Restaurant · Chicago, IL

El Milagro

Name: El Milagro
Address: 1923 S Blue Island Ave, Chicago, IL

1923 S Blue Island Ave

Last inspected Jan 22, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

8 inspections

Canvass Re-Inspection

Jan 22, 2026

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

4-202.18 HOOD VENTS AND FILTERS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE GREASE AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL, CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 22, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Jan 13, 2026

Fail

5 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s 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

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

INTERIOR OR REACH IN COOLERS AND HOT HOLDING CABINETS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN ALL STORAGE AREAS MUST BE REMOVED AND OR ORGANIZED TO ELIMINATE ALL RODENT HARBORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

HOOD VENTS AND FILTERS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE GREASE AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 13, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Feb 7, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

3 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s 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).

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

Official wording

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 7, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Nov 7, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

3 recorded violations

notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

notedCode 23Food source and labeling

Official wording

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

Inspector’s 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

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 7, 2024 · Original Source

Non-Inspection

Nov 4, 2024

No Entry

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 4, 2024 · Original Source

Short Form Complaint

Dec 1, 2023

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 1, 2023 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Nov 3, 2023

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED UNNECESSARY ITEMS LOCATED ON THE RIGHT OF OFFICE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNECESSARY ITEMS AND ORGANIZE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 3, 2023 · Original Source

Complaint

Oct 25, 2023

Fail

4 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s 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

In plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED UNNECESSARY ITEMS LOCATED ON THE RIGHT OF OFFICE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNECESSARY ITEMS AND ORGANIZE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ICE MACHINE LID BROKEN. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 25, 2023 · Original Source