SF Boudin Bakery Closed:
Live Cockroaches Found Near Coffee

Boudin Operating Properties, the iconic bakery and restaurant at 160 Jefferson Street in North Beach, has been ordered closed by San Francisco health inspectors after discovering live cockroaches near the coffee station and multiple serious food safety violations during this inspection on August 26, 2025. The follow-up inspection, conducted between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM by Inspector Michael Mooney, revealed approximately four live cockroaches on adhesive boards under the coffee machine in the corner of the downstairs service line closest to Taylor Street. Inspectors also found one to two dead cockroaches in a nearby cubby area, raising serious concerns about pest control at the popular tourist destination near the Powell-Mason Cable Car line.

Critical Health Violations Discovered

Beyond the pest infestation, inspectors uncovered dangerous temperature violations that put customers at immediate risk. Stock was found cooling in an ice bath at a dangerous 94 degrees Fahrenheit, far above the safe temperature threshold. The cooling container was only two-thirds covered with ice, creating ideal conditions for bacterial growth and potential foodborne illness. The facility also violated shellfish safety protocols, with oysters stored improperly in the walk-in cooler. Unlike clams that were stored correctly, the oysters in bags with tags were placed directly on ice without the required perforated pan, creating standing water conditions that could harbor dangerous bacteria.

Sanitation and Plumbing Failures

Inspectors discovered that staff were using a handwashing sink in the espresso bar to store milk containers, rendering the sink unusable for its intended hygiene purpose. This violation eliminates a critical barrier against cross-contamination in food preparation areas. The facility's plumbing system showed signs of failure, with liquid waste pooling on the ground between the grease trap and wall in the upstairs kitchen. A white PVC pipe near the stove terminated below the rim of the floor sink without the required one-inch air gap, creating potential backflow risks that could contaminate the water supply.

Facility Maintenance Issues

The inspection revealed deteriorating conditions throughout the facility. Shelves in the ground floor walk-in cooler showed accumulations of grime, while cabinets in the coffee preparation area exposed bare, porous wood surfaces that cannot be properly sanitized. These conditions create harboring areas for bacteria and pests.

Restaurant Background and Consequences

This marks the first recorded health inspection for the facility in available records, making the severity of violations particularly concerning. The restaurant, operating as part of the larger Boudin organization known for sourdough bread, serves both bakery items and restaurant fare in one of San Francisco's most visited neighborhoods. The closure order remains in effect with no reopening date announced. The facility must work with licensed pest control services and address all violations before health officials will consider allowing operations to resume. Inspector Mooney noted that cleaning and sanitizing of affected areas began during the inspection, but the scope of violations requires comprehensive remediation. The closure affects both locals and the thousands of tourists who visit North Beach daily, removing a longtime fixture from the neighborhood's dining landscape until all health violations can be properly addressed. *Staff Reporter at SF Restaurant Inspections*