Korean BBQ Restaurant Gets Conditional Pass on Water Issues

Yummy BBQ Kitchen LLC, a Korean restaurant located at 683 Broadway in North Beach, received a conditional pass during a reinspection on October 3, 2025. While the establishment can continue serving customers, minor water temperature violations need correction to achieve full compliance with health standards.

Inspection Details

Inspector John Wells conducted the reinspection from 2:00 PM to 2:15 PM, finding two minor violations related to hot and cold water availability. The primary issue involved inadequate water temperatures at various handwash sinks and dishwashing stations throughout the facility. During this inspection, Wells measured warm water at only 70°F at the handwash sink in the front counter area, well below the required temperature range of 100°F to 108°F for proper handwashing. Additionally, the cold water handle at this same sink was found to be inoperable, requiring immediate repair to ensure staff can properly wash their hands. The kitchen dishwashing areas also showed temperature deficiencies. Hot water measured 115°F at the two-compartment sink and 113°F at the three-compartment sink, both falling short of the minimum 120°F requirement for effective dish sanitization. These temperature issues pose potential risks for bacterial survival and inadequate cleaning of food preparation equipment.

Previous Violations Corrected

The reinspection revealed significant progress since the previous routine inspection on September 17, 2025. The restaurant successfully corrected multiple violations that had been identified during that previous inspection, demonstrating the establishment's commitment to food safety compliance. Staff members now possess required food handler cards, and handwash sinks throughout the facility have been properly equipped with soap and towels. The restaurant also implemented Time as a Public Health Control procedures for foods displayed on the steam table and items hanging in the window display area, ensuring proper food temperature management. Management cleaned mouse droppings that had been found in a storage area and thoroughly cleaned hood filters in the kitchen ventilation system. These corrections show the restaurant's proactive approach to addressing health department concerns and maintaining sanitary conditions.

Current Status and Next Steps

Despite the minor water temperature violations, Yummy BBQ Kitchen remains open for business, serving customers near the Powell-Mason Cable Car line. The conditional pass allows the restaurant to continue operations while making necessary adjustments to water heating systems and plumbing repairs. The inspector noted that kitchen walls and ceilings showed significant improvement in cleanliness compared to the previous visit. However, the establishment must address the remaining water temperature issues before the next routine inspection to achieve full compliance. Management received clear guidance on required temperature ranges for different types of sinks and the importance of maintaining proper water temperatures for food safety. The restaurant's person in charge, Shirley Liu, accepted responsibility for ensuring corrections are completed promptly. The facility's permit expires on March 31, 2026, and continued compliance with health regulations will be essential for renewal. With most previous violations successfully corrected, the restaurant appears well-positioned to address the remaining minor issues and achieve full compliance in future inspections.