SF Restaurant Gets Conditional Pass Despite Minor Violations

Tasty Pot in San Francisco's North Beach district received a conditional pass during a reinspection on September 2, 2025, allowing the restaurant to continue operating while addressing several minor violations that require correction. The restaurant at 1398 Grant Avenue must resolve issues including pest control problems, plumbing leaks, and food storage concerns identified during the 30-minute inspection. Health inspector John Wells documented four violations during this inspection, including one critical violation involving the use of unapproved pesticides inside the food facility. Inspectors discovered unauthorized bar bait placed on the floor in the water heater closet and near the stove area, prompting immediate recommendations for professional pest control services.

Inspection Details

The inspection revealed evidence of rodent activity throughout the facility, with mouse droppings found in multiple locations including beneath the stairwell in the dry storage room, on the water heater closet floor, and beneath shelving adjacent to the walk-in freezer. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive pest management programs in food service establishments, particularly in North Beach's dense urban environment where rodent control requires constant vigilance. A significant plumbing issue was also identified when inspectors observed a wastewater leak from beneath the central compartment of the three-compartment sink. This type of infrastructure problem requires immediate attention to prevent potential contamination and maintain proper sanitation standards. The restaurant has been directed to repair the leak promptly to ensure compliance with health regulations. Food temperature violations were noted when inspectors measured lamb at 46°F and pork at 62°F in the top portion of the cooks' food preparation cooler. These temperatures fall outside the required range of either at or above 135°F for hot foods or at or below 41°F for cold storage. The potentially hazardous foods had been stored improperly for approximately 30 minutes before being moved to the bottom of the cooler where proper temperatures could be maintained.

Previous Inspection History

Tasty Pot's inspection history shows a pattern of working to address health code compliance issues. The restaurant previously received a conditional pass during a follow-up inspection on August 26, 2025, indicating ongoing efforts to meet health department standards. Most recently, the facility achieved a full pass during a reinspection on September 19, 2025, demonstrating successful resolution of previously identified issues. The conditional pass status allows Tasty Pot to continue serving customers near the Powell-Mason Cable Car line while implementing necessary corrections. This classification indicates that while violations were found, they do not pose an immediate threat requiring closure, and the restaurant can operate safely while addressing the identified concerns.

Correction Requirements

Restaurant management must work with professional pest control services to eliminate rodent activity and replace unauthorized pesticides with approved alternatives. The plumbing leak requires immediate repair to prevent ongoing wastewater issues that could affect food safety. Additionally, staff training on proper food storage temperatures will help prevent future violations related to potentially hazardous food handling. The inspector's recommendations emphasize the importance of maintaining consistent pest control protocols and equipment maintenance in busy restaurant environments. Tasty Pot's location in the heart of North Beach's dining district makes compliance particularly important for maintaining customer confidence and food safety standards. With prompt attention to these correctable violations, Tasty Pot can continue serving the North Beach community while working toward full compliance with San Francisco health regulations during future inspections.