Mission Restaurant El Mil Amores Shut Down for Pest Problem

Health inspectors forced the immediate closure of El Mil Amores, a restaurant in San Francisco's Mission District, after discovering serious violations related to insects, rodents, birds or non-service animals during a reinspection on October 22, 2025. The establishment at 2780 21st Street near 24th St Mission BART failed this inspection and remains closed with no reopening date scheduled, according to San Francisco Department of Public Health records.

Critical Health Violations Found

During the reinspection conducted between 11:30 AM and 12:40 PM, Inspector Cristina Zepeda cited El Mil Amores for a major violation under California Retail Food Code Section 114259 regarding the presence of insects, rodents, birds or non-service animals on the premises. This violation represents one of the most serious health code infractions a restaurant can face, as it indicates the establishment failed to maintain basic sanitary conditions necessary to prevent contamination of food and food preparation areas. The presence of rodents and insects poses immediate health risks to customers through disease transmission and food contamination.

Public Health Implications

The health department's enforcement action highlights significant risks these violations pose to public safety. Mice can produce up to 50 droppings daily containing dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus. Cockroaches are known carriers of 33 different types of bacteria and six parasitic worms that can cause serious illness in humans. Rats can spread deadly diseases including plague and leptospirosis through their droppings, urine, and bites. When these pests infiltrate restaurant kitchens and dining areas, they contaminate food contact surfaces, stored ingredients, and prepared meals with their droppings, urine, hair, and saliva. Customers consuming food from contaminated establishments face risks of severe foodborne illnesses, gastrointestinal distress, and potentially life-threatening infections.

Failed Reinspection

The October 22 inspection was specifically a reinspection, indicating El Mil Amores had previously been cited for violations and was given an opportunity to correct the issues. The fact that the restaurant failed this follow-up inspection and was forced to close suggests the establishment was unable or unwilling to address the serious pest control problems identified in earlier visits. Inspector Cristina Zepeda, who can be reached at cristina.zepeda@sfdph.org, received the facility during the inspection from Andrea Alfaro. The reinspection resulted in one major violation that was severe enough to warrant immediate closure of the establishment.

Mission District Impact

The closure affects dining options in the busy Mission District corridor near 24th Street, a popular area for residents and visitors accessing the 24th St Mission BART station. The restaurant's location at 2780 21st Street places it in a high-traffic area where food safety violations pose risks to large numbers of potential customers. El Mil Amores joins a growing list of San Francisco restaurants that have faced closure due to pest-related violations, highlighting ongoing challenges some establishments face in maintaining proper sanitation and pest control protocols required by city health codes. The restaurant must address all violations and pass a subsequent inspection before being permitted to reopen and serve customers. No timeline has been established for when El Mil Amores might attempt to correct the violations and undergo another inspection.