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| - There are not enough superlative words in the English language to accurately describe the most delicious, tasty, real, down home, authentic Mexican cuisine one will find almost anywhere in the United States let alone Pittsburgh itself. In fact, the entire experience is a genuine blast which will instantly, if only temporarily, transport you to Mexico City.
To begin, this review can be difficult to understand (and explain) unless you have (A.) been to El Milagro as a patron or (B.) spent time living the life most Mexicans live in Mexico (and don't count time spent in a secluded resort at Riviera Maya).
First, walking into El Milagro is akin to walking into a local "5 & 10" neighborhood store from yesteryear. I write this because the store is not set up to be what most think as a traditional restaurant. The store is old with little decoration but has beautiful, newer El Milagro signage, a squeaky door which has a padlock on it, and no host or hostess or even a "seat yourself" sign. Once you've entered you will most likely see a group of the working class Hispanic community having fun and devouring the most incredible food anywhere north of the border. Help yourself by proceeding to the beverage cooler and selecting anything to drink from inside. Generally, the options are bottled water, glass bottled Coca Cola, and several flavors of glass bottled Jarritos (bottle opener near cash register). After choosing your drink(s), seat yourself. Don't expect perfectly new tables, soft cushioned booths and lively music in the background. There are old tables and chairs (a few non-padded booths by the giant bin of jalapeno peppers at the cash register) with either one or two large televisions that may or may not be turned on. If ambiance or fine interior decor are part of one's checklist to a fantastic meal you will need to rethink your requirements because El Milagro's food far surpasses restaurants with even the snootiest of decoration.
Once seated, you'll be visited by a cook/chef/server (most likely functioning as all of the above at once) with some menus. If you don't speak Spanish don't have a panic attack. After you begin to read you'll see most of their menus have dishes descriptions written in English underneath the Spanish. The items on the menu are impressive and as authentic as Oaxaca itself. This menu has been tailored to versatility with so much to choose from you could order new dishes for weeks upon weeks. Believe me, you aren't going to find burrito el jefe, guacamole with shallots or yellow cheese. Many people won't believe their American eyes and may question things but they'll be wrong to do so because those who do have never had food from a true Mexican kitchen .... til now.
Once you've chosen from one of the many authentic meals available you'll place your order at your table with someone who may speak a little bit of English. Please be precise, careful and order slowly to make sure they understand exactly what you want. El Milagro caters any dish to how you prefer so be pleasant but exact. The service is slow at times depending on how many diners are there, time of day and the kitchen staff. Patience is a virtue and you will be well rewarded.
Personally, I order tortilla chips with salsa with most of my meals here (no, this restaurant does not serve free refillable drinks & endless pre-made chips like many places). El Milagro has several salsas all of which are fresh as can be and as true to their roots as the sun is to earth. Their salsas are fantastic but beware as traditional salsas are often very spicy to the Pittsburgh palate and theirs are no exception. And, as a side note of interest, El Milagro will bring you green salsa unless you specify another type. In my opinion, their green salsa is the best salsa (in any style) Pittsburgh has to offer, hands down. The tortilla chips will be freshly cut, fried and piping hot. As simple as it is, this is pure culinary heaven (if you believe in that sort of thing).
Once you are served your meal, you'll instantly be able to tell your authentic, home style meal is made to 100% made to order with Mexican love, fresh ingredients, and no short cuts or American liberties. They cook their food as it should be and is made in Mexico. And, it will taste and smell absolutely AMAZING.
In my experience at El Milagro, I've had at least three dozen meals many of which come with rice and beans. Check that, true rice and real beans ... not yellow rice and refried beans.
EVERY SINGLE DISH I'VE HAD WAS A FRESH, PERFECT CULINARY MASTERPIECE FROM A REAL MEXICAN KITCHEN.
By the way and this is important, you'll have to pay CASH ONLY at the register at your convenience. El Milagro is moderately priced and will never hurry you along by presenting a bill.
Absolutely the VERY BEST. No local comparisons since El Milagro far surpasses everyone else. The food deserves much more than 5 stars. RECOMMENDED.
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