A food outlet, Vallarta’s Taco Bar, could not pass through a routine health inspection. The San Francisco Department of Public Health found multiple violations of the food safety code. The restaurant is ordered to be closed until all the listed rectifications are done. A follow-up inspection will decide the future decisions for the outlet.
Please note that the result mentioned here is from a particular inspection conducted on April 11 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishment.
Highlights
- A routine health inspection was conducted at Vallarta’s Taco Bar on April 11, 2025.
- Immediate health permit suspension and closure were ordered for the restaurant.
- Multiple violations regarding temperature and vermin were observed during the inspection.
Vallarta’s Taco Bar Ordered Closed
- Where: 3033 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
- When: April 11, 2025
Taqueria Vallarta, also known as Vallarta’s Taco Bar, is a vintage-themed artistic restaurant. Here, diners enjoy tacos with a variety of fillings and self-serve toppings throughout the week. From unique wet burritos to seafood and vegetarian options, the restaurant serves a wide variety of Mexican food.
A health inspection conducted on Friday revealed that the outlet was not abiding by the food safety regulations. The inspecting officer immediately suspended its health permit and ordered a closure.
Findings During the Inspection
Multiple violations of the California Health and Safety Code were observed at Vallarta’s Taco Bar. As per the health inspection report, proper cooling methods were not followed. The officer measured two hotel sheet pans of cooked beef between 51-53°F. It was corrected on-site by discarding the food items.
The officer trained the staff on cooling foods from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours, then from 70°F to 41°F within 4 hours. It was also noticed that proper hot and cold holding temperatures were not maintained. Food items in the walk-in cooler measured different temperatures instead of a maintained standard temperature.
The inspecting officer noticed insect and rodent activity within the food facility. Live and dead roaches and rodent droppings were observed in different locations on the premises. The officer also found grease buildup at the hot holding/cooking unit for the taco bar.
The restaurant will have to call the department to schedule a re-inspection. Before that, as per the inspection report, they will have to fix the issues. The facility has to be made completely free of roaches and rodents. Pest control and vermin proofing have to be done. Once the restaurant implements these points and passes the re-inspection, it will be allowed to operate again.
