Bangkok Street Thai Restaurant Closed for Mouse Droppings

Bangkok Street, a Thai restaurant located in Pacific Heights, was forced to close its doors on October 31, 2025, after health inspectors discovered serious violations including rodent droppings throughout the kitchen area and contaminated food preparation equipment. The San Francisco Department of Public Health conducted a joint follow-up inspection at the restaurant located at 1826 Buchanan Street Unit B, near Fillmore Bus Lines, resulting in immediate closure due to critical health code violations that posed significant risks to public safety.

Critical Violations Force Immediate Closure

Inspector Usman Javaid documented multiple mouse droppings near the refrigerator back door in a countertop corner and under the three-compartment sink during this inspection. The presence of rodent waste in food preparation areas creates serious health hazards, as mice typically produce 50 droppings daily that can contain dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus. The inspection also revealed severe contamination of the ice machine, with inspectors observing an accumulation of dirt and debris inside the interior by the deflector panel. This violation of food contact surface sanitation standards meant that ice served to customers was potentially contaminated with harmful bacteria and debris, posing direct health risks to diners.

Additional Health Code Violations

Beyond the critical violations that triggered the closure, inspectors documented several other concerning issues throughout the kitchen. Grease buildup on hood exhaust filters created potential fire hazards, while floors throughout the kitchen required deep cleaning due to accumulated food debris and grease. The inspection revealed walls with food and grease buildup, indicating poor overall sanitation practices. These conditions create environments where bacteria can thrive and spread to food products, potentially causing foodborne illnesses in customers who dined at the establishment.

Joint Inspection Reveals Systemic Problems

The October 31 inspection was conducted jointly with inspector Roy, suggesting the severity of concerns warranted additional oversight. The follow-up nature of this inspection indicates that Bangkok Street had previous compliance issues that required monitoring by health officials. The restaurant's inspection history shows this was only their second recorded inspection, with the establishment having undergone scrutiny due to ongoing health code compliance concerns. The comprehensive nature of the violations discovered suggests systemic problems with the restaurant's food safety protocols and cleaning procedures.

Health Implications for Customers

Customers who dined at Bangkok Street before the closure were potentially exposed to serious health risks. Rodent droppings in food preparation areas can spread diseases including salmonellosis, while contaminated ice can cause gastrointestinal infections and other foodborne illnesses. The combination of unsanitary food contact surfaces and rodent contamination created multiple pathways for disease transmission. Health officials recommend that anyone who experienced illness after dining at the restaurant contact their healthcare provider and report symptoms to the Department of Public Health.

Restaurant Reopening Process

Bangkok Street must address all violations and pass a reinspection before reopening to the public. The restaurant will need to thoroughly clean and sanitize the ice machine, eliminate the rodent infestation, deep clean all kitchen surfaces, and implement proper sanitation protocols. The closure serves as a reminder of the importance of regular health inspections in protecting public health throughout Pacific Heights and San Francisco's dining scene.