R Bar Gets Conditional Pass on Minor Health Violations

R Bar on Sutter Street in Nob Hill received a conditional pass during its routine health inspection on November 12, 2025, allowing the bar to continue operating while addressing several minor violations that require correction. The establishment, located at 1176 Sutter Street near Van Ness Muni, must resolve issues including mold in refrigeration units and missing handwash supplies before its next inspection.

Inspection Details

Health inspectors conducted a routine examination of R Bar on November 12, finding five total violations that needed attention but did not warrant closure. The conditional pass status allows the bar to remain open while working to correct the identified issues, demonstrating that while improvements are needed, the violations were not severe enough to pose immediate public health risks. The most significant concern involved a dead rodent found on an adhesive board under the water heater in the rear room with the ice machine. Inspectors also discovered rodent droppings scattered in corners of the bar area, under shelves, and in cabinet drawers. The establishment must conduct deep cleaning of all affected areas and continue working with licensed pest control services to maintain a vermin-free environment.

Health Violations Found

Among the violations cited during this inspection, inspectors found mold-like substances inside refrigerators both under the bar and in the walk-in unit. This violation under California Retail Food Code Section 114115 requires the establishment to clean, sanitize, and maintain all affected refrigeration areas to prevent contamination. Water temperature issues in the men's restroom presented another concern, as the handwash sink produced only a slow trickle that failed to reach the required 100°F temperature. Proper handwashing facilities are essential for preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses, and the establishment must ensure all handwash sinks provide adequate hot water flow. The inspection also revealed missing soap and paper towels at the handwash sink located at the end of the bar. During the inspection, these essential supplies were unavailable, having been relocated from the three-basin sink area. This violation directly impacts staff hygiene practices and must be immediately corrected.

Safety Equipment Concerns

Inspectors noted that compressed gas cylinders were not properly restrained with chains during storage, creating a potential safety hazard. This violation requires immediate attention to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with safety regulations for gas cylinder storage in commercial establishments. The conditional pass allows R Bar to continue serving customers in the Nob Hill neighborhood while addressing these correctable issues. The establishment has been operating without any previous inspection records on file, making this their first documented health department evaluation.

Next Steps for Compliance

R Bar management must work diligently to resolve all cited violations before the follow-up inspection. This includes implementing comprehensive cleaning protocols, ensuring proper handwash station supplies, maintaining refrigeration units, and securing gas storage equipment according to safety standards. The conditional pass status reflects the health department's assessment that while improvements are necessary, the violations can be corrected without requiring immediate closure. Customers can continue to visit the bar with confidence that management is actively working to address all identified concerns and maintain proper health standards. The establishment's location near Van Ness Muni makes it accessible to patrons throughout the city who can expect continued service during the correction period.