Tailor's Son Pacific Heights Restaurant Reopens After Rodent Fix

The Tailor's Son restaurant in Pacific Heights has successfully reopened after resolving a severe rodent infestation that forced its closure earlier this week. The establishment at 2049 Fillmore Street near Fillmore bus lines passed its reinspection on December 1, 2025, allowing it to resume operations despite several new health violations discovered during the follow-up visit.

Rodent Problem Successfully Resolved

Health inspectors confirmed that the restaurant successfully abated the severe rodent infestation that led to its closure during a routine inspection earlier the same day. The original inspection had revealed rodent droppings throughout the bar area, dry storage, and kitchen, forcing immediate closure of the popular Pacific Heights dining establishment. The facility's permit was reinstated after inspectors verified that violation #23, the rodent infestation, had been properly addressed through professional pest control measures and thorough sanitization procedures.

New Health Violations Discovered

While the rodent issue was resolved, the reinspection uncovered five new violations, including one critical violation involving contaminated ice. Inspectors discovered black and orange mold substance inside the ice machine, contaminating ice that would have been served to customers. This critical violation poses serious health risks, as moldy ice can cause respiratory problems and gastrointestinal illness. Temperature violations presented another major concern. Cooked potatoes had been sitting at room temperature since 8 a.m., reaching a dangerous 54°F when inspectors arrived in the afternoon. Ground meat measured 45°F and marinated chicken reached 46°F in a 47°F drawer cooler, all falling within the danger zone where harmful bacteria multiply rapidly. Improper cooling methods created additional food safety hazards. Vegetable stock soup remained in plastic containers at 140°F for over an hour, while cooked beef sat at 82°F for more than two hours during improper cooling procedures. These violations increase the risk of Clostridium perfringens and other foodborne pathogens that thrive when food temperatures are not properly controlled.

Equipment and Cleanliness Issues

The inspection also revealed maintenance problems affecting food safety. A mechanical dishwashing machine in the front bar area had malfunctioned, potentially compromising the sanitization of dishes and utensils used for customer service. Additionally, inspectors found accumulation of dirt and debris on fan guards in the walk-in cooler, creating conditions that could harbor pests and bacteria.

Health Implications for Diners

The violations discovered during reopening could have exposed customers to serious health risks. Temperature abuse causes 63% of foodborne outbreaks, with bacteria like Clostridium perfringens multiplying rapidly between 70-120°F. The contaminated ice machine posed additional risks of respiratory infections and gastrointestinal illness from mold exposure. Fortunately, all five violations were corrected on-site during the inspection, allowing the restaurant to maintain its reopened status. The establishment must continue demonstrating compliance with health codes to avoid future closures.

Moving Forward

The successful resolution of the rodent infestation represents a significant achievement for the Pacific Heights restaurant, which serves the busy Fillmore Street corridor. While new violations were discovered, the restaurant's ability to correct them immediately during inspection suggests improved management of food safety protocols. Local diners can now return to The Tailor's Son with confidence that the serious rodent problem has been professionally addressed, though the restaurant must maintain vigilant food safety practices to prevent future violations.