[Editor’s note: The report mentioned here is from an inspection conducted on October 16 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishment.]
The San Francisco Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Branch, conducted a routine inspection at Restaurante Guatemalteco Ebenezer on October 16. According to the report, officials found a cockroach infestation and excessive use of boric acid, leading to the restaurant’s immediate permit suspension.
Restaurante Guatemalteco Ebenezer
- Where: 3263 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
- When: October 16, 2025
Restaurante Guatemalteco Ebenezer, a local favorite on Mission Street, serves Guatemalan and Salvadoran cuisine. Popular dishes are desayuno Ebenezer, plátano frito, carne asada, and mojarra frita.
According to the official report, Restaurante Guatemalteco Ebenezer was cited for multiple major violations and was ordered to close its operations immediately. The inspection findings are as follows:
- The inspection report began with instructions for the restaurant to submit the required documents and a copy of the pest control service invoice. Inspectors also noted that employee food handler cards were missing.
- The report mentioned dead and live cockroaches on the wall behind the food preparation table, behind the microwave, and on the server and dining area floor.
- Improper food storage in the restaurant, including raw eggs stored above fruit in the front server area cooler, and raw chicken was stored above pasta in the refrigerator, according to the report.
- The report further mentioned that containers of food were stored without lids, and frozen chocolate-dipped fruit was stored directly on the shelf in front of a small cooler.
- The officials advised the operators that improper storage of food can lead to cross-contamination. The report suggested the restaurant use sneeze guards, tightly sealed containers, and approved dispensers for protection.
- The restaurant was further cited for using excessive boric acid in the kitchen, cook line, under equipment, and in the back food prep area. The report suggests that officials immediately flagged and discontinued the use of toxic chemicals in the food preparation area.
- The report noted two missing baffle filters at the mechanical exhaust hood, standing water in the mop sink, and a nonfunctional food prep sink faucet. It also pointed out grease and debris buildup under the cook’s line, on the sides and inside of the deep fat fryer, on the door gaskets, and inside the oven and drip tray.
- The report states that the restaurant should eliminate cockroach infestation using approved methods and clean and sanitize the affected areas. The restaurant must remove boric acid, repair the mop and food prep sink, store food properly, and clean dirt and debris from all the surfaces.
For more information, a detailed inspection report is available here.
Follow-up Inspection
According to the official report, due to multiple major violations reported, Restaurante Guatemalteco Ebenezer’s health permit was immediately suspended, and the restaurant was ordered to close temporarily. The restaurant can request a reinspection within 15 days.
The restaurant must fix and take all the necessary corrective actions before the reinspection is conducted. Until then, the restaurant is required to display the closed placard at all times.
