SF Chinese Restaurant Fails Reinspection with Broken Tiles

Tsing Tao Restaurant on Clement Street in San Francisco's Outer Richmond district failed a crucial reinspection on October 2, 2025, demonstrating ongoing violations despite previous warnings from health officials. The Chinese restaurant, located at 3107 Clement Street near the 38 Geary bus line, was cited for broken tile coving at the cook-line during this inspection. This latest failure comes just weeks after the restaurant was shuttered by the San Francisco Department of Public Health in August 2025, raising serious questions about the establishment's commitment to addressing fundamental food safety issues that put customers at risk.

Structural Violations Persist

Inspector Jessica Jang discovered broken tile coving at the cook-line during the October 2 reinspection, a violation that creates significant health hazards in food preparation areas. The damaged flooring allows bacteria to harbor in cracks and crevices where proper sanitization becomes impossible, potentially contaminating food and cooking surfaces. Broken tile coving presents multiple health risks for restaurant patrons. The damaged areas can harbor dangerous bacteria, facilitate rodent entry into food preparation areas, and make thorough cleaning impossible. When flooring deteriorates near cooking stations, food particles and grease can accumulate in cracks, creating breeding grounds for harmful microorganisms that can cause foodborne illnesses including salmonella and E. coli. The restaurant operator informed Inspector Jang that they planned to temporarily close the establishment to repair the tiles, indicating awareness of the severity of the violation. However, the fact that this structural issue remained unaddressed since the previous closure suggests a pattern of delayed maintenance that could compromise food safety standards.

Previous Closure History

The failed reinspection represents the latest chapter in Tsing Tao Restaurant's troubled relationship with health inspectors. The establishment was previously closed by the health department on August 19, 2025, during a follow-up inspection that resulted in a complete shutdown of operations. The August closure demonstrates the restaurant's ongoing struggle to maintain basic health standards required for safe food service. When establishments fail reinspections after mandatory closures, it indicates serious deficiencies in management oversight and commitment to public health protocols.

Neighborhood Impact

Located in the heart of the Outer Richmond district, Tsing Tao Restaurant serves a diverse community of residents and visitors who rely on local dining establishments for safe, quality meals. The restaurant's proximity to the busy 38 Geary bus route makes it accessible to commuters and neighborhood residents seeking convenient dining options. The repeated health violations at this Clement Street location highlight the importance of consistent health department oversight in protecting public safety. Restaurants that fail reinspections after closures demonstrate a concerning pattern that requires immediate attention and comprehensive corrective action. Inspector Jang has given the restaurant until October 30, 2025, to replace the damaged tiles with proper 3/8-inch coving. The establishment must demonstrate compliance with all health codes before resuming normal operations and serving the public. This reinspection failure serves as a reminder that food safety violations have real consequences for both public health and business operations in San Francisco's competitive restaurant landscape.