Bottle Club Pub Gets Conditional Pass - Hot Water Issues

Bottle Club Pub in San Francisco's Tenderloin district received a conditional pass on its health department reinspection conducted on October 2, 2025. The bar located at 555 Geary Street can continue serving customers while addressing minor violations related to hot water access at key sanitation stations. Inspector John Wells conducted the reinspection at this inspection and found one remaining violation requiring attention. The primary issue involves inoperable hot water handles at two critical sinks in the downstairs area - the handwash sink positioned between food preparation and three-compartment washing areas, and the three-compartment sink itself.

Hot Water Access Issues

The violation centers on California Retail Food Code Section 114192, which mandates adequate hot and cold running water availability. The inspector observed that while the three-compartment sink can access hot water through manual operation of valves beneath the unit, the handles themselves need proper repair to provide standard hot water access under pressure. This represents a significant improvement from the establishment's previous inspection on September 11, where multiple violations were identified. The October reinspection confirmed that several earlier issues have been successfully corrected, including proper chlorine levels in the dishwashing machine at 50 ppm and elimination of towels making contact with food.

Inspection Progress and Corrections

The conditional pass demonstrates Bottle Club Pub's commitment to addressing health department concerns systematically. Inspector Wells noted substantial progress since the September inspection, with the establishment successfully correcting major sanitation issues while working on the remaining infrastructure repairs. The hot water handle repairs are classified as minor violations that do not require immediate closure or operational restrictions. However, proper handwashing and dish sanitization depend on reliable hot water access, making these repairs essential for long-term compliance and customer safety.

Ongoing Compliance Efforts

Beyond the physical infrastructure repairs, the inspection revealed that management is actively pursuing food safety certification. The person in charge, Dmitri Kras, has enrolled in required food safety manager training and is scheduled to complete the certification within one week of the inspection. The Tenderloin establishment, conveniently located near Powell Street BART and Muni stations, continues operating normally while completing the minor repairs. The conditional pass allows customers to visit with confidence that major health and safety standards are being maintained. Inspector Wells will verify completion of the hot water handle repairs during the next routine inspection. The establishment's proactive approach to addressing violations and pursuing additional staff certification demonstrates a commitment to exceeding baseline health department requirements. The October inspection results highlight how San Francisco restaurants can work collaboratively with health inspectors to maintain public safety while addressing operational challenges. Bottle Club Pub's ability to correct multiple violations between inspections shows the effectiveness of the city's reinspection system in ensuring continuous improvement in food service establishments throughout the Tenderloin district.