Castro Bar Gets Conditional Pass After Rodent Droppings Found

Pilsner Inn in San Francisco's Castro district received a conditional pass on its November 18 health inspection after inspectors discovered old rodent droppings in the basement and behind the bar counter. Despite the pest-related violation, the popular bar at 225 Church Street remains open for business while addressing the minor issues identified during the routine inspection. The conditional pass allows the establishment to continue serving customers while working to correct the violations found during this inspection. Inspector Katherine Tuazon noted that while old rodent droppings were present, the restaurant maintains a regular pest control service, indicating ongoing efforts to address potential pest issues.

Inspection Details

During the 45-minute inspection conducted from 1:45 PM to 2:30 PM, health officials identified two violations. The primary concern involved evidence of rodent activity, specifically old droppings found in the basement storage area and below the bar counter where drinks are prepared. This violation falls under California Retail Food Code Section 114259, which prohibits insects, rodents, birds, or non-service animals in food service establishments. The second violation involved improper plumbing installation, where waste water hoses were draining directly into a floor sink without the required one-inch air gap. However, this issue was immediately corrected on-site when the person in charge tied the waste water hoses to provide the proper air gap, demonstrating the establishment's commitment to addressing problems promptly. Inspector Tuazon's report noted positive findings as well, including sanitizer levels and dish machine rinse temperatures that fell within acceptable ranges, indicating proper sanitation practices in other areas of operation.

Health Violations Found

The presence of rodent droppings poses potential health risks, as mice can produce up to 50 droppings daily containing harmful pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus. The discovery of old droppings suggests previous rodent activity rather than an active infestation, which may explain why the establishment received a conditional pass rather than a closure order. The Castro district establishment's management acknowledged the pest control measures already in place and will likely need to intensify these efforts to prevent future violations. The immediate correction of the plumbing issue demonstrates the staff's understanding of food safety requirements and willingness to address problems when identified.

Restaurant Operations Continue

Located near the Castro St Muni station, Pilsner Inn serves the busy Castro neighborhood as a local gathering spot. The conditional pass allows the bar to maintain normal operations while implementing enhanced pest control measures and monitoring procedures. Establishments receiving conditional passes typically undergo follow-up inspections to ensure violations have been properly addressed. The restaurant's management, led by owners Patrick Conlon and George Loudis, will need to demonstrate effective pest control measures and maintain the plumbing corrections to achieve a full pass on subsequent inspections. The facility's inspection history shows this as their first recorded health department review, making it difficult to establish patterns of compliance or improvement. Moving forward, consistent adherence to pest control protocols and maintenance standards will be crucial for maintaining operational status in San Francisco's competitive restaurant environment. Staff Reporter at SF Restaurant Inspections