Foghorn Taproom Bar & Grill Fails with Mouse Droppings Found

Health inspectors discovered mouse droppings scattered on the ground at Foghorn Taproom during a routine inspection on October 28, 2025, leading to a failed health inspection for the Haight-Ashbury bar and grill located at 846 Divisadero Street. The inspection, conducted between 12:25 PM and 1:20 PM by inspector Zack Parsons, uncovered a disturbing array of violations that put customers at serious health risk. Beyond the rodent infestation evidence, inspectors found chicken wings being stored at a dangerously low 52 degrees Fahrenheit - well below the safe holding temperature required to prevent bacterial growth.

Critical Health Violations Found

The most serious violation involved the presence of mice droppings on the ground, earning the establishment a critical violation rating. According to health experts, mice produce up to 50 droppings daily, each potentially containing harmful pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus that can cause severe foodborne illness in customers. Inspectors also discovered that the restaurant was operating without proper sanitizer buckets for food prep areas, a major violation that compromises the establishment's ability to maintain clean food contact surfaces. This violation was corrected during the inspection, but it raised serious concerns about the restaurant's commitment to basic food safety protocols. The chicken wings found at 52 degrees Fahrenheit presented another significant health risk. Temperature abuse causes 63 percent of foodborne outbreaks, and poultry stored below safe temperatures creates ideal conditions for dangerous bacteria like Clostridium perfringens and Listeria to multiply rapidly.

Structural and Cleanliness Issues

Beyond the immediate food safety concerns, this inspection revealed deeper maintenance problems at the Divisadero Street establishment. Inspectors noted that floors and walls below and behind equipment required thorough cleaning, while structural repairs were needed to address deteriorating surfaces. These maintenance issues create ongoing problems, as cracks and holes in floors and walls provide entry points for pests and make thorough cleaning virtually impossible. Deteriorated surfaces harbor bacteria that can contaminate food and equipment, creating a cycle of sanitation problems. The inspection also found that non-food contact surfaces, including shelving and the inside and outside of equipment, required cleaning. Additionally, CO2 tanks in the bathroom lacked proper securing with chains or ropes, presenting a safety hazard.

First-Time Inspection Results

This marks the first recorded health inspection for Foghorn Taproom, owned by Willy Nilly LLC, making it impossible to determine whether these violations represent ongoing issues or recent problems. The establishment operates near the N-Judah line and serves the busy Cole Valley corridor. The restaurant received a total of six violations during the inspection - one critical, three major, and two minor infractions. Two violations were corrected on-site during the inspection, but the restaurant must address the remaining issues, particularly the rodent problem and structural maintenance needs. Customers who visited Foghorn Taproom before these corrections were made may have been exposed to food prepared in unsanitary conditions, with potential exposure to rodent-borne pathogens and improperly stored poultry. The establishment must work with pest control operators and complete necessary repairs before demonstrating full compliance with health regulations.