Underdogs Cantina SOMA Mexican Reopens After Health Issues

Underdogs Cantina, the popular Mexican restaurant in SOMA, has successfully reopened after resolving significant health violations that included vermin activity and equipment issues. The restaurant at 128 King Street near the 4th & King Caltrain station passed its reinspection on October 30, allowing customers to once again enjoy their Mexican cuisine safely. The reopening follows a troubling initial inspection on October 29 that revealed serious health hazards requiring immediate attention. Health inspectors discovered vermin activity throughout the facility, prompting the restaurant to implement emergency pest control measures on both October 27 and October 30 to address the infestation.

Health Violations Addressed

During this inspection, health officials found multiple violations that posed risks to food safety and customer health. The most concerning discovery was the presence of non-functional equipment throughout the facility, including broken coolers, sinks, and steam tables that were creating harborage areas for rodents and other pests. Inspectors documented unclean floors with food debris accumulating in corners, particularly under coolers and cooking equipment at the cook line and near the hood system. This accumulation of organic matter created an ideal environment for pest activity and potential bacterial growth, putting customers at risk of foodborne illness. The facility also had burnt out light bulbs at critical locations including the hoods and walk-in cooler, reducing visibility and making it difficult for staff to maintain proper sanitation standards. Additionally, inspectors found gaps at the bottom of the front entrance double doors, providing easy access for vermin to enter the food preparation areas.

Swift Corrective Action

Underdogs Cantina management responded quickly to address the violations. The restaurant immediately engaged professional pest control services, with treatments conducted on both October 27 and October 30 to eliminate the vermin activity. Staff performed deep cleaning and sanitization of all affected areas, paying special attention to floor corners and areas under equipment where food debris had accumulated. The restaurant also removed or repaired non-functional equipment to eliminate potential harborage areas and replaced burnt out light bulbs throughout the facility to ensure proper visibility for food safety operations. Door sweeps were adjusted to properly seal the front entrance and prevent future pest entry.

Restaurant Reopens Safely

Following the successful completion of all required corrections, health inspectors reinstated the restaurant's permit to operate. The October 30 reinspection confirmed that the vermin activity had been corrected and that the facility now met all health and safety standards required for food service operations. Located in the bustling SOMA district near the major transit hub of 4th & King Caltrain, Underdogs Cantina serves a diverse clientele of commuters, baseball fans, and local residents. The restaurant's quick response to health violations demonstrates a commitment to customer safety that should reassure diners returning to enjoy their Mexican specialties. The facility has no previous inspection history on record, making this the first documented health inspection for the establishment. Restaurant management can be reached at (415) 902-5702 for any customer inquiries about their food safety practices. With all violations now corrected and the permit to operate reinstated, Underdogs Cantina is once again serving customers in the heart of SOMA's dining scene.