La Travesia Nob Hill Gets Conditional Pass Despite Rodents

La Travesia on Bush Street in Nob Hill received a conditional pass during its December 1st health inspection despite several minor violations that require correction but do not threaten immediate public safety. The routine inspection revealed issues that, while concerning, allow the restaurant to continue serving customers while working toward full compliance.

Inspection Details

Health inspector Sophia H. conducted the routine inspection at the restaurant located at 1022 Bush Street, discovering four total violations during the hour-long examination. The most serious finding involved rodent activity, with droppings observed near the mop sink in the back of the facility and in the front storage area adjacent to the cashier station. Inspectors also noted a small gap under the door to the lightwell that could allow pest entry. The conditional pass status means La Travesia can remain open for business while addressing these correctable violations. This differs from a failed inspection, which would require immediate closure until all critical issues are resolved.

Health Violations Found

Beyond the rodent evidence, inspectors documented several operational concerns during this inspection. Multiple sauces in the food warmer across the cook's line were measuring 60 degrees Fahrenheit and under, well below safe hot-holding temperatures. This violation was corrected on-site during the inspection. The facility also lacked proper food safety manager certification documentation, with no certificate available during the inspection visit. Additionally, inspectors noted a loosened FRP panel corner on the left side of the three-compartment sink, representing a minor maintenance issue requiring attention. The combination of one critical violation, one major violation, and two minor violations resulted in the conditional pass designation. Notably, the temperature violation for food reheating was immediately corrected, demonstrating the restaurant's willingness to address problems promptly.

Restaurant Operations Continue

Despite these findings, diners near the Van Ness Muni station can continue visiting La Travesia while management works to resolve the identified issues. The conditional pass allows normal operations to continue, acknowledging that the violations, while requiring correction, do not pose immediate severe health risks to customers. The restaurant industry in Nob Hill maintains high standards, and conditional passes provide establishments with the opportunity to address minor compliance issues without disrupting service. This approach balances public health protection with practical business considerations.

Previous Inspection History

This marks the first documented inspection for La Travesia in available city records, making it difficult to establish patterns of compliance or improvement. As a newer establishment or one with limited inspection history, the restaurant will likely face follow-up visits to ensure all violations have been properly addressed. The San Francisco Department of Public Health typically schedules re-inspections within 30 days for conditional passes, allowing sufficient time for pest control measures, certification updates, and minor repairs. Restaurant management at 1022 Bush Street will need to demonstrate resolution of the rodent activity, secure proper food safety certifications, repair the loose wall panel, and maintain appropriate food temperatures consistently. For customers seeking restaurant options in the Nob Hill area, La Travesia remains operational while working toward full health code compliance, representing the collaborative approach San Francisco takes toward food safety enforcement.