Mariscos El Pulpo Sports Bar & Grill was inspected by the Environmental Health Division from the Orange County Health Care Agency on August 11, 2025. Inspectors noted several minor and major violations, indicating noncompliance with health standards. Officials ordered the facility closed after discovering a serious cockroach infestation, according to the report.
Please note that the report mentioned here is from an inspection conducted on August 11 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishment.
Highlights
- Mariscos El Pulpo Sports Bar & Grill was ordered closed by the OC Health Department on August 11.
- Inspectors reported significant cockroach activity at the restaurant premises, resulting in its closure.
- The facility may contact the department to reopen and resume operations pending corrective actions.
Mariscos El Pulpo Sports Bar & Grill
- Where: 1880 Monrovia Ave Unit C, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
- When: August 11, 2025
A minor violation regarding an inadequate handwashing facility was noted by the inspectors on arrival. The women’s restroom lacked paper towels. Potentially hazardous foods like shredded cheese were not held at the recommended temperature of 41°F and below or 135°F or above.
The inspectors mentioned that during operational hours, the facility should maintain an adequate, protected, pressurized, potable hot water supply. Live and dead cockroaches were observed during the inspection.
A major violation, cockroach infestation, was observed in the storage, warewashing, and dining areas. Every food facility should be equipped to prevent contamination by insects, birds, animals, or vermin, including rodents (such as rats and mice), cockroaches, and flies.
The establishment should use approved methods to ensure the elimination of cockroach infestation, followed by thorough sanitization. The employees at the facility were using noncompliant, unauthorized thawing procedures.
Inspectors observed grease and residue accumulated on shelves, in the bar area, in the warewashing area, under the microwave, and beneath the ice machine. Inspectors noted that utensil and equipment surfaces required cleaning.
The gaskets on the reach-in cooler doors were found in poor condition, requiring replacement. The inspectors mentioned that the facility should ensure that all equipment is fully operational and meets applicable standards. The inspection report can be accessed here.
Follow-up Inspection
The representatives inspecting the facility temporarily suspended the health permit, followed by orders to close under the California Health and Safety Code. The report includes details of all conditions that warranted the closure.
The closed notification was issued due to serious cockroach activity. The department can suspend business operations in a facility if there are signs of an imminent health hazard. The establishment is prohibited from handling food until the violations are corrected and the permit is reinstated.
The establishment can contact the number provided in the report to request a follow-up inspection.
