El Milagro Taqueria
Last inspected: Jan 22, 2026
78
Score
Public records show 26 inspections at El Milagro Taqueria stretching back to 2011. Inspectors last stopped by on Jan 22, 2026. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around five violations per visit lately, up from roughly one violation before.
The pattern that stands out is “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, which has been cited 10 times.
That's lower than the typical Chicago restaurant, which scores around 81. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
26
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 22, 2026
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.19 ALL NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES IN NON-FOOD AREAS NEED CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL STORAGE SHELVES.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C) INTERIOR OR REACH IN COOLERS AND HOT HOLDING CABINETS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11 ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN ALL STORAGE AREAS MUST BE REMOVED AND OR ORGANIZED TO ELIMINATE ALL RODENT HARBORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11 FLOORS THROUGHOUT FRONT PREP, REAR PREP, SIDE STORAGE AREA, FRONT STORAGE AREA, AND REAR AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING AND SANITIZING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL AREAS.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 4-202.18 HOOD VENTS AND FILTERS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE GREASE AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL, CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN
56
78
Jan 13, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOUSE ACTIVITY IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA, ALONG THE OUTSIDE WALL, APPROX. 20-22 DROPPINGS, IN THE CORNER BY THE STORAGE TABLE, 10-12 DROPPINGS, IN THE AREA BY THE STOVE, 10-12 DROPPINGS NOTED, AND IN THE FRONT STORE AREA, 10-15 DROPPINGS NOTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: ALL NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES IN NONFOOD AREAS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL STORAGE SHELVES.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OR REACH IN COOLERS AND HOT HOLDING CABINETS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN ALL STORAGE AREAS MUST BE REMOVED AND OR ORGANIZED TO ELIMINATE ALL RODENT HARBORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS THROUGHOUT FRONT PREP, REAR PREP, SIDE STORAGE AREA, FRONT STORAGE AREA, AND REAR AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING AND SANITIZING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL AREAS.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: HOOD VENTS AND FILTERS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE GREASE AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
56
70
Feb 7, 2025
Complaint
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: 3-501.16(A:1) OBSERVED ABOUT 5 LBS OF COOKED FLAUTAS IN A HOT HOLDING UNIT AND AN INADEQUATE TEMPERATURE OF 106.5F DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOODS AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL HOT-HOLDING TCS FOODS AT 135F OR ABOVE AT ALL TIMES. THE MANAGER DISCARDED SAID TCS FOODS DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
21
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.12 OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS PROVIDE A HAND DRYING PROVISION, SUCH AS PAPER TOWELS, IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM AT ALL TIMES. THE MANAGER PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).
10
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE MANAGER ON DUTY WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS MUST MEET THE REQUIREMENT.
58
74
Nov 7, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: 3-501.16(A)(2)NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE TWO DOOR COOLER TO BE IMPROPER: CHICKEN 44.2 F TO 47.8 F, 48.9F, STEAK 46.2 F TO 46.9 F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 85 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $150.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 3-501.17 TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (BEEF)NOT PROPERLY DATED, STORED LONGER THAN 24 HOURS IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR RTE FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 85 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $150.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS, AS DESCRIBED AT #22. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
23
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12 OBSERVED A COUPLE OF SMALL PLASTIC CONTAINERS WITH DRY PRODUCTS. (SALT, PEPPER) WITHOUT PROPER COMMON FOOD NAME MARKINGS. MUST LABEL BULK AND WORKING FOOD CONTAINERS WITH CONTENTS COMMON NAME. MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
74
Dec 1, 2023
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Nov 3, 2023
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNNECESSARY ITEMS LOCATED ON THE RIGHT OF OFFICE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNECESSARY ITEMS AND ORGANIZE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
95
Oct 25, 2023
Complaint
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 60 MOUSE DROPPINGS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: BEHIND FILE CABINETS IN OFFICE/DRY STORAGE AREA, TO THE RIGHT OF THE WALK IN COOLER LOCATED IN REAR. ALSO NOTED 1 ROACH IN EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN SAID AREAS. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION, 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED
38
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: FOUND AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE ON THE FOOD CONTACT SURFACE OF THE ICE MACHINE. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. MUST CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED.
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE MACHINE LID BROKEN. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNNECESSARY ITEMS LOCATED ON THE RIGHT OF OFFICE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNECESSARY ITEMS AND ORGANIZE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS UNDER HOT HOLDING UNITS AND BEHIND COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
70
Mar 3, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Nov 29, 2022
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-305.11 OBSERVED BOXES OF TORTILLAS BEING STORED UNDER A SEWER LINE IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND DO NOT STORE ANYTHING UNDER SEWER LINES.
