North Beach Cafe Darrens Cafe Closed for Rodent Droppings

Darrens Cafe on Taylor Street in North Beach has been ordered closed by San Francisco health inspectors after discovering rodent droppings behind food preparation areas during a routine inspection on September 10, 2025. Inspector Michael Mooney found the most serious violation when he discovered rodent droppings behind the prep table opposite the point of sale during this inspection. The droppings appeared to be old and were located near equipment along the wall, creating a significant health hazard for food preparation activities. The inspector immediately initiated cleaning and sanitizing of the affected areas during the inspection.

Critical Health Violations Found

The cafe located at 2731 Taylor Street failed its inspection with three total violations, including one critical violation that resulted in immediate closure. Beyond the rodent infestation evidence, inspectors also discovered that paper towels were missing from the handwashing sink at the kitchen line, creating another serious food safety concern. The handwashing violation is particularly troubling as it indicates staff may not have had proper access to drying materials after washing their hands, potentially leading to contaminated food handling. Health codes require handwashing sinks to be supplied and accessible at all times with soap, paper towels, and warm water.

Inspection Details

The inspection, conducted between 9:45 AM and 10:25 AM, revealed multiple layers of food safety failures. In addition to the rodent droppings and handwashing violations, the cafe also lacked proper consumer advisory notices for raw or undercooked foods. Inspectors noted that the establishment needed to provide consumer advisory information in plain public view either on the menu or by hanging signs on the wall. Inspector Mooney documented that cleaning and sanitizing of the rodent-affected areas was initiated during the inspection, but he emphasized the need for the restaurant to continue working with licensed pest control to ensure the facility remains free from vermin and to effectively monitor for future infestations.

Health Risks for Customers

The presence of rodent droppings near food preparation areas poses serious health risks to customers. Mice produce up to 50 droppings daily that can contain dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus. The location of the droppings behind the prep table means customers who dined at the cafe before the closure may have been exposed to contaminated food surfaces. The missing paper towels at handwashing stations compound the health risks, as kitchen staff may not have been able to properly dry their hands after washing, potentially transferring bacteria and other contaminants to food and food contact surfaces.

Restaurant History and Location Impact

This marks the first recorded health inspection for Darrens Cafe, making this closure particularly concerning as it suggests ongoing maintenance and cleanliness issues that went unaddressed. The cafe is conveniently located near the Powell-Mason Cable Car line, serving both tourists and local residents in the bustling North Beach neighborhood. The closure affects dining options in an area known for its vibrant food scene. The restaurant remains closed with no reopening date announced, and the establishment must address all violations and pass a reinspection before resuming operations. Customers who visited the cafe recently are advised to monitor their health and consult healthcare providers if they experience any symptoms of foodborne illness.