Grumpys Bar Gets Conditional Pass Despite Water Temperature Issue

Grumpys, the popular bar located at 125 Vallejo Street in San Francisco's Financial District, received a conditional pass during its health department reinspection on August 28, 2025. While the establishment can continue operating, inspectors identified two violations requiring prompt correction to ensure full compliance with city health standards. The primary concern identified during this inspection involved the restaurant's hot water system. Inspector Michael Mooney discovered that the water heater was providing only 117°F, falling short of the required 120°F minimum temperature needed for proper dish sanitization and handwashing. The inspector noted that the water temperature "fell quickly" and suggested the water heater may be undersized for the establishment's needs.

Water Temperature Violations Impact Food Safety

The hot water temperature violation represents a significant food safety concern, as proper water temperature is essential for effective sanitization of dishes and equipment. Without adequate hot water, restaurants cannot properly eliminate viruses and bacteria that cause foodborne illness. The inspector specifically advised Grumpys management to adjust the system to provide water at the required 120°F temperature and emphasized that any water heater replacement would require San Francisco Department of Public Health review and approval. In addition to the water temperature issue, inspectors observed staff improperly thawing beef at room temperature on top of a freezer. This practice violates approved food thawing methods, which require controlled thawing procedures to prevent bacterial growth during the temperature danger zone transition.

Conditional Pass Allows Continued Operations

Despite these violations, Grumpys received a conditional pass, meaning the bar can remain open while addressing the identified issues. This classification indicates that while violations were found, they do not pose an immediate threat requiring closure. The establishment must correct these issues and demonstrate compliance during a follow-up inspection. The inspection took place from 3:45 PM to 4:05 PM and was received by facility representative Saji Jacob Vithayathil. Located near the Embarcadero BART station, Grumpys serves the busy Financial District area with convenient access for downtown workers and visitors.

First Recorded Inspection for New Establishment

This reinspection marks the first documented health department visit for Grumpys in the city's inspection database, suggesting the establishment is relatively new to the San Francisco dining scene. The conditional pass provides an opportunity for the restaurant to establish proper food safety protocols early in its operations. Grumpys is owned and operated by Grumpy Bulldog LLC and can be reached at (415) 215-0241. The establishment will need to schedule a follow-up inspection to demonstrate that both the water temperature and food thawing violations have been properly addressed. The conditional pass classification allows patrons to continue enjoying the bar's offerings while management works to perfect their food safety operations. Customers can expect normal service to continue as the establishment addresses these minor operational adjustments to achieve full compliance with San Francisco's health and safety standards.