One Bite Castro Cafe Gets Conditional Pass Despite Pest Issues

One Bite, the popular cafe located at 506 Castro Street in San Francisco's vibrant Castro district, received a conditional pass during its recent reinspection on October 9, 2025. The establishment can continue serving customers while addressing minor violations that do not pose immediate health risks requiring closure. During this inspection, health officials found several correctable issues that warrant attention but allow the cafe to maintain operations near the busy Castro St Muni station. The conditional pass status indicates that while violations were discovered, they are manageable and the restaurant demonstrates the ability to operate safely while implementing corrections.

Minor Violations Requiring Correction

The inspection revealed pest control concerns that require immediate attention but do not necessitate closure. Health officials discovered evidence of cockroach activity, including one slow-moving cockroach found in a crack between counter surfaces below kitchen equipment, along with old rodent droppings in storage areas. The inspector noted that immediate cleaning and sanitization occurred during the visit, and no food preparation was taking place at the time of discovery. Additional violations centered around equipment maintenance and documentation requirements. The cafe's dishwasher was found to be non-functional for sanitization purposes, requiring repair to dispense the minimum 50 parts per million chlorine concentration at final rinse. Staff were observed using the three-compartment sink with proper sanitizer levels as an alternative washing method during the inspection. The facility also lacked required food safety manager certification documentation on-site, though this administrative violation poses no immediate health risk to customers. An ice machine was discovered leaking onto floors, requiring plumbing repairs to ensure proper drainage through an approved air gap system.

Immediate Corrective Actions

One Bite's management demonstrated cooperation by implementing several corrective measures during the inspection. Dead cockroaches and sticky traps were removed immediately, and affected areas received thorough cleaning and sanitization. The inspector provided staff education on proper warewashing procedures, ensuring dishes follow the complete wash-rinse-sanitize-air dry protocol. The establishment has specific timelines for addressing remaining violations. Within 24 hours, management must seal cracks in counter surfaces and provide photographic evidence to the health department. Within 72 hours, professional pest control services must treat the facility and submit treatment reports to health officials.

Operational Context and History

The Castro district cafe serves customers in one of San Francisco's most bustling neighborhoods, where maintaining health standards is crucial for public safety. This reinspection follows a previous failed inspection from August 29, 2025, when similar pest control and equipment issues were initially identified. The conditional pass allows One Bite to continue serving its Castro clientele while working systematically to address these correctable violations. The restaurant's last pest control service occurred on September 16, 2025, indicating ongoing efforts to maintain proper sanitation standards.

Moving Forward

Inspector Katie Dea's report emphasizes the correctable nature of the violations found, with clear timelines and specific requirements for compliance. The cafe must provide updated food safety manager certification and ensure all employees maintain current food handler cards for future inspections. Customers can continue visiting One Bite with confidence that the establishment is actively addressing the minor violations while maintaining safe food service operations. The conditional pass status reflects the health department's assessment that these issues, while requiring correction, do not pose immediate risks that would necessitate closure of this popular Castro district gathering spot. The facility will undergo follow-up inspection to verify completion of required corrections, ensuring full compliance with San Francisco health department standards.