SF Sports Grill Gets Conditional Pass with Minor Violations

The San Francisco Sports Grill on Bush Street received a conditional pass during its health department reinspection on August 22, 2025, allowing the American restaurant in Chinatown to continue serving customers while addressing minor violations that require correction. Inspector John Wells conducted the reinspection from 4:30 PM to 4:45 PM, finding six minor violations that need attention but do not pose immediate health risks requiring closure. The conditional pass designation means the restaurant can remain operational while implementing necessary corrections within the required timeframe.

Minor Violations Requiring Correction

During this inspection, the primary concerns centered around equipment maintenance and documentation issues. The dishwashing machine's sanitize cycle registered 0 parts per million of chlorine sanitizer instead of the required 50 ppm minimum, compromising the final sanitization step for dishes and utensils. Multiple hot water handles were found inoperable, affecting handwashing stations crucial for food safety protocols. The left and middle handwash sinks in the bar area both had non-functioning hot water handles, while the food preparation sink in the office room also lacked hot water access. These repairs are essential for proper employee hygiene and food safety compliance. The walk-in cooler was operating without adequate lighting, making it difficult for staff to properly inspect food storage conditions and maintain inventory standards. Additionally, the restaurant's current public health license certificate was not available for inspection, requiring the establishment to obtain updated documentation from the SF Tax Collector's Office.

Food Safety Management Issues

A significant concern involved the absence of the required food safety manager during the inspection. While the hotel manager possesses the necessary certification, the documentation was not available on-site. California retail food code requires establishments to maintain evidence of certified food safety management readily available for inspection at all times. The inspector noted that a Traulsen one-door cooler had been emptied of potentially hazardous foods, with the ambient temperature measuring 66 degrees Fahrenheit. This proactive step by restaurant staff helped prevent temperature-related violations while equipment issues were being addressed.

Operational Context and Location

Located near Montgomery St BART in the heart of Chinatown, The San Francisco Sports Grill serves American cuisine in one of the city's busiest districts. The restaurant's proximity to major transit connections makes it a popular dining destination for both tourists and local workers seeking familiar fare in the diverse neighborhood.

Previous Inspection History

The restaurant's inspection history reveals ongoing efforts to maintain compliance. A previous routine inspection on August 14 resulted in a conditional pass, with violations including proper hot and cold holding temperatures, hot water availability, and ventilation issues. The current reinspection addressed many of these concerns while identifying new minor maintenance needs.

Next Steps for Compliance

Restaurant management must prioritize repairing the hot water handles at all affected sinks to ensure proper handwashing capabilities. Installing adequate lighting in the walk-in cooler and calibrating the dishwashing machine's sanitizer system are also immediate priorities. The establishment must obtain and display the current public health license certificate in a conspicuous location, and ensure the certified food safety manager or documentation is available during operating hours. Once these corrections are completed, the restaurant can expect a follow-up inspection to verify compliance and potentially receive a full passing grade. Staff Reporter at SF Restaurant Inspections