[Editor’s note: The report mentioned here is from an inspection conducted on October 27 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishment.]
The San Francisco Department of Public Health conducted a routine health inspection at Merkado on October 27. The inspection report noted multiple health violations in the restaurant, including a widespread mouse infestation, improper food-holding temperatures, and sanitation issues.
WhatNow has reached out to the restaurant for comment and will update the story upon receiving a response.
Merkado
When: October 27, 2026
Where: 130 Townsend St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Merkado is a popular Mexican restaurant and serves fire-cooked dishes inspired by Yucatán and Jalisco. The inspection report documented the following findings and corrective actions:
- The handwashing sink in the main food prep area did not have soap. The operator refilled the soap dispenser during the inspection. The staff were instructed to keep handwashing sinks supplied with soap and paper towels at all times.
- The report stated that several broken and dirty kitchen equipment and utensils were found in the restaurant. The person in charge is required to discard and remove the items from the facility.
- The prep cooler was at an ambient temperature of 50°F. The internal temperature of the green salsa was 48°F, and the orange salsa was at 51°F. The operator stated that the items were placed in the prep cooler an hour prior to the inspection.
- The staff were advised to keep all PHF items at 41°F or below. The operator moved the items to the walk-in cooler for rapid cooling to 41°F.
- The staff were also instructed to repair the prep cooler next to the cook’s line so that it maintains a proper temperature.
- A deep pan of black beans was also found measuring 74°F in the walk-in fridge, and the operator said that the beans had been cooked 6 hours ago. The beans were discarded during the inspection. The staff were instructed to use proper cooling methods to rapidly cool the beans to 41°F or below.
- The report noted a severe and widespread mouse infestation in the restaurant. Carcasses of two dead mice were found in the front food prep area, and one dead mouse was found in the rear event bar area.
- Hundreds of mouse feces were also observed throughout the facility, including in the dish pit, cook’s line (around the wood-fired stove), guest dining area, and main bar area.
- The staff were instructed to eliminate the mouse infestation by using approved pest control methods, clean and sanitize the restaurant thoroughly, and seal off all gaps larger than ¼ inches with durable material (not spray foam).
- Accumulated dirt and debris were found on the ice machine’s air filters. The staff were also instructed to repair the hole in the ceiling above the ice machine in the kitchen.
For more information, a detailed inspection report is available here.
Follow-Up Inspection
Due to mouse infestation and unsanitary conditions, the restaurant was ordered to close temporarily, and the health permit was suspended immediately.
The restaurant is required to clean and remove all evidence of mouse infestation before reinspection. Additionally, the restaurant is required to clean and degrease all food debris from equipment and surfaces to prevent rodent entry.
