Far East Cafe Reopens After Fixing Temperature Violations

Far East Cafe, a longtime Chinese restaurant in Chinatown, has successfully reopened after addressing serious health violations that resulted in a conditional pass during their previous inspection. The establishment at 631 Grant Avenue passed this inspection on December 4, 2024, demonstrating their commitment to food safety and customer protection.

Successful Resolution of Previous Issues

Inspector Michael Mooney conducted the reinspection between 12:30 PM and 12:55 PM, finding that all previously identified violations had been properly corrected. The inspector's report confirmed that hand wash sinks were now accessible, refrigeration equipment was maintaining proper temperatures, and no food handling violations were present. Most importantly, there was no evidence of vermin, and the facility was deemed well maintained. The successful reopening represents a significant turnaround from the restaurant's previous inspection on December 1, 2025, when serious temperature violations were discovered. During that routine inspection, refrigeration equipment at the cook line was found holding food at unsafe temperatures ranging from 46°F to 52°F, creating dangerous conditions for foodborne illness. These temperatures fall well within the danger zone where harmful bacteria can rapidly multiply.

Health Safety Improvements

The temperature violations previously identified posed serious risks to customer health, as food held in the 46°F-52°F range can harbor dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and E. coli. The restaurant's swift action to repair refrigeration equipment and implement proper food safety protocols demonstrates their dedication to protecting diners in the busy Chinatown district. Beyond the critical temperature issues, the previous inspection also identified problems with sanitizer setup and other operational concerns. The restaurant worked diligently to address these deficiencies, ensuring that all sanitization protocols met San Francisco Department of Public Health standards.

Restaurant Background and Community Impact

Far East Cafe serves Chinese cuisine in the heart of Chinatown, conveniently located near the Montgomery St BART station. The restaurant is operated by Hong Nin Holdings Corporation and can be reached at (415) 982-3245. The establishment's successful resolution of health violations is particularly important given its location in one of San Francisco's most popular dining districts. The restaurant's ability to quickly address the conditional pass status shows their understanding of the importance of food safety in maintaining customer trust. Chinatown restaurants serve thousands of tourists and locals daily, making proper food handling and temperature control essential for public health.

Moving Forward

With all violations now corrected, Far East Cafe can continue serving customers with confidence in their food safety protocols. The reinspection process, overseen by inspector Michael Mooney and received by restaurant representative Kathy Lee, confirms that the establishment has met all required standards for safe food service. The successful reopening adds to the positive news for Chinatown's dining scene, where maintaining high food safety standards is crucial for both tourist confidence and local community health. Customers can now return to Far East Cafe knowing that proper refrigeration, sanitization, and food handling procedures are in place.