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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

El Milagro

3050-3052 W 26th St

Last inspected Mar 17, 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

6 inspections

Complaint

Mar 17, 2026

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO OPERABLE THERMOMETER INSIDE HOT HOLDING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE OPERABLE THERMOMETERS IN ALL HOT HOLDING UNITS.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 1/2" GAP AT BOTTOM LEFT CORNER OF REAR OVERHEAD DOOR INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

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 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.

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, Mar 17, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Jan 14, 2026

Pass

9 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN HALLWAY BETWEEN RESTAURANT AND RETAIL AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.

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.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN EAST PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.

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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TONG HANDLE LAYING INSIDE SHREDDED LETTUCE IN FRONT PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE HANDLE ABOVE FOOD TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED IN FRONT SERVING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES TO PROTECET FROM CONTAMINATION.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LOOSE DOOR GASKET ON COOLER IN RETAIL AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE DOOR GASKET ON COOLER.

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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FLOOR DRAIN CLOGGED NEAR ICE MACHINES IN REAR PREP AREA AND LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN EAST PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED UNUSED CRATES STORED OUTSIDE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL CRATES OUTSIDE 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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR SOME CERTIFIED MANAGERS. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING.

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, Jan 14, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

May 21, 2025

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOOR IN REAR MECHANICAL ROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE 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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE FOR REVIEW.

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, May 21, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Feb 20, 2024

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-201.11 OBSERVED BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA (WHERE POTS ARE HUNG TO DRY). INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE POOLING WATER, REPLACE TILES, AND MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEAN FLOOR.

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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

5-205.15 OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPING LEAKING ONTO FLOOR IN REAR PREP/DISH CONNECTED TO GROCERY STORE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

6-303.11 OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER REAR PREP. MUST PROVIDE SHIELD FOR LIGHT BULB 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, Feb 20, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Feb 16, 2024

Fail

4 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED APROXIMATELY 125 SMALL RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE FOLLOWING PLACES..., REAR DOCK AREA ON ROLLING CARTS STORING UNUSED EQUIPMENT, ON PALLETES CONTAINING BEANS/RICE AND TAMALE CORN HUSK, IN REAR TAMALE PREP UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND ALONG THE WALL NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, 2ND FLOOR DRY STORAGE/EMPLOYEE SPACE ALONGSIDE RACK #4 IN CORNERS NEAR BOTH EXIT DOORS, SCATTERED ON FLOOR IN BETWEEN STORAGE RACKS 8/9/10 AND IN BETWEEN 10/11, ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH ELECTRIC BOXES, FIRST FLOOR PREP IN CORNER NEAR TORTILLA GRILL, AND INSIDE MILAGRO GROCERY STORE SCATTERED ALONG WALLS IN CORNERS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. MUST ELIMINATE ACTIVITY. 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-201.11 OBSERVED BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA (WHERE POTS ARE HUNG TO DRY). INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE POOLING WATER, REPLACE TILES, AND MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEAN FLOOR.

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

6-303.11 OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER REAR PREP. MUST PROVIDE SHIELD FOR LIGHT BULB 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
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

5-205.15 OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPING LEAKING ONTO FLOOR IN REAR PREP/DISH CONNECTED TO GROCERY STORE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 16, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint

Feb 13, 2024

Fail

5 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM HANDINKS LOCATED INSIDE 1ST FLOOR WITHOUT HOT WATER DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED WOMENS HANDSINK @ 52.0F, AND MENS 56F. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HOT WATER AT LEAST 100F AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-030. (C). CITATION ISSUED.

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.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPING LEAKING ONTO FLOOR IN REAR PREP/DISH CONNECTED TO GROCERY STORE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISE DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED APROXIMATELY 125 SMALL RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE FOLLOWING PLACES..., REAR DOCK AREA ON ROLLING CARTS STORING UNUSED EQUIPMENT, ON PALLETES CONTAINING BEANS/RICE AND TAMALE CORN HUSK, IN REAR TAMALE PREP UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND ALONG THE WALL NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, 2ND FLOOR DRY STORAGE/EMPLOYEE SPACE ALONGSIDE RACK #4 IN CORNERS NEAR BOTH EXIT DOORS, SCATTERED ON FLOOR IN BETWEEN STORAGE RACKS 8/9/10 AND IN BETWEEN 10/11, ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH ELECTRIC BOXES, FIRST FLOOR PREP IN CORNER NEAR TORTILLA GRILL, AND INSIDE MILAGRO GROCERY STORE SCATTERED ALONG WALLS IN CORNERS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. MUST ELIMINATE ACTIVITY. 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA (WHERE POTS ARE HUNG TO DRY). INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE POOLING WATER, REPLACE TILES, AND MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE FLOOR.

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

OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER REAR PREP. MUST PROVIDE SHIELD FOR LIGHT BULB 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, Feb 13, 2024 · Original Source

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