Sisterita Financial District Restaurant Closed for Cockroaches

Sisterita, a restaurant located at 669 Commercial Street in San Francisco's Financial District, was temporarily closed by the health department on October 22, 2025, after inspectors discovered an active cockroach infestation during a routine inspection. The establishment has since reopened after completing required pest control measures and deep cleaning protocols. During this inspection, conducted between 3:30 PM and 4:15 PM, health inspector Alyssa Manzano found conditions serious enough to warrant an immediate suspension of the restaurant's health permit to operate. The discovery of live cockroaches posed an immediate threat to food safety and public health, prompting swift action from the San Francisco Department of Public Health.

Health Violations Found

The inspection revealed multiple violations beyond the cockroach infestation. Inspectors documented significant cleaning issues, including an accumulation of grease around cooking equipment and coolers at the cook's line. This type of buildup creates ideal conditions for pest infestations, as grease and food debris serve as attractants for cockroaches and other vermin. Additionally, the restaurant was cited for missing chlorine sanitizer test strips at their warewash facilities. Proper sanitization is critical for preventing the spread of foodborne pathogens, and without test strips, staff cannot verify that dishes and utensils are being properly sanitized. Hepatitis A and other dangerous pathogens can survive on improperly washed dishes for weeks, potentially causing recurring outbreak cycles among customers. The inspection also revealed temperature violations with a two-door upright cooler measuring 61°F, well above the required 41°F maximum for safe food storage. While no potentially hazardous foods were stored in the malfunctioning cooler at the time of inspection, the equipment failure represented a significant food safety risk.

Immediate Response and Reopening

Following the initial closure, Sisterita moved quickly to address the violations. The restaurant provided a licensed pest control report dated October 22, 2025, documenting professional treatment of the cockroach infestation. Management also conducted a comprehensive deep cleaning of the dishwashing machine and food preparation areas. A reinspection conducted the same day confirmed that no live cockroaches were observed, and the major violations had been abated. Inspector Manzano reinstated the health permit to operate, allowing the restaurant to reopen to the public. However, additional follow-up inspections are scheduled to verify the complete deep cleaning of the cook's line area.

Customer Health Implications

The cockroach infestation posed serious health risks to diners. Cockroaches are known carriers of bacteria including Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus, which can cause severe foodborne illness. These pests contaminate food surfaces, utensils, and ingredients through their droppings, shed skin, and direct contact with food items. The combination of pest infestation, inadequate cleaning, and temperature control failures created conditions where pathogens could multiply rapidly. Customers who dined at the restaurant before the closure were potentially exposed to these health hazards.

Restaurant History

This appears to be Sisterita's first recorded health inspection since opening, as no previous inspection records were found in the health department database. The restaurant is operated by Serista Group LLC and is conveniently located near the Embarcadero BART station in the Financial District. While the temporary closure was concerning, the restaurant's prompt response to address violations demonstrates a commitment to food safety standards. Continued monitoring by health inspectors will ensure ongoing compliance with San Francisco's health codes.