SF Restaurant Harlequin Group Closed for Rodent Droppings

The Harlequin Group LLC in SOMA was forced to close by the San Francisco Health Department after inspectors discovered old rodent droppings scattered across food preparation areas during a follow-up inspection on October 8, 2025. Inspector Danny Lee found the most alarming violation near the pizza station, where old rodent droppings were scattered on the floor by a corner next to a residential countertop refrigerator. Additional rodent droppings were discovered on the floor in the basement storage area where food was being improperly stored, creating a serious health hazard for customers who had been dining at the 68 4th Street establishment near Civic Center BART.

Critical Health Violations Force Closure

The restaurant accumulated eight total violations during this inspection, with the rodent infestation earning a critical violation that immediately triggered the closure. Mice produce up to 50 droppings daily containing dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus, making the presence of droppings near food preparation areas a severe public health risk. Beyond the rodent problem, inspectors discovered multiple temperature violations that put customers at risk of foodborne illness. A prep cooler at the cook's line was maintaining dangerous temperatures of 57-58 degrees Fahrenheit, with food inside measuring 58-60 degrees - well above the safe 41-degree threshold. The manager reported this food had been placed in the malfunctioning cooler just 2-3 hours before the inspection, meaning customers could have been served food held at dangerous temperatures.

Additional Safety Violations Uncovered

The inspection revealed a complete breakdown in basic food safety protocols. The kitchen lacked a certified food safety manager, with no certificate available during the inspection. Staff had been working without proper handwashing facilities - the kitchen handwash sink was completely devoid of soap and paper towels until inspectors demanded immediate restocking. Perhaps most shocking was the discovery of a sanitizer bucket containing zero measurable sanitizer concentration. Food contact surfaces throughout the kitchen had been "cleaned" with plain water, allowing bacteria and pathogens to flourish on cutting boards, utensils, and prep surfaces where customer food was prepared.

Basement Storage Area Concerns

The basement storage area revealed additional health hazards, with food stored directly on the floor in the walk-in refrigerator and debris scattered throughout the space. Inspectors also discovered an unauthorized vacuum sealing machine, though staff claimed it wasn't in use.

Restaurant Attempts Reopening

Following the closure, The Harlequin Group LLC attempted to address the violations and reopen. A follow-up inspection on October 22 resulted in a conditional pass, but the restaurant still struggled with equipment problems - the counter cold top unit across from the cook's line remained broken and continued holding food above safe temperatures. The restaurant, operating under permit for "The harlequin group llc" at the 4th Street location, serves the busy SOMA district where office workers and residents depend on nearby restaurants for daily meals. The closure highlights the ongoing challenges restaurants face maintaining basic food safety standards in San Francisco's competitive dining market. Customers who dined at the establishment before the October 8 closure may have been exposed to foodborne pathogens from the contaminated surfaces and improperly stored food, though no illness reports have been confirmed.