Our Story

A little bit about us

It all began with friendship.

We are Alan, Julio, and Marco.

In the vibrant atmosphere of San Francisco back in the late 90s, our paths crossed during our early 20s. United by a shared passion, we became good friends.We began our journeys in the restaurant scene from the bottom, each focusing on different parts of the industry as we climbed our way up.

As we ran around the Bay Area in our youth, we observed how Americans viewed Mexican food. Burritos were a novelty to us because they didn’t exist where we were from. Coming from central Mexico, we noticed that much of the Mexican food in California was quite different from what we were used to back home. While it was good, it wasn’t familiar. Authentic Mexican restaurants were available, but they often focused only on a small specific region of Mexico. Mexico is vast, and each region has its unique specialties; so why couldn’t we find those here? We often fantasized about one day opening our own restaurant. Our place would showcase the Mexican dishes we enjoyed as children and that our mothers would prepare for us—dishes that other restaurants overlooked and that we felt a deep nostalgia for.

During our youthful adventures in the Bay Area, we were struck by how Americans perceived Mexican cuisine. Burritos were a fascinating novelty to us, as they didn’t exist where we were from. Coming from central Mexico, we quickly realized that much of the Mexican food in California differed significantly from the flavors and traditions we cherished. While the food was undoubtedly delicious, it lacked the familiarity we yearned for. Authentic Mexican restaurants were around, but they often spotlighted only a few select regions of our vast country. Each region of Mexico has its unique specialties, and we couldn’t help but wonder why those culinary treasures were absent here. We often found ourselves dreaming about opening our own restaurant, a place that would celebrate the diverse and rich Mexican dishes we grew up with—delicious meals our mothers lovingly prepared for us. We envisioned a menu filled with the lesser-known delights of our homeland, dishes that evoked deep nostalgia and satisfied a craving that other restaurants often overlooked. Our goal was to bring the true essence of Mexican cuisine to life, showcasing the vibrant flavors and traditions that deserve to be shared.

As we matured, we made the decisive choice to combine our knowledge and skills. Alan excels in bartending and management, Marco brings extensive expertise in both the front and back of the house, fueled by his passion for the kitchen, and Julio takes charge of running and managing the back of the house effectively. Together, we are ready to achieve great things.

In January 2020, we proudly opened our first restaurant in Cloverdale, eager to share our passion for food with the community. Just a couple of months later, the pandemic lockdown hit, but with the unwavering love and support of this incredible town, we persevered through the challenges. This restaurant is more than just a business to us; it represents a journey of growth and connection. Here, we have learned invaluable lessons and witnessed the remarkable spirit of our community, making this place truly close to our hearts

You requested that we bring our food closer to you, and we’re excited to share the blessing with you! We can’t wait for you to taste El Milagro and experience the incredible flavors we have to offer!

A little bit about the food

Mexican gastronomy is a precious treasure, recognized by UNESCO as the first ethnic cuisine on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Mexico is a vibrant melting pot, enriching the world with essential ingredients while embracing diverse influences. The modern Mexican table combines pre-Hispanic traditions with global flavors, creating dishes that are both unique and deeply rooted in our heritage. By honoring the fresh and local produce we are fortunate to have, we strive to craft exciting and nostalgic dishes just for you.

We have drawn inspiration from our mothers' recipes as well as our travels throughout Mexico, resulting in a menu filled with delicious staples and specials. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share our passion with you.

We warmly invite you to visit us in Healdsburg and savor the flavors of our childhood.

¡Muchas Gracias!