The Bamboo Hut Gets Conditional Pass on SF Reinspection

The Bamboo Hut in North Beach received a conditional pass during a November 13 reinspection, showing partial progress in addressing health code violations while several certification and sanitization issues still require immediate attention. The Broadway bar demonstrated improvement by correcting knife storage problems but must resolve dishwasher sanitizer deficiencies and missing employee certifications before a required follow-up inspection on November 20.

Inspection Progress and Remaining Issues

Inspector John Wells found that The Bamboo Hut had successfully addressed one violation from previous inspections, with knives no longer wedged between equipment as observed during this inspection. However, critical deficiencies persist that prevent the establishment from achieving full compliance with San Francisco health regulations. The most pressing concern involves the facility's dishwashing sanitization system, which registered 0 parts per million (ppm) of chlorine during the sanitize cycle instead of the required 50 ppm. This deficiency in food contact surface sanitation poses potential risks for cross-contamination, as proper sanitization is essential for eliminating harmful bacteria and pathogens from dishes, utensils, and food preparation equipment used throughout the establishment's operations.

Certification Requirements

The inspection revealed significant gaps in required food safety certifications at the 479 Broadway location near the Powell-Mason Cable Car line. The facility currently lacks a certified food safety manager, a mandatory requirement for all food service establishments in San Francisco. Additionally, employee food handler cards were not found during the inspection, leaving the establishment without proper documentation of staff training in safe food handling practices. These certification deficiencies represent ongoing compliance issues that have persisted through multiple inspections. The restaurant must obtain proper food safety manager certification and ensure all employees possess valid food handler cards, maintaining this documentation onsite for inspector review during future visits.

Facility History and Improvement Efforts

The conditional pass represents incremental progress for The Bamboo Hut, which has undergone multiple reinspections since October. A previous inspection on October 30 found that restroom handwash stations had been corrected, but the same certification and sanitization issues identified in November remained unresolved at that time. The establishment's inspection history shows a pattern of addressing some violations while struggling with persistent certification and equipment maintenance issues. The facility initially received a conditional pass during an October 9 routine inspection, beginning this cycle of reinspections focused on bringing operations into full compliance with health department standards.

Continued Operations and Next Steps

Despite the conditional pass status, The Bamboo Hut remains open for business while working to correct the identified violations. The establishment can continue serving customers in North Beach as management addresses the dishwasher sanitization system and obtains required certifications for staff members. Inspector Wells has scheduled a follow-up inspection for November 20, 2025, giving the establishment one week to resolve outstanding issues. The facility must demonstrate that the dishwasher produces the required 50 ppm chlorine sanitizer concentration, present valid food safety manager certification, and provide documentation of employee food handler training completion. Success in correcting these remaining violations during the November 20 follow-up would allow The Bamboo Hut to achieve full compliance and return to routine inspection scheduling. The establishment's ability to correct the knife storage issue demonstrates management's commitment to addressing inspector concerns and maintaining safe food service operations for patrons visiting this Broadway location. *Staff Reporter at SF Restaurant Inspections*