39
95
Dec 15, 2021
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE IN THE REAR PREP.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FAUCET BASE AT THE 3 COMP SINK WITH A LEAK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
90
Oct 29, 2020
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-305.11 OBSERVED DRY STORAGE BEING STORED UNDER A SEWER LINE IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND DO NOT STORE ANYTHING UNDER SEWER PIPES.
39
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
90
Oct 22, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY. OBSERVED ABOUT 20 LIVE SMALL FLIES LOCATED ON THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTRO FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.13 OBSERVED OPEN BAIT TRAPS IN THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO ONLY ALLOW PEST CONTROL TO SET TRAPS FOR THE FACILITY AND REMOVE OPEN BAIT TRAPS.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-305.11 OBSERVED DRY STORAGE BEING STORED UNDER A SEWER LINE IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND DO NOT STORE ANYTHING UNDER SEWER PIPES.
39
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
78
Feb 6, 2019
Complaint
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. NEED NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS,AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER. DISINFECTION RATED FOR NOROVIRUSES. OR PROPER CHLORINE 5.25% WITH PROPER TEST STRIPS 1000-5000PPM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE POLICY ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-010, NO CITATION ISSUED AT THIS TIME.
3
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOODS PREPARED IN COOLER WITH ONLY THE DATE PREPARED, AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS SHALL BE CLEARLY MARKED TO INDICATE THE DAY OR DATE BY WHICH FOOD SHALL BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR COMSUMED FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7DAYS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PA 100-0367.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
58
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTH IMPROPERLY STORED ON REAR PREP TABLE, INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR CAN OPENER CUTTING/PIERCING PART NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
47
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT BEING USED TO SPIN DRY THE CAN CATCUS. THIS EQUIPMENT IS CLEAN IN PLACE, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR ALTERNATIVE MANUAL WAREWASHING EQUIPMENT.
48
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE HOT HOLDING WATER WELL NOT CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS IN THE WATER, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FRONT DINING ROOM CEILING VENTS NOT CLEAN, ALSO THE REAR EMPLOYEES RESTROOM CEILING FAN VENT DUSTY, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE WALL BEHIND THE THREE DOOR COOLER IN POOR REPAIR DRY WALL MISSING, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR MAKE WALL SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CEILING IN THE REAR PREP AREA IN POOR REPAIR, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
43
Nov 8, 2017
Complaint
No violations found.
100
May 3, 2017
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: FACILITIES DO NOT MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE. OBSERVED THE 3 DOOR PREP COOLER AT THE END OF THE FRONT PREP LINE WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD SUCH AS RAW CHICKEN AND BEEF. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE COOLER BELOW 40F. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN THE STEAM TABLE, HOT HOLDING UNIT AND THE PREP COOLER. THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS OBSERVED IN THE STEAM TABLE: BREADED STEAK AT 98F. THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE OBSERVED IN THE HOT HOLDING UNIT: BREADED STEAK AT 113.1F, TAQUITOS AT 109F. THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE OBSERVED IN THE PREP COOLERS: SALSA AT 50.5F, CHEESE AT 51.8F, SOUR CREAM AT 50.9F, CHICKEN AT 51.1F, BEEF AT 47.1F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 36# OF FOOD WORTH $296. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
3
90
Feb 2, 2017
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN THE STEAM TABLE. OBSERVED STUFFED PEPPERS AT 123.3F, PORK SKIN STEW AT 115.2F, BEEF TONGUE STEW AT 135.5F, BREADED STEAK AND CHICKEN AT 117.3F-121.1F, CHICKEN FLAUTAS AT 133F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 14# OF FOOD WORTH $150. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
3
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY WAS NOT DISPLAYED FOR CUSTOMERS. PREMISES HAD AN INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FROM 11/24/15 POSTED INSTEAD OF THEIR INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FROM 4/25/16. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN VIEW OF ALL CUSTOMERS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-010B.
28
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TABLETOP DEEP FRYER UNIT NOT STORED UNDERNEATH VENTILATION IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT UNDER VENTILATION.
38
86
Apr 25, 2016
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE WITH A SLITE BROWNISH SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
95
Nov 24, 2015
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE DAMAGED GASKETS ON HOT HOLDING UNITS AND MAINTAIN.
32
95
Apr 16, 2015
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF RAW STEAK 54.6F AND RAW CHICKEN 54.8F STORED ON TOP PREP COOLER, COOKED RICE 112.6-122F STORED IN HOT HOLDING UNIT DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD APPROXIMATELY 25LBS AND $50 OF PRODUCT. ALL COLD FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 40F OR BELOW AND HOT FOOD 140F OR ABOVE DURING STORAGE PREPARATION, DISPLAY AND SERVICE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
3
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN VENTILATION FANS IN WASHROOMS(DUST BUILDUP).
