SF El Tomate Restaurant Fails Reinspection with Pest Issues

El Tomate Restaurant in San Francisco's Mission District has failed a critical reinspection, with health officials discovering major violations involving insects and rodents at the 2904 24th Street establishment. The October 24, 2025 follow-up inspection revealed that the restaurant continues to struggle with pest control issues despite previous warnings from health officials. Inspector Cristina Zepeda from the San Francisco Department of Public Health conducted the reinspection and found two violations of California Retail Food Code Section 114259, both related to the presence of insects, rodents, birds or other non-service animals on the premises. The violations were marked as major infractions and were noted as "corrected on reinspection," indicating immediate action was required during the inspection itself.

Health Violations Found

The presence of rodents and insects in restaurant environments poses serious health risks to customers. According to health officials, mice can produce up to 50 droppings daily containing dangerous bacteria including Salmonella and hantavirus. Cockroaches are known carriers of 33 different types of bacteria and 6 parasitic worms, while rats can spread serious diseases including plague and leptospirosis. The timing of this failed reinspection is particularly concerning, as it indicates the restaurant had been previously cited for violations and was unable to maintain compliance with health standards. This inspection lasted from 10:00 AM to 11:40 AM and resulted in a clear failure rating from health officials.

Restaurant Details and Location

El Tomate Restaurant operates at 2904 24th Street in the heart of the Mission District, near the 24th Street Mission BART station. The establishment serves restaurant cuisine in one of San Francisco's most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its diverse dining scene and heavy foot traffic from both residents and tourists. The restaurant was received during the inspection by Pablo Moran, who was present during the health department's evaluation. Inspector Zepeda can be contacted at cristina.zepeda@sfdph.org for follow-up questions regarding the violations found.

Inspection History and Context

This appears to be the first recorded inspection for El Tomate Restaurant in the public database, making the failed reinspection particularly notable. The fact that this was a reinspection suggests there were previous violations that required follow-up, yet the restaurant was unable to maintain compliance with basic health standards. The restaurant was not closed following the inspection, though the major violations required immediate correction during the inspector's visit. This suggests that while the issues were serious enough to warrant a failed grade, they were addressable with immediate action rather than requiring a complete shutdown of operations.

Health Implications for Diners

The presence of pests in food service establishments creates multiple pathways for contamination. Rodents and insects can contaminate food surfaces, utensils, and storage areas with bacteria and parasites. Their droppings, urine, and shed skin can introduce pathogens into the food preparation environment, potentially leading to foodborne illnesses among customers. For residents and visitors to the Mission District who frequent establishments near the 24th Street corridor, this failed reinspection serves as a reminder of the importance of checking restaurant inspection records before dining. The San Francisco Department of Public Health maintains these records to help consumers make informed decisions about food safety. The restaurant will need to demonstrate sustained compliance with health standards in future inspections to regain public confidence and maintain its operating status in this competitive dining market.