Fish and Farm Gets Conditional Pass on SF Reinspection

Fish and Farm, the American seafood restaurant located at 424 Clay Street in San Francisco's Financial District, received a conditional pass during a reinspection conducted on August 22, 2025. The establishment can continue operating while addressing minor violations identified by health inspectors during the follow-up visit. The reinspection revealed four violations, including one major and three minor issues that require correction but do not pose immediate health risks to patrons. The conditional pass status allows the restaurant to remain open for business while implementing necessary fixes to achieve full compliance.

Inspection Details

The primary concern identified during the inspection involved hot water temperature issues at multiple locations throughout the facility. Inspectors measured hot water at only 80 degrees Fahrenheit at the dishwashing station's faucet, well below the required 120 degrees needed for proper sanitization. The faucet's cold handle was found to be malfunctioning, preventing the system from achieving adequate hot water temperatures for dish washing and sanitization protocols. Additional temperature concerns were discovered at handwashing sinks in the downstairs men's restroom, where warm water measured 73 degrees Fahrenheit, and another location registering 71 degrees. These temperatures fall short of health department standards for proper hand hygiene, a critical component of food safety operations.

Minor Violations Requiring Attention

Three minor violations were documented during the inspection, focusing on maintenance and operational improvements. Ventilation system issues were noted when inspectors observed gaps between hood filters in the kitchen ventilation system. The restaurant was directed to reseat the filters to eliminate these gaps and ensure proper air circulation. Food handling practices also required adjustment, as inspectors found a wiping towel in direct contact with Brussels sprouts in the preparation cooler. This violation of food safety protocols was easily correctable by implementing proper storage procedures that prevent linens from directly touching food items. The inspection also identified issues with proper hot and cold holding temperatures for various food items, indicating the need for equipment adjustments and temperature monitoring improvements.

Restaurant's Compliance Efforts

The conditional pass status demonstrates Fish and Farm's commitment to addressing identified concerns while maintaining operations in the busy Financial District near Embarcadero BART. This reinspection followed a previous failed inspection on August 13, showing the restaurant's ongoing efforts to achieve full compliance with health department standards. The establishment's inspection history reveals a pattern of improvement, with the restaurant working systematically to address operational challenges. A subsequent inspection on September 5 showed continued progress in resolving outstanding violations.

Timeline for Corrections

Health department officials typically allow restaurants with conditional passes a specific timeframe to address identified violations before conducting follow-up inspections. The minor nature of the violations cited at Fish and Farm suggests that corrections can be implemented relatively quickly through equipment repairs and procedural adjustments. The restaurant's location in the Financial District serves a significant lunch crowd of office workers and tourists, making continued operations important for both the business and local dining options. The conditional pass allows Fish and Farm to maintain service while ensuring compliance improvements are implemented properly. Staff Reporter at SF Restaurant Inspections