Hon's Wun Tun House Fails Inspection with Cockroaches & Cat

Hon's Wun Tun House in Chinatown failed a routine health inspection on October 6, 2025, after inspectors discovered a shocking array of violations including cockroaches, an unauthorized cat living on the premises, sewage leaks, and dangerous temperature violations that put customers at serious risk of foodborne illness. The Chinese restaurant at 648 Kearny Street near Montgomery St BART received a failing grade during this inspection after Inspector Michael Mooney uncovered six total violations, including one critical sewage issue and two major violations involving vermin and temperature abuse.

Health Violations Found

The most serious violation involved sewage and wastewater disposal problems throughout the facility. Inspectors found a leak from the two-basin hand washing sink in the basement that required immediate repair. Additionally, evidence of leaking from the basement wall near the street was discovered, with contaminated water traveling directly to the floor drain, creating potential health hazards for food preparation areas. Perhaps most disturbing to customers was the discovery of an unauthorized cat living in the restaurant. Inspectors found a box of cat litter in the basement and clear evidence of the cat scratching boxes in the upstairs storage area. The presence of live animals in food service establishments violates health codes due to contamination risks from fur, saliva, and waste products. The cockroach problem was equally concerning, with inspectors finding one dead cockroach under the ware washing machine and another dead cockroach on an adhesive board. The inspector specifically noted that despite monthly pest control documentation, the facility needed to discuss with their pest control operator the feasibility of using an Insect Growth Regulator, increased treatment frequency, and improved sanitation to eliminate vermin completely. Temperature violations posed immediate food safety risks when inspectors discovered two containers of cooked mixed vegetables measuring 79°F and a tray of steamed greens that had been left out of proper temperature control for approximately one hour during the lunch rush. These items were immediately transferred to working refrigeration, but the temperature abuse could have allowed dangerous bacteria like Clostridium perfringens to multiply rapidly.

Additional Safety Concerns

Multiple handwashing violations were documented, including missing paper towels at both the front-of-house hand wash sink near the point of sale and the basement hand wash sink. Proper handwashing supplies are critical for preventing cross-contamination between food handlers and customers. Equipment issues included a sanitizer bucket in the front of house with inadequate sanitizer levels, though this was corrected on-site. Inspectors also found improper food contact equipment storage, including a scoop in direct contact with ice and a bowl used for scooping rice without proper handle protection.

Restaurant History

This appears to be the first documented health inspection for the Chinatown establishment, making the extensive list of violations particularly concerning for a restaurant serving the busy tourist and local dining corridor near Montgomery Street. The facility's person in charge, identified as "Grace," refused to sign the inspection report, which is unusual for routine inspections. The failed inspection highlights ongoing challenges in San Francisco's dense restaurant districts, where older buildings and high-volume operations can create conditions conducive to pest problems and infrastructure issues. Customers who dined at Hon's Wun Tun House around the inspection period may want to monitor for symptoms of foodborne illness, particularly given the temperature violations involving cooked vegetables that could harbor harmful bacteria when left in the danger zone between 41°F and 135°F.