. Remove equipment with non-food contact surfaces made of other materials.

Inspector’s notes

Observed cloth towels used to line shelves and to stabilize cutting boards. Cloth towels cannot be used in this manner as they are do not meet the criteria highlighted above. Remove.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0285BOther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Observed wet wiping cloths stored on counters. Once wet these must be stored in sanitizing solution when they are not being actively used.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MCO 204.30BOther

Official wording

GREEN TO GO RECYCLING/ORGANICS SYSTEM. Provide consumers with an opportunity to recycle and/or appropriately manage compostable plastics and utilize a qualified recycling and/or organics management system. This ordinance shall take effect April 22, 2015. (89-Or-060,§ 1, 3-31-89; 96-Or-059, ? 3, 6-28-96; 2014-Or-023, ? 3, 5-23-14)

Inspector’s notes

Observed compostable plastic lids, #7 plastic. These cannot be composted unless there is a waste hauler provided to process them. Provide a waste hauler that processes compostable plastics or discontinue.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0845EOther

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 build-up on soda gun nozzle. Observed microbial growth on baffle of ice machine. Clean and sanitize.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
majorCode MN Rule 4626.1440Other

Official wording

Have hand soap at all handwashing sinks.

Inspector’s notes

Bar hand wash sink was not stocked with soap. There was no hand soap on site to refill. Per inspector request server stocked with dish soap and stated they go to the nearby store to obtain hand soap.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
majorCode MN Rule 4626.1445Other

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

There were no towels stocked at bar handwashing sink. Per inspector request server stocked bar with towels.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0442AOther

Official wording

Use a consumer advisory to inform customers of the increased risk of consuming raw or undercooked animal foods.

Inspector’s notes

Printed menu contains a consumer advisory but online menu does not. Provide a consumer advisory for the online menu.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Apr 18, 2025 · Original Source

Follow-Up

May 3, 2024

Complete

Official score: 94 · Understand this area’s scale

7 recorded violations

minorCode MN Rule 4626.1457Other

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Repeat. Hand wash signs and posters missing. Provide hand wash signs at all hand washing sinks.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0735ABOther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

-Prep cooler on main line is leaking into pan on floor. Repair. -Shelving in walk in cooler is being held up by a pan. Repair

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0840COther

Official wording

Clean non-food contact surfaces of equipment. Keep them clean.

Inspector’s notes

Shelving in both walk in coolers is moldy. Clean and sanitize.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0400BOther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Date marking in upstairs kitchen is inconsistent. Make sure that the date prepared is marked on all containers. If portioning food from a bulk container out of the walk-in cooler use the original preparation date.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0395A2Other

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Multiple wing sauces are house made and are stored at room temperature. Discussed using time as a control or having lab test to confirm they are safe at room temperature.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1565ABDOther

Official wording

Provide control of pests by routinely: • Inspecting incoming food shipments • Inspecting the premises for evidence of pests • Eliminating conditions that attract pests

Inspector’s notes

Large amounts of items, including boxes of paperwork and other equipment, observed in liquor room. Remove unnecessary items.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
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 to-go portion cups, these are not approved. Green to Go information provided with report and discussed with PIC.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, May 3, 2024 · Original Source

Routine

Apr 19, 2024

Complete

Official score: 86 · Understand this area’s scale

12 recorded violations

minorCode MN Rule 4626.1457Other

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Handwashing sink by server station missing signage. Provide. Use the following link for poster options or provide your own. https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/handhygiene/materials.html

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1040BOther

Official wording

Keep the plumbing system in good repair.

Inspector’s notes

Dish machine leaks water onto floor. Repair.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0955AOther

Official wording

Store single-service and single-use items in a clean dry location. All items must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.

Inspector’s notes

Single service cups and to-go containers stored on floor in dry storage and also near soda racks. These must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0442AOther

Official wording

Use a consumer advisory to inform customers of the increased risk of consuming raw or undercooked animal foods.

Inspector’s notes

Menu's do not contain a consumer advisory. Provide a consumer advisory online and in print for all foods that could be served raw or undercooked. Menu items requiring asterisk include: ahi tuna salad, steak and fries, hamburgers. For hamburgers you may asterisk the section or each individual hamburger. Previous report indicates a brunch menu, this was not observed on this inspection or online. If there is a brunch menu with béarnaise, hollandaise, under cooked eggs or eggs cooked to order these would also be asterisked. Guidance document provided with report.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0735ABOther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Prep cooler on main line is leaking onto floor. Repair. Shelving in food walk in is broken and being held up a by pan. Repair or replace.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0840COther

Official wording

Clean non-food contact surfaces of equipment. Keep them clean.

Inspector’s notes

Pizza prep cooler contains a lot of old food debris. Many prep cooler gaskets and doors contain debris. Clean. Maintain a cleaning schedule to prevent accumulations. Shelving in both walk-in coolers is moldy. Clean and sanitize.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0400BOther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Foods in the upstairs kitchen are inconsistently date marked. Observed sausage, portioned chicken, mashed potatoes and other food items more than 24 hours old without date marks. Mark the date prepared on all containers. If taking the food from a large batch of prepared food in the walk-in use the original preparation date. Guidance document provided with report.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0395A2Other

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Observed house made wing sauces stored at 68F. Observed garlic butter at 83F. Through discussion operator desires these to stored at room temperature. Discussed using time as a public health control for these foods. Template provided with report. Complete a policy for these foods or store under refrigeration. Confirmed stock times for foods; instructed discard of butter.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1565ABDOther

Official wording

Provide control of pests by routinely: • Inspecting incoming food shipments • Inspecting the premises for evidence of pests • Eliminating conditions that attract pests

Inspector’s notes

Large amounts of items, including boxes of paperwork and other equipment, observed throughout liquor storage room. Clean this room of unnecessary items.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
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 to-go ramekins. Black plastic to containers are not allowed in Minneapolis as of January 2024. When reorder plastic to-go containers make sure they are #1,2 or 5 and are not black plastic. Guidance document provided with report.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0805C3Other

Official wording

Have an approved quaternary ammonium sanitizing solution: • Within the concentration specified in 21CFR.178.1010, and • According to the manufacturer/'s directions

Inspector’s notes

Observed three compartment sink at bar to measure 100ppm quaternary ammonium solution. Bartender stated they use 1 tablet of Steramine Sanitizer. The label indicates 1-2 tablets are needed per gallon of water. Sink contains 2-3 gallons of water. Increase tablet amount when making solution. Use test kit to test and determine how many tablets are needed for water volume used. PIC instructed bartender to add more tablets and let the other bartenders know of the change.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0400AOther

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

Foods in the upstairs kitchen are inconsistently date marked. Observed sausage, portioned chicken, mashed potatoes and other food items more than 24 hours old without date marks. Mark the date prepared on all containers. If taking the food from a large batch of prepared food in the walk-in use the original preparation date.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Apr 19, 2024 · Original Source

More restaurants nearby