Halcyon SOMA Restaurant Fails with Pet Dog in Kitchen Areas

A routine health inspection at Halcyon restaurant in SOMA revealed serious violations including a pet dog roaming freely through food preparation areas, leading to a failed inspection on October 2, 2025. The establishment at 314 11th Street near Civic Center BART was cited for five violations, including two major infractions that posed immediate health risks to customers.

Pet Dog Found in Food Prep Areas

The most shocking discovery during this inspection was inspector Katie Dea finding a pet dog walking around and following her into the bar areas during the examination. The violation report states the animal was present in food preparation zones, a serious breach of health code that could introduce harmful bacteria, parasites, and other contaminants into areas where food is handled. Inspector Dea immediately ordered the restaurant to "DISCONTINUE allowing pet dog into the food preparation area." The presence of animals in commercial food establishments is strictly prohibited due to the risk of spreading diseases including Salmonella, E. coli, and various parasitic infections that can cause severe foodborne illness in customers.

Contaminated Ice and Equipment Issues

Additional violations uncovered during the inspection included contaminated ice with debris found under a soiled deflector panel. The inspector observed residue accumulation on ice-making equipment that comes into direct contact with food and beverages served to customers. This contamination was corrected on-site, with the tainted ice being discarded immediately. The inspection also revealed multiple pieces of broken equipment in the bar area, including a non-functional slushee machine and chest cooler that were cited as being in disrepair or not in use. Such equipment can harbor dangerous bacteria in cracks and crevices, making thorough cleaning impossible and creating ongoing contamination risks.

Facility Conditions and Repairs Needed

Beyond the immediate health violations, inspector Dea noted structural issues requiring attention within one year. The bar area floors were observed to be chipping and pitted with exposed concrete, creating surfaces that cannot be properly sanitized. Such deteriorated flooring can trap food particles, grease, and moisture, becoming breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and attracting rodents and insects. The inspector also found debris accumulation on floors near keg storage and in the liquor storage area, indicating inadequate cleaning protocols that could lead to pest infestations and cross-contamination.

First-Time Inspection Failure

This marks Halcyon's first recorded health inspection, making the failure particularly concerning for a new establishment that should have implemented proper food safety protocols from opening. The restaurant has been given specific correction deadlines, with some violations requiring immediate attention while equipment repairs have been granted until October 9, 2025. The facility was not operating at full capacity during the inspection, suggesting these violations occurred even before regular service began. This raises questions about what conditions might exist during busy service periods when proper oversight becomes more challenging. Customers planning to visit this SOMA establishment should be aware that significant health code violations were present during the inspection. The restaurant must address all cited issues before demonstrating compliance with San Francisco health standards.