SOMA Restaurant Manny's Fails with Mold, Rodent Droppings

Manny's restaurant in SOMA failed its routine health inspection on October 20, 2025, after inspectors discovered mold growing in the ice machine and rodent droppings scattered throughout the coffee bar area. The popular eatery at 3092 16th Street near Civic Center BART was cited for seven violations during the 38-minute inspection that revealed serious sanitation problems affecting customer safety.

Health Violations Found

The most alarming discovery came when Inspector Tiombe Wiley found "a slight accumulation of a mold-like substance" coating the interior walls of the ice machine used to serve beverages to customers. This contamination poses direct health risks as patrons consuming ice from the machine could be exposed to harmful microorganisms that cause respiratory problems and foodborne illness. Equally concerning, inspectors documented rodent droppings on the flooring underneath the coffee bar counter facing the entrance. The droppings appeared to be old, suggesting a persistent pest problem that management had failed to address. Rodent contamination in food service areas creates serious health hazards, as mice and rats carry diseases including salmonella and E. coli that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in customers. The inspection revealed additional sanitation failures that compromised food safety standards. Hot water at the three-compartment dishwashing sink reached only 112 degrees Fahrenheit, well below the required 120-degree minimum needed to properly sanitize dishes and utensils. This temperature violation means plates, glasses, and cooking equipment used to serve customers may harbor dangerous bacteria.

Equipment and Cleaning Violations

Inspectors also discovered improper equipment and cleaning practices throughout the kitchen. A "Household Use Only" microwave oven was operating on the commercial cook line, violating health codes that require restaurants to use commercial-grade appliances capable of withstanding heavy use and proper sanitization. Food contact surfaces showed signs of neglect, with food residue and grime accumulating on refrigerator door exteriors and handles. These dirty surfaces create cross-contamination risks when staff touch contaminated handles then handle food without proper handwashing. One staff member was even storing a stainless steel utensil pan in the handwashing sink basin, forcing workers to wash their hands elsewhere and potentially spreading contaminants. Additional violations included using prohibited sponges instead of approved scour pads for dishwashing, and damaged gaskets on the upright refrigerator that compromise temperature control and allow pest entry.

Restaurant Response and Follow-Up

The person in charge, identified as Megha Pandya, refused to sign this inspection report. However, the restaurant took immediate corrective action on some violations, with one item relocated during the inspection. Manny's was not ordered to close despite the serious violations, allowing the restaurant to continue serving customers while addressing the health code violations. The establishment successfully passed a reinspection on October 27, 2025, indicating they resolved the mold, rodent, and sanitation issues within a week. The failed inspection represents concerning food safety lapses at a restaurant frequented by SOMA workers and residents. Customers who dined at Manny's during this period may have been exposed to contaminated ice and surfaces in areas where rodents had been active.