Trish's Dishes Gets Conditional Pass for Sanitizer Issues

Trish's Dishes at Pier 39 received a conditional pass during its routine health inspection on December 4, 2025, after inspectors identified minor violations related to handwashing facilities and sanitizer setup that require correction but do not prevent continued operations. The North Beach restaurant can remain open while addressing the issues found during this inspection, which took place from 1:40 PM to 2:10 PM. Inspector Michael Mooney documented two major violations that must be corrected to achieve full compliance.

Inspection Details

The primary concern involved the handwashing sink accessibility, where inspectors found boxes on the floor blocking access to the required handwashing facilities. Food safety regulations mandate that handwashing sinks remain accessible at all times during food service operations to ensure proper employee hygiene practices. Additionally, the inspection revealed no sanitizer bucket was set up at the time of the visit. The person in charge acknowledged having multiple facilities nearby and committed to providing the required sanitizer bucket immediately. Health department guidelines require sanitizer buckets to be maintained at all times, with concentrations tested using test strips and solutions changed every four hours or more frequently based on usage. Despite these violations, the restaurant demonstrated adequate temperature controls throughout the facility. Refrigeration units maintained proper temperatures below 41°F, while hot holding equipment kept food above the required 135°F threshold, indicating effective food temperature management systems.

Correction Requirements

The conditional pass designation allows Trish's Dishes to continue serving customers while implementing the necessary corrections. The restaurant must ensure handwashing sink access remains unobstructed and establish a properly maintained sanitizer bucket system with regular concentration testing. The routine inspection process focuses on preventing foodborne illness through proper sanitation practices. Handwashing violations particularly concern health officials because inadequate hand hygiene represents one of the primary transmission routes for foodborne pathogens in commercial kitchens. Restaurant management received specific guidance on maintaining sanitizer bucket protocols, including testing concentration levels and establishing replacement schedules based on actual usage patterns rather than fixed timeframes.

Previous Inspection History

This represents the second consecutive year that sanitizer-related issues have appeared during routine inspections at Trish's Dishes. During the previous inspection on December 4, 2024, inspectors similarly found no sanitizer bucket setup alongside water temperature issues that reached only 101°F instead of the required 120°F. The 2024 inspection resulted in a pass after both violations were corrected on-site, with sanitizer bucket establishment and water heater adjustments completed during the inspector's visit. This pattern suggests ongoing challenges with maintaining consistent sanitizer protocols at the facility.

Restaurant Operations Continue

Located at Pier 39 near the Powell-Mason Cable Car line, Trish's Dishes serves customers in one of San Francisco's busiest tourist areas. The conditional pass allows normal operations while the restaurant works toward full compliance with health department standards. The facility's ability to maintain proper food temperatures during the inspection demonstrates functional equipment and temperature monitoring systems. These critical food safety controls help prevent bacterial growth and ensure safe food service for patrons. Follow-up inspection procedures will verify that handwashing sink accessibility has been restored and sanitizer bucket protocols have been properly implemented and maintained according to health department requirements.