Kilowatt, the popular bar located at 3160 16th Street in SOMA, received a conditional pass during a routine health inspection on November 24, 2025, after inspectors discovered rodent droppings in storage areas and several equipment violations requiring immediate attention.
The inspection, conducted between 4:45 PM and 5:45 PM, revealed four total violations including one critical violation related to pest control. Despite these findings, the establishment remains open to the public while management works to address the correctable issues identified during this inspection.
Inspection Details
Health inspectors found desiccated rodent droppings in two key areas of the establishment: inside a cabinet at the closed end of the bar where bottled juices are stored, and on the floor of the downstairs liquor room. The presence of fruit fly activity was also noted throughout the facility, prompting inspectors to require immediate elimination of all pest activity and thorough sanitization of affected areas. The critical violation for pest control highlights a significant concern, as rodent droppings can contain dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus. Mice typically produce up to 50 droppings daily, making prompt remediation essential for maintaining food safety standards in any establishment serving beverages and food items.Equipment and Sanitation Issues
Beyond the pest control concerns, inspectors identified several equipment-related violations that contributed to the conditional pass rating. The dishmachine was not dispensing the required 50 parts per million of chlorine sanitizer during its final cycle, a major violation that affects the establishment's ability to properly sanitize dishes and utensils. Staff were able to address this issue immediately by switching to the three-compartment sink for washing, rinsing, and sanitizing operations. The inspection also revealed that the hot water handle at the mop sink was inoperable, preventing access to the minimum required 120-degree Fahrenheit hot water necessary for proper cleaning procedures. This violation must be corrected through equipment repair to ensure compliance with California Retail Food Code requirements. Inspectors noted an accumulation of debris on metro racks in the walk-in cooler, requiring a deep cleaning to maintain proper food storage standards. While not directly related to food safety, this violation demonstrates the importance of regular maintenance in commercial food service operations.Conditional Pass Status
The conditional pass designation allows Kilowatt to continue serving customers while addressing the identified violations within the required timeframe. This inspection result reflects the establishment's ability to operate safely with minor corrections rather than requiring immediate closure for critical health hazards. Located near Civic Center BART in the bustling SOMA district, Kilowatt serves as a neighborhood gathering spot for residents and visitors exploring the area's vibrant nightlife scene. The bar's management will need to demonstrate completion of all required corrections during a follow-up inspection to achieve full compliance status. The establishment's phone number (503) 964-9028 remains active for customers seeking information about current operations. As a bar establishment, Kilowatt must maintain strict adherence to both food safety and alcohol service regulations under San Francisco Department of Public Health oversight. This conditional pass represents an opportunity for the establishment to strengthen its food safety protocols while maintaining service to the SOMA community.📍 Related Information
| Restaurant Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Kilowatt |
| Address | 3160 16TH ST |
| District | SOMA |
| Cuisine | Bar |
| Inspection Date | November 24, 2025 |
| Inspection Type | Routine Inspection |