Montecristo Restaurant #2 Reopens After Rodent Closure

Montecristo Restaurant #2 has successfully reopened after addressing a serious rodent infestation that forced health officials to suspend the restaurant's permit just one day earlier. The Mexican restaurant at 3723 Mission Street in the Mission District passed its reinspection on November 21, 2025, demonstrating significant improvements in sanitary conditions. The facility's permit was initially suspended on November 20, 2025, due to what health officials described as a rodent infestation accompanied by unsanitary conditions throughout the establishment. The closure represented a serious health concern for customers who had been dining at the popular neighborhood spot near the 24th St Mission BART station.

Comprehensive Remediation Efforts

During this inspection, health inspector Cristina Zepeda found that restaurant management had taken swift and thorough action to address the violations. All rodent droppings had been completely removed from the premises, and floors throughout the facility were cleaned and sanitized to health department standards. The restaurant's remediation efforts included patching three holes that had allowed rodents access to the facility, effectively sealing potential entry points. Management installed comprehensive trapping systems throughout the restaurant to prevent future infestations. These measures demonstrated the establishment's commitment to maintaining proper pest control protocols moving forward. The inspector noted that sanitary conditions had been fully restored throughout the facility. Staff members received additional education on food safety protocols during the reinspection, ensuring that proper procedures would be maintained to prevent similar issues in the future.

Health Implications and Customer Safety

Rodent infestations in food service establishments pose significant health risks to customers and staff. Rodents can carry numerous pathogens including salmonella, E. coli, and other bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. Droppings and urine can contaminate food preparation surfaces, stored ingredients, and serving areas. The presence of rodents in a restaurant environment indicates potential problems with sanitation, food storage, and facility maintenance. Customers who dined at the restaurant before the closure may have been exposed to contaminated surfaces or food items, though no illnesses have been reported in connection with this incident.

Restaurant History and Ongoing Compliance

This closure marks a concerning development for Montecristo Restaurant #2, which has faced compliance challenges in recent inspections. A follow-up reinspection on December 4, 2025, revealed that while most violations from the November 20 routine inspection had been addressed, some issues remained unresolved. The December reinspection noted that the Food Safety Manager certification was still missing, and the walk-in refrigerator showed severe rusting requiring repair. These ongoing compliance issues suggest that the restaurant may need continued monitoring to ensure full adherence to health standards.

Mission District Dining Impact

The temporary closure affected dining options in the vibrant Mission District, where Mexican cuisine forms a cornerstone of the neighborhood's culinary landscape. Located near the busy 24th Street corridor, Montecristo Restaurant #2 serves residents and visitors in an area well-connected by public transportation. Restaurant owner Silvia Figueroa worked directly with health officials during the remediation process. The facility's successful reopening demonstrates that swift action and proper compliance can restore operations following serious health violations. The restaurant must maintain these improved standards to prevent future closures and ensure customer safety in the competitive Mission District dining scene.