Route 101, a restaurant located at 1332 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco's Nob Hill neighborhood, received a conditional pass during a routine health inspection on December 3, 2025. While the establishment can continue serving customers, inspectors identified rodent droppings under bar equipment that require immediate attention and corrective action.
The inspection, conducted by San Francisco Department of Public Health inspector Aron Wong, revealed evidence of rodent activity in the bar area of the restaurant. Droppings were discovered on the floor beneath equipment, prompting concerns about pest control and facility maintenance. Despite this finding, the restaurant was not forced to close, receiving instead a conditional pass that allows continued operations while addressing the identified issues.
Inspection Details
During this inspection, which took place from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM, inspectors documented two violations, with one classified as critical. The primary concern centered on the presence of rodent droppings, which violates California Retail Food Code Section 114259 regarding the prohibition of insects, rodents, birds, or non-service animals in food establishments. The inspector's report specifically noted "droppings on floor at bar under equipment" and instructed the restaurant to "clean and sanitize areas noted during inspection" and "seal any holes here too." Additional guidance was provided for proper sealing techniques, recommending the use of steel wool covered with metal flashing or quarter-inch steel wire mesh rather than foam, wood, rubber, or plastic materials.Health Violations and Corrective Measures
The presence of rodent droppings poses significant health risks, as mice can produce up to 50 droppings daily that may contain harmful bacteria including Salmonella and viruses such as hantavirus. The restaurant must eliminate the infestation, thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas, and properly seal entry points to prevent future intrusions. Inspectors identified structural gaps that need immediate attention, particularly around the back wall of the bar area. The facility must implement comprehensive pest control measures and address any holes or openings that could serve as entry points for rodents. This includes a thorough examination of the entire bar area and adjacent spaces.Operational Status and Timeline
Route 101 remains open to the public while addressing these violations. The conditional pass allows the restaurant to continue normal operations provided they immediately begin remediation efforts. The establishment must demonstrate compliance with all health code requirements during a follow-up inspection to maintain its operating status. The restaurant, operated by Van Ness Enterprises LLC, is conveniently located near Van Ness Muni transportation lines, making it accessible to diners throughout the city. The facility specializes in restaurant cuisine and serves the bustling Nob Hill community.Previous Inspection History
This marks the first documented inspection for Route 101 in available public records, making it difficult to establish patterns of compliance or identify recurring issues. The December inspection serves as a baseline for future health department evaluations and provides guidance for the restaurant's ongoing food safety protocols. Restaurant management must work closely with health department officials to ensure all violations are properly addressed. The facility's ability to remain open during the correction period demonstrates the minor nature of the violations while emphasizing the importance of prompt remediation to protect public health. Staff Reporter at SF Restaurant Inspections📍 Related Information
| Restaurant Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | ROUTE 101 |
| Address | 1332 VAN NESS AVENUE |
| District | Nob Hill |
| Inspection Date | December 3, 2025 |
| Inspection Type | Routine Inspection |