Mission District's Bandit Gets Conditional Pass for Minor Violations

Bandit, the popular restaurant located at 499 Dolores Street in San Francisco's Mission district, received a conditional pass during its December 4, 2025 health inspection while addressing several minor food safety violations that required immediate correction. The routine inspection conducted by the San Francisco Department of Public Health identified five total violations at the restaurant, with most issues being corrected on-site during the inspection process. The conditional pass allows Bandit to continue operating while addressing the remaining compliance requirements.

Inspection Details

During this inspection, health officials discovered multiple areas requiring attention, though none posed immediate threats requiring closure. The inspector found that facility workers were not properly sanitizing cooking utensils in chlorinated water for the required minimum of 30 seconds, and the three-compartment ware washing sink was not properly set up for manual warewashing procedures. Temperature control issues were also identified when inspectors found containers of cooked minced and diced onions stored improperly on the flat-top griddle. One container measured 70 degrees Fahrenheit after being left at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes, while another measured 131 degrees Fahrenheit. Both containers were immediately relocated to the walk-in refrigerator upon the inspector's request. Food storage protocols also needed correction, as inspectors observed raw pork chorizo stored in front of raw chicken in the low-boy cooler beneath the grill. This improper arrangement violated food safety protocols designed to prevent cross-contamination between different types of raw meat products.

Immediate Corrections Made

The restaurant's staff demonstrated quick responsiveness to inspector feedback, with most violations being corrected on-site during the inspection. Workers properly set up the manual warewashing station and cleaned all soiled cooking utensils using correct procedures. The improperly stored food items were immediately relocated to appropriate storage areas. However, two issues remained unresolved at the time of inspection. The facility lacked chlorine test strips necessary for proper sanitization monitoring, and no valid food safety manager certificate was available on-site. The restaurant must provide proof of current food safety manager certification to inspectors via email to complete compliance requirements.

Restaurant Operations Continue

Despite the conditional status, Bandit remains open for business while addressing the outstanding compliance items. The restaurant, conveniently located near the 24th Street Mission BART station, continues serving customers in the vibrant Mission district dining scene. The conditional pass reflects the inspector's assessment that while improvements are needed, the violations do not pose immediate public health risks requiring closure. This approach allows restaurants to maintain operations while demonstrating their commitment to food safety excellence.

Moving Forward

Restaurant management must submit the required food safety manager certification documentation and ensure chlorine test strips are readily available for ongoing sanitization monitoring. The facility's quick response to on-site corrections demonstrates their commitment to maintaining proper food safety standards. This marks the first recorded inspection for Bandit at this location, establishing a baseline for future compliance monitoring. The restaurant's ability to immediately address most violations during the inspection reflects positively on staff training and management oversight of food safety protocols.