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'Major' Rodent Infestation Cited at Balboa Cafe; Newsom-Linked SF Institution Has Just 1 Week

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The iconic Balboa Cafe—the 112-year-old Marina District institution with 
ties to Governor Gavin Newsom—has been cited for serious rodent 
infestation and multiple health code violations following a routine 
inspection on January 13. The restaurant now has just one week to correct 
the violations, but some expressed doubt about meeting that deadline.

"It's a major rodent Infestation according to the report, and they have 
just a week to fix it," one exterminator told Hoodline San Francisco. 
"They might not be able to get it corrected in time."

Multiple Violations, Repeat Offenses
According to the inspection report from the San Francisco Department of 
Public Health Environmental Health Branch, inspectors found "lots of mice 
droppings" throughout the restaurant. Droppings were discovered on the 
bottom shelf of a food prep table among bulk food containers in the 
upstairs prep room, inside a floor storage shed at the exterior upstairs 
area, throughout the back alley storage room, and on the floor at the bar 
area. The report notes this is a repeat violation for the facility, which 
was previously cited for similar issues.

Beyond the rodent infestation, inspectors observed kitchen staff 
"constantly wiping their hands with a dry wiping rag" instead of properly 
washing hands. A handwash sink located by the cooking area was found to be 
obstructed and inaccessible. The restaurant was also cited for 
deteriorated white cutting boards on prep line coolers and a back alley 
storage room with "deteriorated and unapproved floor, wall, shelves," 
along with dirty floors throughout the bar area.

The PlumpJack Connection
Balboa Cafe has been part of Newsom's PlumpJack Group empire since 1995, 
when the then-27-year-old businessman—backed by billionaire Gordon 
Getty—purchased the historic saloon. According to SF Gate, Newsom sold his 
San Francisco business interests when he became mayor in 2004, and later 
placed his PlumpJack holdings in a blind trust when he became governor in 
2018.

The restaurant, located at 3199 Fillmore Street, has maintained a 
prominent place in San Francisco's social scene for more than a century. 
As reported by San Francisco Chronicle, the venue has experienced a surge 
in popularity since the pandemic, particularly among younger crowds drawn 
to its famous espresso martinis and outdoor parklet.

Part of a Broader Trend
The Balboa Cafe violations come amid what appears to be a persistent 
rodent problem across San Francisco's restaurant scene throughout 2025. 
According to What Now, multiple establishments have faced temporary 
closures due to similar violations, including Deja Vu Pizza & Pasta in 
August, Little Szechuan in July, and Saap Ver Thai restaurant in May.

More recently, What Now reported that a Turkish eatery was recommended for 
closure just last week after inspectors found rodent droppings around food 
preparation equipment. What Now also documented The Tailor's Son, a 
Northern Italian restaurant, receiving a red placard and closure 
recommendation on December 1 after rodent droppings were found on front 
bar shelves where drink shakers and utensils were stored.

The pattern extends beyond San Francisco, with California facing 
heightened challenges since the state enacted its Poison-Free Wildlife Act 
in early 2025. As noted by Hoodline, the legislation restricts 
anticoagulant rodenticides, making pest control more challenging for food 
establishments statewide.

What Happens Next
The inspection was conducted by Inspector Amelia Castelli and received by 
persons in charge identified as "guillaume/danny." The facility must 
address all violations and request a follow-up inspection. For the rodent 
infestation specifically, the restaurant must eliminate all evidence of 
mice activity using only approved methods, thoroughly clean and sanitize 
all affected surfaces, and ensure the facility is properly vermin-proofed 
to prevent future entrance and harborage.

The restaurant's permit—held by Balboa Cafe Partnership with a certified 
food manager certification expiring March 31, 2026—remains active pending 
correction of the violations. However, with the one-week timeline and 
concerns about meeting the deadline, the fate of one of San Francisco's 
most storied establishments hangs in the balance.

The PlumpJack Group, which operates multiple San Francisco establishments 
including White Rabbit Bar (previously MatrixFillmore) and various wine 
shops, did not respond to requests for comment. Whether this high-profile 
venue with its gubernatorial connections can resolve these serious health 
violations quickly enough to avoid further enforcement action remains to 
be seen.

https://hoodline.com/2026/01/major-rodent-infestation-cited-at-balboa-
cafe-newsom-linked-sf-institution-has-just-1-week/

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'Major' Rodent Infestation Cited at Balboa Cafe; Newsom-Linked SF Institution Has Just 1 Week J D <j_d@invalid.org> - 2026-03-07 20:37 +0000

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