SF Broadway Dim Sum Cafe Fails with Live Cockroaches, Rodents

Health inspectors discovered a severe pest infestation at Broadway Dim Sum Cafe in North Beach during a routine inspection that revealed live cockroaches crawling through kitchen equipment and rodent droppings scattered near food preparation areas. The Chinese restaurant at 684 Broadway Street failed this inspection on September 10, 2025, with five violations including two critical infractions that pose immediate health risks to diners.

Live Cockroaches Throughout Kitchen

Inspector Michael Mooney documented the most alarming discovery: two live cockroaches actively present in kitchen equipment, with one found inside an unused prep-top refrigerator and another in an unused oven. The infestation extended beyond live insects, with dead cockroaches discovered on a shelf above the prep sink, inside a metal container holding knives, on trays at the end of the cook line, within gaskets of an unused two-door refrigerator, and on a tray at the main prep counter. The presence of cockroaches in food preparation areas creates serious health hazards for customers. These insects carry 33 different types of bacteria and six parasitic worms, spreading contamination across every surface they contact. When cockroaches infest kitchen equipment and food storage areas, they leave behind harmful pathogens that can cause severe foodborne illnesses.

Rodent Infestation and Toxic Contamination

Inspectors also found rodent droppings under the stand mixer near the kitchen entrance and behind a one-door refrigerator, indicating an active mouse problem. The situation became more dangerous when inspectors discovered rodent grain bait scattered behind refrigeration equipment near the kitchen entrance and at the front service counter, creating a toxic hazard in food preparation areas. This violation represents a critical safety issue because professional pest control bait should never be applied by restaurant staff or placed near food contact surfaces. The improper use of rodenticides in kitchen areas can contaminate food and pose serious poisoning risks to both staff and customers.

Cross-Contamination Hazards

Beyond the pest problems, inspectors identified dangerous food storage practices that could lead to severe foodborne illness. Raw meat and ready-to-eat items were stored together on the same shelf in the walk-in refrigerator, violating basic food safety protocols designed to prevent cross-contamination. Additional violations included an employee eating food in the kitchen hallway instead of a designated area, and tea leaves stored directly in the hand-washing sink at the front service counter, blocking access to critical sanitation facilities.

Restaurant Response and Requirements

The restaurant immediately contacted pest control services during the inspection, demonstrating awareness of the severity of the infestation. However, the facility must address all violations before reopening safely. The inspector corrected the hand-washing sink violation on-site by relocating the tea leaves. This marks the first recorded inspection for Broadway Dim Sum Cafe, located near the Powell-Mason Cable Car line in the heart of North Beach's dining district. The restaurant must complete all required corrections and pass a follow-up inspection before health officials will consider the violations resolved. The failed inspection raises serious concerns about food safety practices at this Chinese restaurant, where customers expect fresh dim sum and tea service in a clean, pest-free environment.