SF Restaurant Luques Gets Conditional Pass for Minor Issues

Luques restaurant in San Francisco's Tenderloin district received a conditional pass during a routine health inspection on December 3, 2025, with minor violations requiring correction by December 10th. The establishment at 433 Powell Street near Powell St BART/Muni remains open for business while addressing the identified issues. During this inspection conducted between 2:45 PM and 3:45 PM, health officials found two violations that need attention but do not pose immediate public health risks requiring closure. The conditional pass status allows the restaurant to continue serving customers while implementing necessary corrections within the specified timeframe.

Inspection Details

The primary concern identified was inadequate sanitizer concentration in the dish machine's final rinse cycle. Inspector Sophia Huie observed the machine dispensing under 25 ppm concentration chlorine sanitizer solution, well below the required 50 ppm minimum standard. Restaurant manager Tashena Jenkins confirmed that the dish machine receives monthly professional servicing from Autochlor. As an immediate corrective measure, staff were directed to temporarily use the two-compartment sink for conducting the three-step ware and dish washing process. The restaurant must contact Autochlor for emergency service to restore proper sanitizer dispensing levels before the December 10th follow-up inspection. The second violation involved rodent evidence found in kitchen areas. Health officials discovered rodent droppings and debris on floor sides and corners behind cook line equipment and around the dish washing area. Jenkins noted that the facility maintains regular monthly licensed pest control service, demonstrating ongoing efforts to address potential pest issues.

Corrective Actions Required

Restaurant management must thoroughly remove all rodent droppings and debris from affected areas, followed by comprehensive cleaning and sanitizing of kitchen floors. The establishment is required to continue working closely with their licensed pest control operator to eliminate any remaining rodent activity in the facility. The conditional pass reflects the minor nature of these violations - issues that can be promptly corrected without compromising immediate food safety or requiring closure. This classification acknowledges that while improvements are needed, the restaurant maintains adequate safety protocols for continued operation.

Restaurant Operations Continue

Located in the bustling Tenderloin neighborhood, Luques serves as a local dining option for residents and visitors near the Powell Street transportation hub. The conditional pass allows normal business operations to continue uninterrupted while management addresses the identified concerns. The December 10th follow-up inspection will verify that proper dish sanitizer concentrations have been restored and rodent evidence has been eliminated. This timeline provides adequate opportunity for both equipment repair and thorough pest remediation efforts. Restaurant industry standards recognize that minor maintenance issues like dish machine calibration problems can occur in busy commercial kitchens. The key factor is prompt response to inspector recommendations and implementation of lasting solutions.

Looking Forward

With established monthly pest control services and equipment maintenance protocols already in place, Luques appears well-positioned to address these minor violations before the follow-up inspection. The restaurant's cooperation with health officials and existing preventive measures suggest a commitment to maintaining proper food safety standards. Customers can continue dining at Luques with confidence as the establishment works to perfect its operations and achieve full compliance with San Francisco health department requirements during the upcoming re-inspection.