SOMA Chinese BBQ Closed After Cockroach Infestation Found

A popular Chinese BBQ restaurant in San Francisco's SOMA district has been shuttered by health officials after inspectors discovered a severe cockroach infestation that posed immediate health risks to diners. Northern China BBQ, located at 294 9th Street near Civic Center BART, was closed during this inspection on September 30, 2025, when health department inspector Farhan Khan documented extensive pest contamination throughout the facility.

Cockroach Infestation Discovery

The inspection revealed live and dead cockroaches in multiple life stages throughout the restaurant, creating a horrifying scene that would have exposed unsuspecting customers to serious health hazards. According to inspection records from subsequent reinspections, the pest problem was discovered in critical areas including the dining room where customers eat, food storage areas, refrigeration units, and dry goods storage zones. The presence of cockroaches in these locations indicates a systemic sanitation failure that could have exposed diners to dangerous bacteria including salmonella, E. coli, and other foodborne pathogens. Cockroaches are known carriers of disease-causing microorganisms and can contaminate food surfaces, utensils, and ingredients simply by walking across them.

Health Violations and Risks

The severity of the cockroach infestation at Northern China BBQ represents one of the most serious types of health violations a restaurant can face. When cockroaches are found in food preparation and dining areas, it indicates that the restaurant's pest control measures, sanitation protocols, and basic cleanliness standards have completely broken down. Customers who dined at the establishment before the closure were potentially exposed to foodborne illnesses, as cockroaches can contaminate food through their saliva, feces, and shed skin. The insects can also trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks in sensitive individuals through their allergens.

Failed Reinspection Attempts

Following the initial closure on September 30, Northern China BBQ attempted to address the violations but failed multiple reinspection attempts. An October 6 reinspection resulted in continued closure when inspectors found the cockroach problem persisted, with the health permit remaining suspended due to ongoing violations. Another failed reinspection on October 8 kept the restaurant closed, demonstrating the extensive nature of the pest control issues that required significant remediation efforts. The restaurant was only able to reopen on October 14 after finally passing a reinspection, indicating that substantial pest control measures and deep cleaning were required to eliminate the infestation.

SOMA District Impact

The closure of Northern China BBQ affects the dining landscape in SOMA, a busy neighborhood that serves thousands of workers, residents, and tourists daily. Located just blocks from major transit hubs including Civic Center BART, the restaurant's closure removes a dining option in an area where food safety is particularly important given the high volume of foot traffic. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular health inspections in protecting public health. The San Francisco Department of Public Health conducts routine inspections to identify and address health violations before they can harm customers, as demonstrated by the swift action taken at Northern China BBQ when the cockroach infestation was discovered during routine monitoring.