Inner Sunset Bar Gets Conditional Pass Despite Pest Issues

The Game Parlour, a popular bar in San Francisco's Inner Sunset district, received a conditional pass during a reinspection on November 4, 2025, allowing the establishment to remain open while addressing two critical violations requiring immediate correction. Health inspectors found evidence of ongoing pest control issues and missing food safety certifications during this inspection at the Irving Street location, but determined the violations were correctable without requiring closure of the neighborhood establishment.

Inspection Details

The reinspection, conducted between 2:05 PM and 3:40 PM, identified two critical violations that must be addressed promptly. Inspector Sharon Aguila-Leonard documented missing California Food Handler Cards among staff members, a requirement that ensures all food service workers understand basic food safety principles including proper hygiene, temperature control, and contamination prevention. More concerning was the discovery of old mouse droppings in multiple kitchen areas, marking this as a repeat violation from previous inspections. The inspector found evidence of rodent activity inside milk crates along the kitchen floor, on top of unopened canned goods, underneath wire shelving units in the dry storage room, and beneath the tabletop cooler used for storing batter. The inspector warned that failure to correct the pest control issue could result in permit suspension if evidence of vermin activity is observed during the follow-up reinspection, emphasizing the serious nature of this repeat violation.

Food Safety Requirements

The missing food handler certifications represent a fundamental gap in the establishment's compliance with California health regulations. All food service workers must possess valid California Food Handler Cards, with proof readily available for inspection in either paper or digital format. These certifications demonstrate that staff understand critical food safety principles that help prevent foodborne illness outbreaks. Research shows that certified food safety managers reduce critical health violations by 60 percent, making proper certification essential for maintaining safe operations in any food service establishment, including bars that serve food items.

Operational Status

Despite the violations, The Game Parlour continues serving customers at 1342 Irving Street near the N-Judah Muni line while working to address the identified issues. The conditional pass allows the bar to maintain normal operations during the correction period, providing management time to obtain required staff certifications and implement comprehensive pest control measures. The establishment, operated by The Game Parlour Inc, has been a fixture in the Inner Sunset neighborhood, serving patrons in an area known for its diverse dining options and proximity to Golden Gate Park.

Follow-Up Requirements

Management must demonstrate that all staff members have obtained valid food handler cards and that effective pest control measures have eliminated rodent activity throughout the facility. The inspector emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring to prevent future violations, particularly given the repeat nature of the pest control issue. A subsequent reinspection on November 7, 2025, confirmed that the violations had been successfully addressed, with the facility receiving a full pass. The inspector advised continued monitoring for vermin activity to maintain compliance with health department standards. The successful resolution demonstrates the establishment's commitment to food safety while highlighting the importance of consistent pest control and staff certification in maintaining health department compliance.