Far East Cafe Gets Conditional Pass for Temperature Issues

Far East Cafe in Chinatown received a conditional pass during its routine health inspection on December 1, 2025, after addressing several minor violations that required immediate correction. The Chinese restaurant at 631 Grant Avenue was able to remain open for business while working to resolve refrigeration equipment issues discovered during the inspection.

Temperature Control Issues Identified

During this inspection conducted between 1:15 PM and 2:15 PM, health inspectors found that the main prep top refrigerator at the cook line was holding food at unsafe temperatures. The equipment was maintaining temperatures between 46°F and 52°F, well above the required 41°F safety standard. According to the inspection report, food items in the top pans had been stored at these elevated temperatures for approximately one hour when discovered. The restaurant's management immediately took corrective action by relocating all affected food items to working refrigeration units for rapid cooling. A refrigeration repair company was contacted on-site to address the equipment malfunction. This swift response allowed the restaurant to continue operating while ensuring food safety standards were maintained.

Additional Violations Corrected

Inspectors also identified three other violations that were promptly addressed during the visit. The sanitizer buckets were found to have no detectable level of sanitizer, compromising the facility's ability to properly clean and sanitize food contact surfaces. Restaurant staff immediately corrected this issue and received a food safety guide to prevent future occurrences. Another violation involved improper thawing methods, where inspectors observed a large sealed piece of beef stored outside the walk-in cooler while other food items were properly thawing under running water. This beef was immediately moved to the walk-in refrigerator to ensure safe thawing practices. The inspection also noted that the main prep top refrigerator requires professional repair to ensure it consistently maintains temperatures at or below 41°F. This equipment issue represents the primary concern requiring follow-up verification.

Restaurant Operations Continue

Despite these violations, Far East Cafe was able to maintain its conditional pass status, allowing the restaurant to continue serving customers in the bustling Grant Avenue corridor. The conditional designation indicates that while violations were found, they were either corrected on-site or can be addressed without requiring immediate closure. The restaurant, operated by Hong Nin Holdings Corporation, has been a fixture in Chinatown's dining scene. Located near the Montgomery St BART station, it serves traditional Chinese cuisine to both locals and tourists exploring the neighborhood.

Follow-Up Requirements

Health inspectors will conduct a follow-up inspection to verify that the refrigeration equipment repairs have been completed and that all systems are maintaining proper temperatures. This follow-up process is standard for conditional passes where equipment repairs are required. The December 1st inspection represents the restaurant's first recorded health department visit in the available inspection database. With four total violations cited - all classified as major but three corrected immediately on-site - the facility demonstrated its commitment to addressing food safety concerns promptly when identified. Restaurant management's quick response to the violations, including immediate food relocation and repair company contact, showcases the establishment's dedication to maintaining safe food handling practices while serving the Chinatown community.