Schroeders, a longtime restaurant in San Francisco's Financial District, has been closed by the health department following a failed follow-up inspection that uncovered serious food safety violations including rodent droppings and dangerously hot food storage.
During this inspection on August 28, 2025, health inspector Alyssa Manzano discovered old rodent droppings underneath the stairs in the restaurant's basement. While no other evidence of vermin was observed throughout the facility, the presence of rodent droppings poses serious health risks to diners, as mice produce up to 50 droppings daily that can contain dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus.
Critical Temperature Violations Discovered
The inspection revealed alarming temperature violations that put customers at immediate risk of foodborne illness. Inspectors found cooked potatoes stored in the walk-in cooler at a dangerous 115°F, well above the maximum safe holding temperature. The potatoes had been cooked just one hour before the inspection, indicating improper cooling procedures that create ideal conditions for bacterial growth. Additional temperature violations were discovered at the bottom drawer of an undercounter refrigerator near the kitchen entrance, where inspectors found chicken cutlets at 50°F, pork cutlets at 47°F, and chicken wings at 48°F. These temperatures exceed safe cold storage limits and could harbor harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning.Equipment and Chemical Storage Issues
The inspection also uncovered multiple equipment violations that compromise food safety. Two dish machines at the bar measured 0 ppm chlorine, meaning dishes and utensils were not being properly sanitized. This creates a direct pathway for cross-contamination between dirty and clean items. Inspectors found several unrestrained compressed gas cylinders that pose safety hazards, along with household-use Ortho insect spray stored inappropriately on the floor underneath the bar. Professional kitchens must use commercial-grade pest control products and follow strict storage protocols to prevent chemical contamination of food.Vacuum Sealing and Storage Concerns
The basement preparation kitchen housed an ULTRAVAC vacuum sealer with concerning food storage practices. Inspectors discovered multiple items stored in reduced oxygen packaging for longer than the 48-hour safety limit, including steaks dated August 23-25, duck dated August 18, and sausage dated August 22. Extended storage in oxygen-reduced environments can promote dangerous anaerobic bacteria growth, including botulism.Facility Infrastructure Problems
Structural issues also contributed to the restaurant's closure. Ceiling tiles in the main kitchen were found to be absorbent rather than approved non-porous materials, creating surfaces that harbor bacteria and are impossible to properly sanitize.Previous Inspection History
Schroeders successfully passed a reinspection on September 5, 2025, indicating the restaurant addressed the violations and reopened. However, the August closure demonstrates the serious nature of the violations found during the follow-up inspection. The restaurant, located at 240 Front Street near Embarcadero BART, serves the busy Financial District lunch crowd. The temporary closure protected hundreds of office workers and tourists who frequent the area from potential foodborne illness. The San Francisco Department of Public Health requires restaurants to correct all violations before reopening. Customers should verify current operating status before visiting any restaurant that has experienced recent closures.📍 Related Information
| Restaurant Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Schroeders |
| Address | 240 FRONT ST SAN FRANCISCO CA 94111 |
| District | Financial District |
| Inspection Date | August 28, 2025 |
| Inspection Type | Follow_up Inspection |