Second San Clemente Restaurant Shut Down in as Many Weeks

For the second week in a row, Orange County health inspectors closed down a San Clemente restaurant for unsanitary conditions, most recently Tequilas Chop House and Cantina at 215 S. El Camino Real.

Inspectors with Orange County Environmental Health visited Tequilas Monday and discovered three major violations, including foods at improper temperatures, a nonfunctional sink that prevented employees from washing their hands properly and another nonfunctional sink used to prep vegetables, according to an online report.

“No water was present at the two-compartment sink. The plumbing was exposed and drywall removed,” states the report. “The owner indicated that a new fire suppression system was to be installed tomorrow and the two-compartment sink was to be removed.

“This is unacceptable. … Immediately return both hot and cold water to this required sink. Repair all torn walls and properly drywall the exposed piping,” the report states.

Inspectors returned Tuesday and found a plumber on site, fixing the problems. The restaurant was allowed to reopen.

Just last week, inspectors found a sewage spill at The Shore.