Wolfes Lunch SOMA Cafe Gets Conditional Pass, Minor Issues

Wolfes Lunch, a popular cafe located at 1220 16th Street in SOMA, received a conditional pass during its routine health inspection on November 19, 2025. The establishment, conveniently situated near the 4th & King Caltrain station, remains open to customers while addressing minor violations identified by health inspectors. During this inspection, which lasted from 10:00 AM to 11:10 AM, inspectors documented five total violations - three major and two minor issues that require attention but do not compromise the restaurant's ability to serve customers safely. The conditional pass status allows the cafe to continue operations while making necessary corrections to achieve full compliance.

Inspection Details

The most significant concern involved improper food storage practices that created potential cross-contamination risks. Inspectors observed raw meat containers stored above ready-to-eat vegetables in the reach-in cooler, a violation that could allow harmful bacteria from raw proteins to drip onto items consumed without cooking. Additionally, inspectors found a sealed package of raw meat placed directly next to a bag of onions in the single-door reach-in cooler, further highlighting storage protocol issues. Another major violation centered on inadequate sanitization procedures. The sanitizer bucket measured 0 parts per million (ppm), indicating complete absence of cleaning solution effectiveness. However, the person in charge immediately corrected this issue by setting up a new sanitizer bucket solution with bleach, demonstrating the restaurant's commitment to addressing problems promptly. Ventilation and lighting deficiencies also required attention. Inspectors noted grease accumulation on baffle filters near the hood system and discovered that deep frying equipment lacked adequate overhang coverage under the ventilation hood. A burnt-out light bulb in the kitchen prep area further compromised working conditions.

Minor Cleanliness Issues

The inspection revealed several minor cleaning issues that, while not posing immediate health risks, require correction to maintain optimal food safety standards. Food debris was observed on shelves within the two-door reach-in cooler, and fan guard covers inside the single-door cooler showed signs of accumulated grime. Grease buildup on surfaces adjacent to the hood system also needed addressing. These violations represent typical maintenance challenges faced by busy SOMA establishments serving customers throughout the day. The cafe's location near major transit hubs like 4th & King Caltrain ensures steady foot traffic, making consistent cleaning protocols essential for maintaining health department standards.

Restaurant Response and Corrections

Wolfes Lunch demonstrated proactive compliance during the inspection by immediately addressing the sanitizer solution problem. This quick response indicates management's understanding of food safety requirements and willingness to maintain health department standards. The conditional pass status provides the restaurant with a clear pathway to full compliance through correcting identified issues. The establishment's phone contact (628) 213-4098 remains available for customers seeking information about operations during the correction period. Owner Young Sun and associates have committed to addressing all violations to ensure the cafe meets San Francisco's rigorous health standards.

Previous Inspection History

This inspection represents the first documented health department review for Wolfes Lunch in available records, making it difficult to establish patterns of compliance or improvement. As a relatively new establishment in the competitive SOMA food scene, the cafe is working to establish consistent food safety protocols while serving its growing customer base. The conditional pass allows Wolfes Lunch to continue serving customers while implementing necessary corrections. Follow-up inspections will verify that all violations have been properly addressed, ensuring the establishment meets San Francisco's comprehensive health and safety requirements for food service operations.