Marcela's Taqueria Tenderloin Reopens After Health Closure

Marcela's Taqueria at 595 Geary Street in San Francisco's Tenderloin district has successfully reopened after addressing critical health violations that led to its temporary closure. The Mexican restaurant passed its reinspection on October 31, 2025, demonstrating swift action to resolve food safety concerns that posed risks to customer health.

Successful Resolution of Health Violations

Inspector John Wells confirmed during this inspection that all previous violations have been corrected. The restaurant had faced serious issues with handwashing facilities and temperature control that required immediate attention before the establishment could safely serve customers again. The most significant violations that led to the closure involved obstructed handwash sinks, which are critical for preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses. The kitchen's handwash sink had been blocked, preventing staff from properly sanitizing their hands during food preparation. Additionally, the downstairs prep room handwash sink lacked warm water, a fundamental requirement for effective hand hygiene in food service operations.

Temperature Control Issues Resolved

Food storage temperatures had also fallen below safe standards, creating dangerous conditions where harmful bacteria could multiply rapidly. The restaurant's prep cooler and 2-door upright cooler were not maintaining the required 41°F temperature, putting customers at risk of salmonella, E. coli, and other serious foodborne pathogens that thrive when food is stored in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F. These equipment issues represented a serious threat to public health, as improperly stored ingredients could have contaminated dishes served to unsuspecting customers. Food safety experts warn that consuming food stored at unsafe temperatures can lead to severe gastrointestinal illness, hospitalization, and in vulnerable populations, life-threatening complications.

Swift Corrective Action

The restaurant's management demonstrated commitment to food safety by quickly addressing all identified issues. During the October 31 reinspection, inspector Wells verified that the handwash sink in the kitchen was no longer obstructed, allowing staff proper access for hand hygiene. The downstairs prep room handwash sink now provides warm water as required by health codes. Most importantly, all food storage temperatures have been corrected to the proper 41°F in both the prep cooler and 2-door upright cooler. This ensures that perishable ingredients remain safe throughout the food preparation process, protecting customers from potential foodborne illness.

Tenderloin Dining Options

The successful reopening provides welcome news for Tenderloin residents and workers who rely on the restaurant for affordable Mexican cuisine. Located near Powell Street BART and Muni stations, the establishment serves a diverse clientele in one of the city's most densely populated neighborhoods. Restaurant owner Marcela Martinez received the reinspection results, confirming that the establishment has met all health department requirements for safe operation. The quick turnaround demonstrates the restaurant's priority on maintaining public health standards while serving the community. The successful resolution of these violations shows that when restaurants take immediate corrective action, they can quickly return to safe operations and continue serving their communities responsibly.