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Columbus Cafe

556 Columbus Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10024
American
Last inspected: Feb 27, 2026
95
Score
Low Risk

Going back to 2023, Columbus Cafe has four inspections in the public record. The most recent report on file is from Feb 27, 2026. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.

Things are looking better: the most recent inspection turned up one violation, compared to six violations previously.

When inspectors have written things up, evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food has been the most frequent reason, cited three times.

The city-wide average for Manhattan sits at 77, putting Columbus Cafe on the better side of that line. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.

4
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 27, 2026
Administrative Miscellaneous / Initial Inspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Current letter grade or grade pending card not posted
20-06
95
Dec 11, 2024
Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection
3 critical violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.
04L
Live roaches in facility's food or non-food area.
04M
Cold tcs food item held above 41 °f; smoked or processed fish held above 38 °f; intact raw eggs held above 45 °f; or reduced oxygen packaged (rop) tcs foods held above required temperatures except during active necessary preparation.
02G
Dishwashing and ware washing: cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient.
10G
Anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device not provided where required; equipment or floor not properly drained; sewage disposal system in disrepair or not functioning properly. condensation or liquid waste improperly disposed of.
10B
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
08A
55
Jul 9, 2024
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
5 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
06D
Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage associated with (frsa) flies or other nuisance pests in establishment’s food and/or non-food areas. frsa flies include house flies, blow flies, bottle flies, flesh flies, drain flies, phorid flies and fruit flies.
04N
Cold tcs food item held above 41 °f; smoked or processed fish held above 38 °f; intact raw eggs held above 45 °f; or reduced oxygen packaged (rop) tcs foods held above required temperatures except during active necessary preparation.
02G
Live roaches in facility's food or non-food area.
04M
Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.
04L
Anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device not provided where required; equipment or floor not properly drained; sewage disposal system in disrepair or not functioning properly. condensation or liquid waste improperly disposed of.
10B
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
08A
43
Mar 10, 2023
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.
04L
Failure to display required signage about plastic straw availability.
19-10
Providing single-use, non-compostable plastic straws to customers without customer request (including providing such straws at a self-serve station)
19-06
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
08A
Anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device not provided where required; equipment or floor not properly drained; sewage disposal system in disrepair or not functioning properly. condensation or liquid waste improperly disposed of.
10B
70

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Columbus Cafe last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Columbus Cafe on file is from Feb 27, 2026. The public record contains four inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Columbus Cafe?

Across the inspection record, evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Columbus Cafe.

How does Columbus Cafe compare to other restaurants in Manhattan?

Columbus Cafe most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is higher than the Manhattan average of 77.

Has Columbus Cafe's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Columbus Cafe have turned up fewer violations than earlier ones, with the latest finding around one violation compared to about six previously.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Columbus Cafe means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

How often is Columbus Cafe inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Columbus Cafe is inspected roughly once per year on average.

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