Pokeworks Gets Conditional Pass Despite Minor Violations

Pokeworks in the Tenderloin district received a conditional pass during a September 25 reinspection, successfully correcting several violations on-site while still requiring follow-up action on minor pest control issues. The restaurant near Powell St BART remains open to customers as management works to address the remaining compliance requirements. During this inspection, health officials found four total violations, with three corrected immediately during the visit. The most significant issue requiring ongoing attention involves mouse droppings discovered in the office area, which prompted immediate cleaning and sanitization requirements along with mandatory pest control professional consultation.

Inspection Details

Inspector observations during the afternoon reinspection revealed several operational issues that were swiftly addressed. A mop and bucket had been improperly stored in front of the hand washing sink, blocking employee access to this critical sanitation facility. Restaurant staff immediately relocated the cleaning equipment to restore proper hand washing accessibility, understanding that unobstructed sinks are essential for preventing foodborne illness transmission. Temperature control violations were also identified and corrected during the inspection. Chicken in the hot-holding unit measured 113 degrees Fahrenheit, well below the required safe holding temperature. The person-in-charge acknowledged uncertainty about how long the chicken had been outside proper temperature control and voluntarily discarded the product to prevent any potential health risks to customers.

Pest Control Requirements

The most serious violation requiring ongoing attention involves evidence of rodent activity in the office area. Health officials discovered mouse droppings and immediately required comprehensive cleaning and sanitization of all affected areas. The restaurant must contract with a licensed pest management professional to eliminate rodents from the premises and maintain all pest control service receipts on-site for department review. Notably, management produced a pest control report dated August 26, 2025, indicating previous awareness of potential issues. However, inspectors emphasized the need to complete all recommendations and action items listed on that report, including sealing gaps where rodents might enter the facility. If any pest control recommendations are unclear, the restaurant must contact their pest management provider for clarification and immediate action.

Previous Inspection History

The September 25 reinspection follows a previous inspection on September 10 that also resulted in a conditional pass. The earlier routine inspection identified similar issues including hand washing facility accessibility, temperature control problems, and pest-related concerns. This pattern suggests ongoing operational challenges that management continues to address through systematic improvements.

Current Status and Next Steps

Despite the conditional pass status, Pokeworks continues serving customers in the busy Tenderloin neighborhood. The restaurant must demonstrate completion of all pest control recommendations before the next inspection to achieve full compliance. Management has shown cooperation by immediately correcting violations during the inspection and maintaining documentation of their pest control efforts. The facility also addressed a minor violation involving wiping cloths storage, ensuring proper sanitization procedures are followed when cloths are not in active use. This attention to detail during the inspection demonstrates the restaurant's commitment to meeting all health department standards while maintaining service to the community. Customers can continue dining at Pokeworks with confidence that immediate health risks have been addressed, while the restaurant works toward full compliance with all health department requirements.