Red's Place Closed for Cockroaches and Broken Vermin Barriers

Health inspectors shut down Red's Place on Jackson Street in North Beach after discovering live cockroaches crawling on basement walls and compromised vermin barriers that left the restaurant vulnerable to ongoing pest infestations. The October 1 follow-up inspection by Michael Mooney revealed American cockroaches on the walls of the basement mop closet, prompting immediate closure of the 672 Jackson Street establishment. Inspector Mooney documented the presence of the cockroaches in this inspection, noting that while the basement area was separated from food preparation areas by a door, the pest presence indicated a broader infestation problem requiring professional intervention.

Critical Vermin Control Failures

The most alarming discovery involved torn wire mesh in the upper right corner of the mop closet room, creating entry points for rodents and other pests. Inspectors found evidence of rodents including rub marks in the closet area, though these appeared to be from previous infestations. A failed abandoned sewer line compounded the vermin control problems, providing additional access points for pests to enter the facility. The inspection report emphasized that proper vermin proofing must use approved materials, specifically noting that expanding foam is not acceptable for sealing entry points. The combination of torn barriers and compromised plumbing created multiple pathways for pest infiltration that violated California Retail Food Code sections governing premises maintenance and vermin proofing.

Handwashing Infrastructure Violations

Critical food safety violations extended beyond pest control to basic sanitation infrastructure. Inspectors found no hot water available at the bar handwashing sink, a violation that prevents proper hand hygiene and dish sanitization. California regulations require handwashing sinks to provide water at a minimum temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The bar area also lacked paper towels at the handwashing station, compounding the sanitation problems. Without proper handwashing facilities, staff cannot maintain the hygiene standards required to prevent foodborne illness transmission to customers.

Health Risks for Customers

The violations at Red's Place created multiple pathways for foodborne illness transmission. American cockroaches are known carriers of 33 different types of bacteria and six parasitic worms, including Salmonella, E. coli, and Shigella. These pests contaminate surfaces through direct contact and by leaving behind droppings and shed skin particles. The compromised handwashing facilities prevented staff from maintaining proper hygiene between tasks, particularly concerning given the restaurant's location in the busy North Beach dining district where tourists and locals frequent establishments expecting safe food handling practices.

Facility Status and Next Steps

Red's Place remains closed following the failed inspection, with no reopening date established. The restaurant must arrange for immediate licensed pest control treatment to eliminate the cockroach infestation and complete comprehensive vermin proofing repairs before seeking reinspection. Inspector Mooney required the establishment to contact the health department for additional information regarding the specific requirements for reinspection, particularly focusing on vermin elimination and hot water restoration. The restaurant must demonstrate complete resolution of all critical violations before being permitted to resume food service operations. The closure represents the first documented inspection for this North Beach establishment, located near the Powell-Mason cable car line in one of San Francisco's most popular dining neighborhoods.