Poke Bowl at 1250 Ocean Ave in the Excelsior district received a conditional pass on its November 12 health inspection, allowing the poke bowl restaurant to remain open while addressing 17 violations identified by San Francisco health inspectors. The routine inspection revealed multiple areas requiring improvement, including temperature control issues, staff training needs, and food safety protocol adjustments.
Temperature Control Issues Identified
The primary concern during this inspection centered on temperature violations affecting seafood storage and refrigeration equipment. Inspectors found fish products stored at temperatures ranging from 48 to 51 degrees Fahrenheit, well above the required 41-degree safety threshold. The walk-in refrigeration unit was operating at 45 to 48 degrees, prompting immediate corrective action. Most critically, inspectors discovered vacuum-sealed fish including yellowfin tuna, albacore cubes, and imitation crab stored in original packaging without proper thawing procedures. This storage method creates anaerobic conditions that can allow dangerous botulism bacteria to develop. Restaurant staff were instructed to immediately remove all fish from vacuum packaging to prevent serious health risks. Management voluntarily discarded chicken and pork products that exceeded safe temperatures, demonstrating cooperation with health officials. The restaurant must submit documentation by November 14 showing refrigeration unit service and photographic proof of proper temperature maintenance.Staff Training and Sanitation Protocols
Inspectors identified significant gaps in employee food safety knowledge that require immediate attention. The two staff members present during the inspection were unable to demonstrate proper sanitizing solution preparation, test strip usage, or dishwashing procedures. Additionally, both employees failed to follow proper handwashing protocols when changing gloves during food preparation and cashier duties. Basic sanitation supplies were unavailable during the inspection, including soap at the front handwashing sink and paper towels in the back kitchen. No sanitizing solution was prepared despite the restaurant operating for three hours. Staff received on-site education and prepared proper sanitizing solution to meet required standards.Equipment and Facility Maintenance Needs
The inspection revealed several equipment issues requiring prompt resolution. Multiple refrigeration units were not functioning properly, including an unplugged cold top unit and an under-counter refrigerator measuring 80 degrees. The restaurant must repair or remove non-functional equipment and provide service documentation to health officials. Additional maintenance concerns included non-food contact surfaces with accumulated food particles, dusty ventilation fans, and cardboard used as shelf lining material. Proper storage procedures need implementation, as utensils were found stored in customer-accessible areas and food equipment was placed underneath drainage areas.Previous Inspection History
This conditional pass follows a previous inspection in September that also resulted in a conditional rating. The earlier reinspection showed significant progress with five violations corrected, including hand sink accessibility and sanitizer concentration issues. The pattern suggests ongoing efforts to achieve full compliance with health code requirements.Ongoing Operations and Follow-up
Despite the violations identified, Poke Bowl remains open for business near Balboa Park BART while implementing required corrections. A follow-up inspection is scheduled by November 19, 2025, to verify that all violations have been properly addressed. The conditional pass allows continued operations while ensuring customer safety through mandated improvements. The restaurant's location in the Excelsior neighborhood provides convenient access for local residents and BART commuters seeking fresh poke options. With proper implementation of the inspector's recommendations, the establishment can work toward achieving full compliance in upcoming evaluations. Staff Reporter at SF Restaurant Inspections📍 Related Information
| Restaurant Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Poke bowl |
| Address | 1250 OCEAN AVE |
| District | Excelsior |
| Cuisine | Poke Bowl |
| Inspection Date | November 12, 2025 |
| Inspection Type | Routine Inspection |