Mission Restaurant Jake's Steaks Closed for Drain Flies

Jake's Steaks on Valencia Street in San Francisco's Mission district has been forced to close its doors after health inspectors discovered a swarm of drain flies in the food preparation area and multiple sanitation violations that posed serious health risks to customers. During this inspection conducted on October 21, 2025, by inspector Tiombe Wiley, the popular restaurant at 581 Valencia Street failed its routine health inspection with five total violations, including one critical violation that contributed to the immediate closure order.

Health Violations Found

The most alarming discovery was a significant population of drain flies observed in the back prep area near the onions, creating an unsanitary environment where food was being prepared for customers. Drain flies breed in organic matter that accumulates in drains and can carry harmful bacteria from sewage systems directly onto food preparation surfaces. Inspectors also found food residue coating the door exteriors and door pulls of refrigeration and freezer equipment, creating contaminated surfaces that staff and customers regularly touched. This critical violation for nonfood contact surfaces represents a direct pathway for bacteria transmission throughout the restaurant. The kitchen equipment showed signs of neglect, with inspectors documenting "an accumulation of grease inside the cabinet of the left deep fryer." Such grease buildup not only poses fire hazards but also creates ideal breeding conditions for bacteria and attracts additional pests to the food preparation areas. Additional violations included food debris scattered on flooring underneath equipment in both the prep and cook line areas, and the restaurant's failure to keep required food handler certifications accessible on site in a central location.

Health Risks to Customers

The combination of flies in food prep areas and contaminated equipment surfaces created multiple pathways for foodborne illness transmission. Drain flies can carry E. coli, salmonella, and other dangerous bacteria from sewage systems directly onto food and preparation surfaces. The dirty equipment and accumulated food debris provided additional breeding grounds for harmful microorganisms. Customers who dined at the restaurant before the closure may have been exposed to food contaminated by fly contact or prepared on improperly cleaned surfaces. The grease accumulation in cooking equipment could have led to off-flavors in food and potential chemical contamination from rancid oils.

Restaurant Closure and Next Steps

The San Francisco Department of Public Health ordered the immediate closure of Jake's Steaks following the failed inspection. The restaurant, operated by Mufarreh Restaurant Group, must address all violations and pass a reinspection before being permitted to reopen. Located near the 24th Street Mission BART station in one of the city's busiest dining districts, Jake's Steaks serves customers in a high-traffic area where food safety violations can affect large numbers of people. This marks the first recorded health inspection for the Valencia Street location, meaning there is no previous inspection history to indicate whether these were isolated issues or ongoing problems. The restaurant can be reached at (415) 987-3332 for updates on reopening status. The closure serves as a reminder that even popular neighborhood establishments must maintain strict sanitation standards to protect public health in San Francisco's competitive restaurant landscape.