SF Schroeder's Closed:
Rodent Droppings, 115°F Hot Food Found

Schroeder's, a longtime restaurant in San Francisco's Financial District, was ordered closed by health inspectors on August 28, 2025, after a follow-up inspection revealed multiple serious violations including rodent droppings in the basement and dangerously hot food temperatures that posed immediate health risks to customers. The most alarming discovery came when inspectors found old rodent droppings underneath the stairs in the restaurant's basement area. While no other evidence of active vermin infestation was observed, the presence of rodent waste in a food establishment represents a serious contamination risk, as mice produce up to 50 droppings daily containing dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus.

Critical Temperature Violations

Inspectors documented severe temperature violations throughout the kitchen that put customers at immediate risk of foodborne illness. Cooked potatoes stored in a deep pan inside the walk-in cooler measured a dangerous 115°F - far above the maximum safe holding temperature. The restaurant's person in charge told inspectors the potatoes had been cooked just one hour before the inspection, indicating a complete breakdown in proper cooling procedures. Additional temperature problems were found in the undercounter refrigerator at the kitchen entrance, where multiple protein items were stored at unsafe temperatures: chicken cutlets at 50°F, pork cutlets at 47°F, and chicken wings at 48°F. These temperatures fall squarely in the danger zone where harmful bacteria multiply rapidly.

Equipment and Sanitization Failures

The inspection revealed critical equipment failures that compromised food safety. Both dish machines at the bar measured 0 parts per million chlorine, meaning they were completely ineffective at sanitizing dishes and utensils. This violation puts every customer at risk of cross-contamination from improperly cleaned serving items. Inspectors also discovered safety hazards with several compressed gas cylinders that were not properly restrained to rigid structures, creating potential workplace safety risks in addition to the food safety violations.

Improper Food Storage and Chemical Violations

The basement preparation kitchen housed an ULTRAVAC vacuum sealer with multiple violations of reduced oxygen packaging regulations. Inspectors found steaks dated August 23-25, duck dated August 18, and sausage dated August 22 - all stored in vacuum packaging for longer than the 48-hour maximum without proper HACCP protocols. Adding to the violations, inspectors discovered household-use Ortho insect spray stored on the floor underneath the bar area, representing both a chemical contamination risk and improper pest control practices in a commercial food establishment.

Previous Inspection History

This inspection was conducted as a follow-up to previous violations, indicating ongoing compliance issues at the 240 Front Street location near Embarcadero BART. The restaurant's closure underscores the health department's commitment to protecting public safety in the busy Financial District dining corridor. Schroeder's was forced to cease operations immediately and must address all violations before being eligible for reinspection. The restaurant later passed a reinspection on September 5, 2025, allowing it to reopen to the public. The violations at this established Financial District restaurant highlight the ongoing challenges food establishments face in maintaining proper food safety protocols, particularly with temperature control and pest management in older commercial buildings.