Omaha is known for its vibrant culinary scene, and when it comes to Mexican food, South 24th Street has long been considered the undisputed heart of authentic flavors. But what if you’re looking for exceptional Mexican cuisine beyond the usual hotspots? Enter El Milagro, a new restaurant in West Omaha aiming to redefine the city’s Mexican food landscape.
Located at 156th and West Dodge, El Milagro is the latest venture from restaurateur Javier Villa, known for his popular Javi’s tacos and other dining concepts in Omaha. This time, Villa, along with co-owners Yolanda Reyes and Gabriel Martinez, are venturing into a more upscale and authentic direction, drawing inspiration from their Mexican roots, specifically the cuisine of Oaxaca.
El Milagro promises a menu focused on high-quality ingredients and traditional preparations, a departure from the Tex-Mex fare that dominates much of Omaha’s Mexican food scene. They emphasize scratch-made dishes, from roasting peppers to crafting salsas and frying fresh tortilla chips. Does El Milagro deliver on this promise of authentic and elevated Mexican food in Omaha? Our taste buds embarked on two visits to find out.
One of the standout dishes that immediately signaled El Milagro’s potential was the Tacos al Pastor. Forget the typical greasy, overly spiced versions; these were a revelation. Crispy-edged pork, expertly seasoned, arrived nestled in doubled, warm homemade corn tortillas. Each taco was thoughtfully garnished with soft sautéed onions, fresh cilantro, and a creamy slice of avocado. The accompanying raw radishes, lime wedges, and bright, spicy green salsa added layers of flavor and texture, creating a harmonious and truly satisfying taco experience. This was a far cry from your average taco and set a high bar for the rest of the meal.
Tacos al pastor at El Milagro Omaha
Following the impressive tacos, we sampled the Carne Asada. This dish featured a generous 12-ounce skirt steak, cooked precisely to order and accompanied by a cheese enchilada, grilled jalapeno peppers, and sliced avocado. Adding a distinct Mexican touch were cambray onions (Mexican green onions) and panela cheese, a fresh cow’s milk cheese from Mexico, melted enticingly over the steak.
The carne asada itself was expertly seasoned and cooked to our preference, resulting in a remarkably tender and flavorful marinated meat. The roasted jalapeno, with its seeds intact, delivered a pleasant kick of heat, while the petite cheese enchilada on the side was surprisingly rich and savory. The combination of smoky flavors and subtle heat made this carne asada one of the most memorable dishes we encountered at El Milagro.
Delicious Carne Asada with cambray onions and panela cheese at Mexican restaurant Omaha
El Milagro’s menu emphasizes Oaxacan cuisine, a region in southern Mexico known for its complex moles and grilled meats. Chef Villa points out that Omaha is saturated with Tex-Mex options, and El Milagro aims to offer something different, focusing on authentic flavors and scratch preparations. This commitment to quality is evident in dishes like their Chicken Fajitas, where the quality of the chicken itself shone through.
The fajitas arrived on a sizzling platter, a spectacle of steam and aroma. Tender, firm chicken strips were paired with sautéed onions and peppers and a vibrant pico de gallo. While the chicken quality was undeniable, we felt it could have benefited from bolder seasoning. However, the house-made tortillas, deeply flavored with roasted corn, were a definite highlight – savory, soft, and a perfect complement to the fajitas.
Sizzling Chicken Fajitas with fresh pico de gallo at El Milagro Mexican restaurant in Omaha
Similarly, the Green Chicken Enchiladas showcased the fresh, never-frozen chicken that Chef Villa prides himself on. The house-made green sauce in this dish offered a more pronounced flavor profile than the fajitas, enhancing the overall experience. Each entrée at El Milagro is served with generous sides of refried beans and Mexican rice, along with lettuce, tomato, guacamole, and sour cream. These substantial side portions contribute to the feeling of value, justifying the slightly higher price point compared to more casual Mexican eateries in Omaha.
Even the complimentary tortilla chips at El Milagro are given careful consideration. Chef Villa mentioned their team’s focus on perfecting them, ensuring they weren’t overly greasy. We found them to be perfectly crispy, warm, and salted, served with a flavorful house salsa with a mild to medium heat and a creamy bean dip topped with melted Mexican cheese. This attention to detail extends beyond the main courses, enhancing the entire dining experience.
Green Chicken Enchiladas with house-made sauce at authentic Mexican food Omaha restaurant
El Milagro is still developing its drink menu, which promises to feature classic Mexican cocktails like palomas, micheladas, flavored margaritas, and cantaritos. During our visit, we sampled both a classic and a skinny margarita, both of which were well-made and enjoyable. A mezcal margarita, however, leaned a bit too sweet for one of our dining partners who appreciates the smoky notes of mezcal, suggesting a need for balance in their cocktail recipes.
Complimentary Chips, Salsa and Bean Dip at El Milagro Mexican Restaurant Omaha
Overall, El Milagro presents itself as a promising addition to Omaha’s Mexican food scene, particularly for those seeking flavors beyond the typical Tex-Mex offerings. While still refining certain aspects, such as seasoning in some dishes and cocktail balance, the restaurant demonstrates a commitment to quality ingredients, authentic Oaxacan inspiration, and generous portions. For those in West Omaha and beyond looking to explore a more elevated and genuine Mexican dining experience, El Milagro is definitely worth a visit. It offers a taste of South Omaha authenticity, conveniently located in West Dodge.
