El Trebol Sports Bar #2 Fails with Rodent Droppings in SOMA

El Trebol Sports Bar #2 in SOMA failed a routine health inspection on October 27, 2025, after city officials discovered rodent droppings scattered on flooring behind the bar and a gaping hole in the wall that provided easy access for pests. The disturbing conditions at 2919 16th Street near Civic Center BART raised immediate concerns about food contamination and customer safety.

Health Violations Found

Inspector Tiombe Wiley documented multiple serious violations during this inspection between 1:45 PM and 2:15 PM. The most alarming discovery was extensive rodent evidence behind the bar area, where staff prepare and serve drinks to customers. Health officials found droppings scattered across the flooring and identified a hole in the wall behind the compressors for beverage lines that served as an entry point for mice and other pests. The inspector ordered immediate corrective action, requiring the restaurant to seal the hole with permanent construction materials such as stainless steel flashing or quarter-inch square wire mesh. Critically, the health department specifically prohibited the use of spray foam, which provides only temporary protection against determined rodents. All rodent droppings must be removed and affected areas cleaned and sanitized with a mild bleach solution before air drying. Additional violations included improper storage of ice scoops on cardboard boxes instead of food-grade containers, creating cross-contamination risks. The inspector also cited inadequate storage practices in the back room, where items were placed directly on the floor rather than being elevated at least six inches on proper dunnage racks.

Customer Health Risks

The presence of rodent droppings in food service areas poses serious health risks to patrons. Rodent waste can carry dangerous bacteria including salmonella, E. coli, and listeria, which cause severe foodborne illness symptoms including fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. The contamination behind the bar is particularly concerning since bartenders regularly access this area while preparing beverages served directly to customers. The hole in the wall creates ongoing contamination risks, allowing continuous pest access to food preparation areas. Each mouse can produce up to 80 droppings daily, spreading pathogens throughout the facility on their fur and feet as they traverse food contact surfaces.

Restaurant Response

The inspection report indicates the findings were emailed to the person in charge at INGENIERORAMOS59@GMAIL.COM, though restaurant management refused to sign the inspection documentation. Despite the serious violations, the establishment was not ordered to close and remains open while addressing the required corrections. Inspector Wiley can be reached at (415) 252-3885 or tiombe.wiley@sfdph.org regarding this case. The restaurant received a total of three minor violations, though the cumulative impact resulted in an overall inspection failure.

Facility Background

This marks the first recorded inspection for El Trebol Sports Bar #2 in city records, making it impossible to determine whether these represent ongoing issues or new problems. The restaurant operates in the busy SOMA district, serving an area with heavy foot traffic from nearby Civic Center BART commuters and local residents. The establishment must address all violations before requesting a follow-up inspection to achieve passing status and ensure customer safety.