Bacchus Wine Bar Gets Conditional Pass for Rodent Droppings

Bacchus Wine & Sake Bar in Nob Hill received a conditional pass during a routine health inspection on December 3, 2025, after inspectors discovered rodent droppings near dishwashing equipment. The bar establishment at 1954 Hyde Street can continue serving customers while addressing the sanitation violation found during this inspection. Inspector Kyle Chan from the San Francisco Department of Public Health conducted the routine inspection between 4:30 PM and 5:15 PM, documenting one critical violation related to pest control. The inspection revealed rodent droppings on the floor around the mechanical dishwashing machine, three-compartment sink, and handwashing sink in the bar area.

Inspection Details

The violation cited under California Retail Food Code Section 114259 prohibits insects, rodents, birds, and non-service animals in food service establishments. Inspectors found evidence of rodent activity specifically concentrated around the bar's dishwashing and handwashing stations, areas critical for maintaining proper sanitation protocols. The inspector's report emphasized the health risks associated with rodent contamination, noting that mice typically produce 50 droppings daily containing dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus. The presence of rodent droppings indicates a potential ongoing pest issue that requires immediate attention and comprehensive remediation. Bacchus Wine & Sake Bar must sanitize all contaminated surfaces using approved disinfectants, specifically bleach water or quaternary ammonia solution. The establishment received detailed corrective action requirements to eliminate the pest problem and prevent future infestations through improved sanitation practices and potential structural modifications.

Corrective Actions Required

The conditional pass allows the establishment to remain open while implementing necessary corrections. Restaurant management must address the rodent issue comprehensively, including thorough cleaning of affected areas, identification and sealing of entry points, and establishment of ongoing pest prevention protocols. The San Francisco Department of Public Health will conduct a follow-up inspection to verify compliance with corrective measures. The establishment must demonstrate that all rodent droppings have been properly cleaned, contaminated surfaces sanitized, and preventive measures implemented to maintain food safety standards. Located near the Van Ness Muni station, Bacchus Wine & Sake Bar serves the Nob Hill community as a neighborhood gathering spot. The conditional pass reflects the department's balanced approach to food safety enforcement, allowing businesses to correct violations while maintaining operations when public health risks can be adequately managed.

Restaurant Operations Continue

Despite the violation, customers can continue visiting Bacchus Wine & Sake Bar while the establishment addresses the sanitation concerns. The conditional pass indicates that inspectors determined the violation, while serious, did not pose an immediate threat requiring closure. This marks the first documented inspection for Bacchus Wine & Sake Bar in the city's inspection database, with no previous violation history available for comparison. The establishment operates under Bacchus LLC and can be reached at (415) 928-2633 for customer inquiries regarding the corrective actions being implemented. The inspection underscores the importance of comprehensive pest control programs in food service establishments, particularly in older San Francisco buildings where structural vulnerabilities may create entry points for rodents. Regular professional pest control services and proactive sanitation measures remain essential for maintaining compliance with health department standards.