Hornblower Cruise Restaurant Closed for Plumbing Violations

Hornblower Cruises & Events, the popular dining venue aboard cruise ships at Pier 3 in San Francisco's Financial District, has been shuttered by health inspectors following a failed follow-up inspection that revealed serious plumbing violations and contaminated food preparation areas. The closure came after inspector Michael Mooney conducted this inspection on October 20, 2025, discovering backed-up wastewater drains, leaking plumbing systems, and improperly stored food contact surfaces throughout the vessel's kitchen facilities.

Critical Plumbing Failures Discovered

The most serious violations centered around the ship's plumbing infrastructure, which inspectors found in a state of disrepair that posed immediate health risks to diners. In the walk-in cooler area, inspectors discovered a wastewater drain connected to the condenser line that had completely backed up, creating standing water that could harbor dangerous bacteria and contaminate the food storage environment. The drainage system lacked proper backflow prevention measures, with the condenser waste line failing to maintain the required one-inch air gap. This critical safety feature prevents contaminated water from flowing back into clean water systems, potentially introducing harmful pathogens into food preparation areas. Additional plumbing concerns included a pan positioned under the kitchen sink, apparently placed there to catch water from an ongoing leak. Such makeshift solutions create unsanitary conditions where stagnant water can breed bacteria and attract pests, putting every meal served at risk of contamination.

Contaminated Food Contact Surfaces

Inspectors also found serious equipment violations that directly threatened food safety. Silverware and other food contact surfaces were being stored partially under HVAC ducting in a kitchen alcove, where debris, dust, and airborne contaminants could fall directly onto items used for dining service. The storage arrangement violated fundamental food safety principles that require all food contact surfaces to remain protected from contamination. Every fork, knife, and spoon stored in this manner could have collected harmful bacteria before reaching customers' tables. Temperature control issues compounded the problems, with a bar refrigerator on the second floor failing to maintain proper cooling temperatures. The unit was holding potentially hazardous foods above the critical 41-degree threshold, creating ideal conditions for bacterial growth and foodborne illness.

Facility Infrastructure Concerns

The inspection revealed broader infrastructure problems throughout the vessel, including unsealed bare wood surfaces under the bar and in kitchen areas. These porous surfaces cannot be properly cleaned or sanitized, making them breeding grounds for bacteria and other pathogens. Floor damage was evident at the cook line, where rust spots indicated ongoing moisture problems that could compromise food safety. The third-floor bar area lacked proper cove base installation, creating gaps where food particles and moisture could accumulate.

Previous Inspection History

The closure followed a pattern of declining conditions at the Embarcadero area establishment. Earlier on the same day, the facility had failed a routine inspection before receiving a conditional pass, indicating that initial attempts to address violations were insufficient. The restaurant's location near Embarcadero BART made it a popular destination for tourists and commuters seeking waterfront dining experiences. However, the serious violations discovered during the inspection posed significant health risks to the hundreds of diners who could have been exposed to contaminated food and unsanitary conditions. The facility remains closed pending correction of all violations and approval from the San Francisco Department of Public Health. No reopening date has been announced as the restaurant works to address the extensive plumbing and infrastructure problems that led to its closure.