San Antonio’s Smoke Skybar, a well‑known barbecue restaurant and bar located at 1100 East Houston Street, was forced to close its doors over the weekend after a Metro Health inspection revealed serious pest and sanitation issues.
Inspection findings
On Aug. 22, a Metro Health inspector visited the establishment and issued a report listing seven violations, resulting in a score of 86. The most alarming finding was the presence of live roaches in both the kitchen and a hallway. The report also noted food debris left on clean dishes, equipment and floors, as well as brisket that had been prepared off‑site at an unlicensed location and was several degrees below the required holding temperature.
Owner’s response
Owner Adrian Martinez posted on Instagram that the temporary shutdown was due to an “unexpected plumbing issue.” However, the official inspection report made no mention of any plumbing problems. Metro Health confirmed that the restaurant was allowed to reopen on Monday, Aug. 24, after the required corrective actions were taken.
Corrective actions
According to an employee who spoke with KSAT Investigates, the staff addressed every item cited in the report. “We’re taking care of everything that was needed, everything that was pointed out, everything was taken care of,” the employee said. The restaurant was re‑inspected and passed.
Metro Health ordered Smoke Skybar to engage a pest‑control company for bimonthly treatments, clean all food debris and grease, and ensure proper food temperature controls. The employee declined to comment further on the discrepancy between the owner’s plumbing claim and the pest findings.
Impact on patrons
Regular customers were disappointed by the sudden closure, especially those looking forward to the weekend’s barbecue specials. The brief shutdown, however, allowed the establishment to address the health concerns and return to operation without further penalties.
Context
Smoke Skybar is part of a broader series called “Behind the Kitchen Door,” where KSAT investigates health inspections of restaurants throughout the San Antonio area. The series aims to keep the public informed about food‑safety standards and to hold establishments accountable for maintaining a clean and safe environment.
While the incident was isolated to Smoke Skybar, it serves as a reminder to all local eateries of the importance of rigorous sanitation practices and regular pest‑control measures. Metro Health continues to conduct routine inspections to protect public health and ensure that dining establishments meet state‑mandated safety standards.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
