Nenas Restaurant Gets Conditional Pass with Gap Repair Issue

Nenas Restaurant on Mission Street received a conditional pass during a health department reinspection on October 28, 2025, with only one minor structural issue remaining from a previous failed inspection. The restaurant, located at 3459 Mission Street in the vibrant Mission district near 24th Street Mission BART, can continue serving customers while completing final repairs. Health inspector Lucas Willis found a gap in stainless steel sheets on the back wall of the cook's line that requires repair to maintain proper vermin proofing. The restaurant's contractor was already working on the repairs during the inspection, demonstrating the establishment's commitment to addressing health department concerns promptly.

Successful Corrections from Previous Inspection

The reinspection revealed significant improvements from the restaurant's initial inspection on October 21, 2025. Inspector Willis noted that multiple violations had been successfully corrected, including ensuring food handler cards are maintained on-site and handwashing sinks remain accessible for proper hygiene protocols. The restaurant also addressed food preparation concerns by limiting pupusa dough containers to one small container for active prep work while storing larger quantities properly in walk-in coolers. Staff demonstrated understanding of proper cooling methods to the inspector, showing their commitment to food safety protocols. Equipment sanitation improvements were clearly evident, with inspectors observing properly prepared sanitizer buckets using approved cleaning solutions. The restaurant eliminated signs of cockroach activity that had been previously documented and removed cockroach bait gel from areas above food preparation surfaces, creating a cleaner working environment.

Structural Improvements in Progress

Beyond the remaining gap repair, the restaurant has already completed several structural improvements. Workers repaired gaps in base cove tile near the floor sink and fixed metal sheeting at the front server area, demonstrating a systematic approach to addressing infrastructure concerns. The inspector noted that food storage order in walk-in coolers and other refrigeration units now meets health department standards. Equipment surfaces showed proper cleaning protocols, indicating improved daily maintenance procedures throughout the kitchen operation.

Path to Full Compliance

To achieve full health department compliance and avoid additional reinspection fees, Nenas Restaurant must submit photographic evidence of completed gap repairs to Inspector Willis at lucas.willis@sfdph.org by October 29, 2025. This streamlined process allows the restaurant to demonstrate compliance without requiring another in-person inspection. The inspector replaced the yellow conditional pass placard with a green pass placard during this inspection, allowing normal business operations to continue while final repairs are completed.

Mission District Dining Continues

Local diners can continue enjoying meals at this restaurant establishment while the minor structural work is finalized. The restaurant's location near major public transportation makes it easily accessible for customers throughout the city. The conditional pass status reflects the restaurant's substantial progress in addressing health department concerns while maintaining public safety standards. With contractor repairs already underway during the inspection, full compliance appears achievable within the required timeline.