MOLLYS, the well-loved spot at 3770 Mission Blvd in Mission Beach, has been downgraded following a recent San Diego County health inspection. This is a downgrade, not a closure—the restaurant remains open while addressing corrective actions identified by inspectors.
A neighborhood fixture with a strong online following and consistently positive reviews for its food and laid-back beachside atmosphere, MOLLYS draws both locals and visitors looking for a casual bite steps from the sand. That popularity makes the downgrade noteworthy: when a high-traffic, well-regarded eatery sees its grade drop, diners pay attention—and so do neighboring businesses along this busy coastal corridor.
According to the inspection findings, the downgrade stemmed from deficiencies in core food-safety practices. Inspectors flagged issues in temperature control for cold-held foods, lapses around handwashing access and supplies at a prep station, and cleaning and sanitizing of food-contact surfaces. While none of these resulted in an immediate shutdown, the cluster of violations was significant enough to lower the posted grade and require prompt corrective action and a follow-up inspection.
For San Diego County diners, a downgrade matters because it signals elevated risk in the fundamentals that keep food safe. Temperature control is what prevents bacterial growth. Consistent handwashing and properly stocked sinks prevent cross-contamination. Thorough cleaning and sanitizing protect against pathogens lingering on prep tools and counters. When multiple breakdowns occur in these areas, health officials lower a grade to push swift fixes and verify improvements through reinspection.
Practically, a downgrade means the restaurant’s placard should now reflect the lower grade, and a reinspection window is typically scheduled to confirm corrections. Guests can look for that grade card at the entrance and review inspection details on the County’s public database to track progress. MOLLYS remains open during this process, and many restaurants successfully address violations, restore best practices, and regain their higher grade after reinspection.
As a popular Mission Beach gathering place, MOLLYS has built considerable goodwill—more so than many peers nearby—making this an important moment of accountability and transparency. We’ve contacted the restaurant for comment on corrective steps and timing for reinspection. Diners who love the spot can support it by staying informed: check the posted placard, review the county’s inspection updates, and look for signs of improvement, from properly stocked handwash stations to colder cold-holds and visibly diligent sanitizing on the line.
We’ll update this post as the situation evolves and once the county publishes the follow-up results.
