Golden Bear Restaurant Closed for Food Storage Violations

Health inspectors have shuttered Golden Bear restaurant in North Beach following a failed follow-up inspection that revealed serious food storage violations posing contamination risks to customers. The restaurant at 41 Embarcadero was ordered closed on August 21, 2025, after inspector Michael Mooney discovered multiple violations of California food safety codes during this inspection.

Critical Food Storage Violations

The most alarming discovery during the inspection was food being stored directly on the ground throughout the facility, a practice that exposes ingredients to contaminated water during cleaning operations and provides easy access for pests. Inspector Mooney cited the restaurant for failing to elevate food items the required six inches off the ground and for not properly containerizing food in the dry storage area. This violation represents a serious threat to public health, as food stored on floors can absorb cleaning chemicals, become contaminated with bacteria from foot traffic, and attract rodents and insects. When restaurants fail to maintain proper food storage protocols, customers face increased risks of foodborne illness from salmonella, E. coli, and other dangerous pathogens. The inspection also revealed improperly sealed wiring that presented additional contamination risks to the food preparation areas. Exposed wires can harbor bacteria and make cleaning impossible, creating hidden sources of contamination that can spread throughout a kitchen.

Inspection Details and Closure

The August 21 inspection was a follow-up visit, indicating the restaurant had previously failed an inspection and was given an opportunity to correct violations. Despite this second chance, Golden Bear was unable to meet basic food safety standards, resulting in immediate closure by the San Francisco Department of Public Health. Inspector Mooney's report noted that while some basic requirements were met - including proper water temperature above 120 degrees, accessible hand wash sinks, refrigeration below 41 degrees, and no visible vermin - the food storage violations were serious enough to warrant shutting down operations. The restaurant, located near the Powell-Mason Cable Car line, had been serving customers in one of San Francisco's most popular tourist destinations before the violations were discovered.

Health Risks and Public Safety

Food stored directly on floors poses multiple health hazards that could have sickened unsuspecting diners. Ground-level storage allows cleaning chemicals to splash onto ingredients during routine floor washing. Additionally, food packages can be contaminated by shoe soles, spills, and debris tracked in from outside. The improper storage practices also create ideal conditions for pest infestations, as rodents and insects can easily access unsealed food containers at floor level. Even without visible vermin during this inspection, the storage violations create an environment where contamination is virtually inevitable.

Restaurant History and Next Steps

This appears to be the first recorded inspection for Golden Bear in the city's database, making it unclear whether these violations represent ongoing problems or recent operational failures. The restaurant has not yet reopened, and no timeline has been provided for addressing the violations. The closure serves as a reminder that even establishments in prime tourist areas like North Beach must maintain strict adherence to food safety protocols. Customers who recently dined at Golden Bear should monitor for symptoms of foodborne illness, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. The San Francisco Department of Public Health will require the restaurant to correct all violations and pass a reinspection before being permitted to reopen for business.