Montecristo #2 Mexican Restaurant Passes Health Reinspection

Montecristo Restaurant #2, the popular Mexican eatery at 3723 Mission Street in San Francisco's Mission District, has successfully passed its health reinspection, demonstrating significant improvements in food safety standards following a troubling previous inspection that resulted in permit suspension. The December 4, 2025 reinspection revealed that the restaurant had addressed most of the serious health violations discovered during their November 20, 2025 routine inspection, which had led to immediate closure due to rodent infestation and unsanitary conditions. Inspector Cristina Zepeda confirmed that the establishment had successfully eliminated the rodent problem that had previously plagued the facility.

Inspection Progress

During this inspection, health officials found that Montecristo #2 had made substantial progress in resolving the violations that forced its temporary closure in November. The restaurant, located near the 24th Street Mission BART station, demonstrated its commitment to food safety by eliminating all rodent activity and sanitizing contaminated areas. The facility had previously faced severe health code violations including rodent droppings throughout the kitchen, unsanitary floor conditions, and structural damage that allowed pest entry. The November closure was necessary to protect public health after inspectors discovered extensive evidence of rodent activity near food preparation and storage areas.

Remaining Equipment Concerns

While the December 4 reinspection showed major improvements, two violations remain that require attention. The most significant ongoing issue involves severe rusting on the walk-in refrigerator door and interior metal shelving, which poses potential contamination risks to stored food products. This equipment issue requires immediate repair or replacement to maintain proper food safety standards. Additionally, the restaurant still lacks a valid Food Safety Manager Certification, a critical requirement for commercial food establishments in San Francisco. This certification ensures that management personnel understand proper food handling, storage, and safety protocols essential for preventing foodborne illness.

Restaurant Recovery

The successful reinspection represents a significant turnaround for the Mexican restaurant, which serves the diverse Mission District community. Owner Silvia Figueroa has demonstrated commitment to resolving the health violations that previously threatened the establishment's operations. The facility's previous reopening inspection on November 21 had initially shown promise when inspectors verified that rodent droppings had been removed and contaminated surfaces properly cleaned and sanitized. However, the follow-up inspection revealed that while pest control measures were effective, equipment maintenance issues required additional attention.

Community Impact

Located in the heart of the Mission District, Montecristo Restaurant #2 serves an important role in the neighborhood's vibrant food scene. The restaurant's proximity to public transportation makes it accessible to both local residents and visitors exploring the area's cultural attractions. The successful resolution of the rodent infestation demonstrates the restaurant's ability to address serious health concerns when proper remediation measures are implemented. However, the ongoing equipment violations highlight the importance of continued vigilance in maintaining commercial kitchen standards. Customers can now dine with confidence knowing that the most serious health hazards have been eliminated, though the restaurant must continue working to address the remaining equipment and certification issues. The San Francisco Department of Public Health will likely conduct follow-up inspections to ensure full compliance with all health code requirements.