El Milagro — Restaurant in Cloverdale

I had the unfortunate experience of ending up here unplanned for Sunday "brunch" after Trading Post turned us away without a reservation. When we walked in we were directed to the buffet. It was our mistake to not ask for the price or if other options were available. The only breakfast items were very dry chewy scrambled eggs, OK bacon and pancakes I didn't try. All the rest was cafeteria looking Mexican food and various dishes that looked like heated up frozen dinners. Salad and dessert were barely edible. This would all be fine if the meal was $14.99. But this restaurant is doing what I've seen a lot of lately - not being transparent on pricing and then wanting to charge without bringing a bill first. The cashier almost took my friend's credit card to charge the entire bill when she just had it out ready for when the bill came. After I asked, we found out the price was $28 per person for just the food! Later online searches also did not reveal the price and actually revealed that we were not told about the bottomless mimosas we should have had. We drank about a third of what we would have had we known additional drinks were included. Also Bloody Mary's ordered were barely drinkable and too spicy. Based on the reaction of the staff when I inquired about pricing and whether it was correct, I believe they know what they are doing by not being transparent. No reason to ever return to...

I am catching up today- so here we go. I love food a lot, and this place delivers. Not gonna lie…at first I was very vocal about having yet another Mexican restaurant in Cloverdale (because we have a lot of them) but I gave it a go… And WHAT? Guisados on the menu? Sign me up! First visit was a win. So we went back. Often. Nopales, al pastor, papas con Rojas…I made it a goal to eat through this menu and eventually met the wonderful folks that own and run it. This is a family endeavor and that, for me, makes it a place I want to patronize. They are wonderful people who really love what they do. In any event, after a year and a half of eating here, I can say I have always been amazed every time I strike out and try something new. I felt safe through a pandemic eating here, and really have grown to love the staff…they are great people that put a lot of love into what they do. So, bottom line, what makes this place better than the other choices in town? I got this- A friendly face when you arrive Best nopales enchilados EVER (tried to make them and nope) Incredible food, some of which is gonna be new to you Baja fish tacos. Period. guisados! Where else can you get that? Tres Leches…Oh My God…… Huitlacoche. If your Mexican restaurant does not have this on the menu periodically, don’t go there anymore. Anyway- thanks guys for all the good times and...

We ordered the mixed fajitas with chicken, shrimp, and steak. The dish included only three shrimp, a few small pieces of chicken, and approximately three ounces of steak, all served over what appeared to be a large portion of frozen vegetables—mainly carrots, broccoli, and a single slice of bell pepper. To my knowledge, carrots and broccoli are not traditional components of fajitas, which made the presentation and flavor quite disappointing.

Additionally, the chalupas were served cold, and the sauce that used to accompany the flautas has changed. What was once a distinctive pineapple jelly has been replaced with a thin, overly sweet chili sauce that resembles something more Polynesian in style.

Overall, the meal lacked flavor and felt uninspired, especially considering the $27 price tag for what amounted to mostly frozen vegetables. We spent nearly $70 in total, hoping to enjoy a special dinner in celebration of our pregnancy announcement, but unfortunately, the experience fell far short of expectations.

Regrettably, we will not be returning...