Amsterdam, the cafe located at 930 Geary Street in Nob Hill, received a conditional pass during a routine health inspection on November 13, 2025, despite discovering significant violations including a live cockroach infestation and equipment malfunctions. The establishment can continue operating while addressing the seven violations identified during the hour-long inspection.
Health inspectors discovered one live cockroach in the bar area between wooden boards, along with dead cockroaches on adhesive traps throughout the kitchen and bar areas during this inspection. The critical vermin violation prompted immediate requirements for professional pest control services, with the inspector mandating discussion of fumigation feasibility and submission of pest control reports to district officials.
Equipment Failures Compound Issues
The inspection revealed multiple equipment malfunctions that compromised food safety standards. The walk-in cooler was operating at 49 degrees Fahrenheit, well above the required 41-degree maximum, forcing the disposal of potentially hazardous sausage products. Additionally, a lower glass refrigerator in the bar area had been unplugged, causing milk and cream to reach unsafe temperatures of 59 degrees, resulting in voluntary disposal of these dairy products. Inspectors also found the dishwashing machine in the bar area failing to produce adequate sanitizer levels, requiring staff to sanitize dishes manually in a three-basin sink until repairs are completed by a licensed technician. The cafe near the Van Ness Muni stop must provide documentation of refrigeration repairs before storing potentially hazardous foods again.Administrative and Sanitation Violations
Beyond the critical pest and temperature violations, Amsterdam faced several administrative and sanitation issues. The establishment lacked current food safety certificates for management and food handler cards for employees, which must be obtained and kept on-site for future inspections. Handwashing facilities upstairs were found inadequately supplied, missing paper towels essential for proper hygiene protocols. Inspectors emphasized that all handwashing stations must maintain soap, paper towels, and warm water availability at all times to ensure staff compliance with food safety standards. An additional safety concern emerged when inspectors discovered residential-use roach powder stored in the water heater room, which must be removed as only commercial-grade pest control products are permitted in food service establishments.Conditional Pass Allows Continued Operation
Despite the violations, the conditional pass designation allows Amsterdam to continue serving customers in the busy Nob Hill area while implementing necessary corrections. The restaurant must coordinate with district inspectors to provide documentation of pest control services, refrigeration repairs, and staff certification compliance. This marks the first recorded inspection for Amsterdam in the city database, indicating either a new establishment or recent change in ownership. The facility owner must address all violations promptly to avoid potential closure during the required follow-up inspection. A reinspection will occur to verify the facility is free from vermin and that all equipment operates within safe temperature ranges. The cafe's proximity to major transit lines makes it a convenient dining option for commuters, emphasizing the importance of swift resolution to maintain public health standards while preserving neighborhood dining options. The conditional pass reflects the restaurant's ability to operate safely with immediate attention to the identified issues, demonstrating the health department's balanced approach to enforcement while protecting public safety.📍 Related Information
| Restaurant Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Amsterdam |
| Address | 930 GEARY ST |
| District | Nob Hill |
| Cuisine | Cafe |
| Inspection Date | November 13, 2025 |
| Inspection Type | Routine Inspection |