SF SOMA Mexican Restaurant Gets Conditional Health Pass

Sinombre, a Mexican restaurant located at 312 Harriet Street in SOMA, received a conditional pass during its November 13 reinspection by the San Francisco Department of Public Health. The establishment can continue serving customers while addressing one remaining plumbing violation. During this inspection, conducted from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM, health inspector Katherine Tuazon found significant improvement from previous conditions. The floor area under the sink near the ice machine, which had previously been problematic, was now clean and dry. However, one major violation remains outstanding and requires correction before the restaurant can achieve full compliance.

Plumbing Issue Requires Attention

The single violation cited involves proper plumbing and waste water disposal, specifically the need to install a one-inch air gap to the waste water line and floor sink. This violation falls under California Retail Food Code Section 114193 and 114197, which governs sewage and waste water systems in food service establishments. The inspector noted that the restaurant must provide photographic proof of the correction to Katherine.tuazon@sfdph.org before achieving full compliance. This requirement ensures that the plumbing modification meets health department standards and prevents potential contamination issues. The health department emphasizes the importance of proper waste water disposal systems, as sewage can contain billions of pathogens including hepatitis A, norovirus, and E. coli. Even small amounts of contaminated water can pose serious health risks, with one tablespoon potentially containing 100 million bacteria.

Restaurant Operations Continue

Despite the outstanding violation, Sinombre remains open for business in the bustling SOMA neighborhood near Civic Center BART. The conditional pass status allows the restaurant to continue serving its Mexican cuisine while working to complete the required plumbing modifications. The establishment, operated by Sinombre SF LLC, serves customers in the heart of San Francisco's South of Market district. The restaurant can be reached at (415) 846-8770 for reservations and inquiries.

Inspection Context and Next Steps

This reinspection represents a follow-up to address previous concerns identified by health inspectors. The fact that the floor under the sink near the ice machine was found clean and dry indicates the restaurant has been responsive to inspector feedback and committed to maintaining proper sanitation standards. The conditional pass designation means Sinombre is operating within acceptable safety parameters while completing final corrections. Once the air gap installation is completed and photographic documentation is submitted to the health department, the restaurant should be eligible for a full passing grade. This type of minor technical violation is common during reinspections, as establishments work to meet specific regulatory requirements. The plumbing modification required is straightforward and demonstrates the restaurant's ongoing commitment to meeting San Francisco's food safety standards. Customers can continue to dine at Sinombre with confidence, knowing that the establishment is actively working with health inspectors to maintain the highest standards of food safety and sanitation in the competitive SOMA dining scene.