Mission Bar Chac Mool Gets Conditional Pass on Pest Issues

Chac Mool Sports Bar Y Botanas in San Francisco's Mission District received a conditional pass during a health department reinspection on September 15, 2025, after addressing pest control issues that required immediate attention but did not warrant closure. The bar and restaurant, located at 2199 Mission Street near the 24th St Mission BART station, was found to have dead cockroaches on the premises during this inspection, but staff immediately corrected the violations when pointed out by health inspectors.

Inspection Details

Inspector Katie Dea from the San Francisco Department of Public Health conducted the reinspection between 3:40 PM and 4:15 PM, discovering evidence of pest activity that required prompt remediation. The inspection revealed two dead insects, including one juvenile cockroach, on the floor near the end of the bar area, as well as two large dead cockroaches found on sticky traps in the basement. The violations were classified under California Retail Food Code Section 114259, which addresses the prohibition of insects, rodents, birds, and non-service animals in food service establishments. This code section is critical for maintaining sanitary conditions and preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses that can result from pest contamination.

Immediate Corrective Action

What distinguished this inspection from a potential closure scenario was the restaurant's immediate response to the violations. Staff promptly removed all dead insects and thoroughly cleaned and sanitized the affected areas while the inspector was present. This corrected-on-site approach demonstrated the establishment's commitment to maintaining health standards and allowed operations to continue without interruption. The inspector provided specific guidance for ongoing pest management, recommending that the facility continue working with their licensed pest control operator to exclude vermin from the premises. Additional monitoring traps were recommended throughout the facility with daily monitoring protocols to prevent future infestations.

Health Implications and Prevention

The presence of cockroaches in food service establishments poses significant health risks that extend beyond mere aesthetic concerns. According to health department guidelines, cockroaches can carry 33 different types of bacteria and six parasitic worms, making their elimination crucial for food safety. These pests can contaminate food surfaces, utensils, and preparation areas with pathogens that cause serious foodborne illnesses. The conditional pass status indicates that while violations were found, they were not severe enough to require immediate closure. This classification allows the restaurant to continue serving customers while implementing enhanced pest control measures to prevent future issues.

Ongoing Operations

Despite the pest control violations, Chac Mool Sports Bar Y Botanas remains open for business, serving patrons in the vibrant Mission District. The establishment, operated by Murales Bar LLC, continues to offer bar services and food to customers while addressing the minor infractions identified during the inspection. The reinspection nature of this visit suggests the restaurant was previously cited for similar issues and was being monitored for compliance improvements. The facility's willingness to immediately address violations during the inspection demonstrates a cooperative approach to health department oversight. Moving forward, the restaurant must maintain enhanced pest control protocols and continue working with professional exterminators to ensure full compliance with health regulations. Regular monitoring and proactive pest management will be essential for achieving a full passing grade on future inspections.