Azucar Lounge Fails Reinspection with Grease Violations

Azucar Lounge LLC, a bar located in San Francisco's Tenderloin district, failed its reinspection on October 7, 2025, after inspectors discovered ongoing violations related to equipment maintenance and cleanliness standards. The establishment, situated near Powell St BART/Muni, was cited for multiple equipment violations during this inspection conducted by Inspector Farhan Khan between 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM.

Equipment Maintenance Violations

The primary concern identified during the reinspection involved accumulated grease on the establishment's exhaust hood system. According to the inspection report, the last service date sticker indicated February 2025, meaning the exhaust hood had gone significantly longer than the required maintenance schedule without professional cleaning. California health code mandates that exhaust hoods receive professional cleaning services at least every six months or more frequently as needed to maintain sanitary conditions. This violation poses serious health risks as accumulated grease in exhaust systems creates fire hazards and can harbor dangerous bacteria. The buildup also affects air quality in food preparation areas and can contaminate food through airborne particles. For patrons visiting this bar establishment, these conditions represent potential exposure to unsanitary food preparation environments. The inspection also revealed cracked floor tiles in the warewash room, creating additional sanitation concerns as damaged flooring can harbor bacteria and make proper cleaning difficult to achieve.

Reinspection Context

This failed reinspection comes just one week after Azucar Lounge received a conditional pass on September 30, 2025, during a routine inspection. The previous inspection had identified serious violations including improper hot and cold holding temperatures and evidence of insects, rodents, birds or other non-service animals on the premises. During the October 7 reinspection, Inspector Khan noted that areas where rodent droppings had previously been observed had been cleaned and sanitized, and a recent pest control report was documented. Additionally, all refrigeration units were measuring at proper temperatures of 41°F or below, indicating the establishment had addressed some of the temperature-related violations from the initial inspection. However, the failure to maintain proper equipment maintenance and address the exhaust hood cleaning requirements demonstrates ongoing challenges in meeting basic health code standards.

Tenderloin Dining Impact

The violations at Azucar Lounge highlight ongoing food safety challenges in the Tenderloin neighborhood, where restaurants and bars face unique operational pressures. Located in one of San Francisco's most densely populated areas with heavy foot traffic from the nearby Powell Street transit hub, establishments in this district serve both local residents and visitors to the city. The failed reinspection means Azucar Lounge must schedule another follow-up inspection to demonstrate compliance with health code requirements before receiving a passing grade. The establishment was not closed following this inspection, but must address the equipment maintenance issues to avoid potential closure or additional penalties. For customers considering dining or drinking at establishments in the area, this inspection serves as a reminder of the importance of proper equipment maintenance in food service operations. The accumulation of grease and failure to maintain regular cleaning schedules can create serious health risks that extend beyond immediate food safety to broader sanitation concerns. Inspector Farhan Khan can be reached at (415) 252-3965 or farhan.khan@sfdph.org for additional information regarding this inspection. The establishment's management will need to demonstrate corrective action on all cited violations during the next scheduled reinspection.