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATE OR DOCUMENTATION OF ENROLLMENT BY 7-16-15.
45
86
Jun 5, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CEILING VENTS THUR-OUT HAS BUILD-UP OF DUST. MUST DETAIL CLEAN.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NO PROBE OF METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: BOXES ON FLOOR IN STORAGE ROOM. ALL ITEMS MUST BE SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR AND WALLS.
41
86
Aug 6, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN AND SANITIZE FRONT PREP TABLE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR UNDER FRONT GRILL AREA.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LADIES ROOM SINK LEAKING WHEN HANDLES TURNED ON NEED REPAIR.
38
86
Oct 10, 2012
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: A MISSING TILE WAS FOUND TO THE RIGHT OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, REPAIR THE WALL SO IT IS SMOOTH AND SANITARY.
35
95
Sep 28, 2012
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: 2 PANS OF CHEESE STUFFED PEPPERS WERE FOUND AT 126.5 f, 4 PANS OF COOKED RICE 122-130 f, GREEN SAUCE 124.3 f, CHEESE STUFFED FRIED TORTILLAS 116 f AND CHOPPED TOMATO SALSA 46.5 f. ALL OF THE ABOVE PRODUCT WAS PREPARED AT EL MILAGRO LOCATED AT 3050 W 26TH ST, 60623. APPROXIMATELY 50 POUNDS OF PRODUCT VALUED AT $214.00 WAS DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. PREMISES DOES NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO REHEAT LARGE QUANTITIES OF FOOD AND MUST ENSURE THAT POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE HELD COLD AT 40 f OR BELOW AND HOT FOODS 140 f AND ABOVE. THE HOT HOLDING UNIT HAS A CURRENT AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 146.1 f.
3
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: THE REAR OUTER DOOR AND INNER GARAGE DOORS HAVE 1/4" GAPS AT THE BOTTOM, REPAIR THE DOORS SO THEY ARE PEST PROOF.
18
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: SQUEEZE BOTTLES WITH COOKING OIL ARE NOT LABELED, LABEL ALL OPEN FOODS.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE CUSTOMER AND COUNTER ICE DISPENSING CHUTES HAVE SOME CLOUDY DEPOSITS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE ICE CHUTES. THE CAN OPENER IS DIRTY; CLEAN, RINSE AND SANITIZE THE CAN OPENER.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: A MISSING TILE WAS FOUND TO THE RIGHT OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, REPAIR THE WALL SO IT IS SMOOTH AND SANITARY.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: THE LIGHTING ABOVE THE WEST COLD PREP LINE IS NOT SHIELDED, SHIELD ALL GLASS BULBS ABOVE FOOD PREPARATION AREAS.
36
74
Dec 23, 2011
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. CLEAN THE FLOORS IN THE PREP AREA AND STORE ROOMS UNDER AND BEHIND THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT HAS DUST BUILDUP.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. SEAL THE HOLES AND OPENINGS IN THE CEILING IN THE BASEMENT SO NO INSECT OR RODENT HARBORAGE.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Cleaning equipment shall be properly stored away from food, utensils, equipment, and clean linens. SOME CLUTTER IN THE STORE ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND ORGNIZE SO NO INSECT OR RODENT HARBORAGE.
41
86
Mar 29, 2011
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. CLEAN THE VENTS THROUGHOUT PREMISES HAS DUST BUILDUP.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. LARGE AMOUNT OF CLUTTER IN THE TWO STORAGE ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE CLUTTER AND CLEAN AND ORGNIZE.
41
90
Mar 22, 2011
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. FOUND 20-25 RAT DROPPINGS IN THE BASEMENT NORTH EAST CORNER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN TO AREA AND CALL YOUR PEST CONTROL TO SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT. THE BACK DOOR IN THE BACK STORAGE AREA HAS A ONE FOURTH GAP AT THE BOTTON OF THE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE THE DOOR TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROOFED. SERIOUS CITATION GIVEN 7-38-020
18
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. CLEAN FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT AND THE STORAGE AREAS.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. CLEAN THE VENTS THROUGHOUT PREMISES HAS DUST BUILDUP.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. LARGE AMOUNT OF CLUTTER IT THE TWO STORAGE ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE CLUTTER AND CLEAN AND ORGNIZE SAME.
41
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Milagro Taqueria last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Milagro Taqueria on file is from Jan 22, 2026. The public record contains 26 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Milagro Taqueria?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 10 times, more than any other issue at El Milagro Taqueria.
Has El Milagro Taqueria's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at El Milagro Taqueria have averaged around five violations per visit, up from roughly one earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at El Milagro Taqueria means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is El Milagro Taqueria inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Milagro Taqueria is inspected around two times per year on average.
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