Las Cuatro Milpas, one of San Diego's most beloved and longstanding Mexican eateries, was forced to close for three weeks following a routine inspection by the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality on December 30, 2024. The inspection, conducted by Specialist Sierra Nelson, uncovered a significant German cockroach infestation, leading to an immediate closure order due to an imminent health risk.
The detailed report from the county inspector outlined multiple sightings of live and dead German cockroaches throughout the facility. Live cockroaches were found in food preparation areas, including under the basin freezer, near the cook line, and by the tortilla press. Dead cockroaches were observed on walls, floors, and underneath kitchen equipment, indicating a prolonged issue rather than an isolated incident.
Adding to the severity of the problem, the report noted that Las Cuatro Milpas had discontinued routine pest control services with Orkin just one month before the inspection. At the time of the closure, the restaurant had no active contract with a licensed pest control provider, leaving the facility vulnerable to unchecked infestations.
Beyond the vermin issues, the December 30 report cited additional health violations, including unsanitary conditions, improper food storage, and structural disrepair. There was a buildup of food debris under the cook line, black residue on the ceiling, and large gaps in walls and ceilings, creating potential entry points for pests. Facility doors and windows were left open without proper screening, further exacerbating the risk of infestation. Moreover, the report detailed plumbing issues such as a leaking two-compartment sink and improperly stored pots in an unenclosed outdoor area, raising further contamination concerns.
A follow-up inspection on January 10, 2025, conducted by Environmental Health Specialists J. Wyatt and L. Landin, found that the vermin infestation persisted. Live cockroach activity was still present behind the beverage refrigerator and along the cook line, despite pest control services being resumed. Dead cockroaches of multiple generations were also discovered, suggesting the infestation had not been adequately addressed. Due to these findings, the county ordered the restaurant to remain closed until it could demonstrate complete eradication of the vermin.
A subsequent re-inspection was conducted on January 16, 2025, but the report for that inspection was not provided in response to the San Diego County public records request. Las Cuatro Milpas was approved to reopen after receiving an A grade and 98 score following an inspection on January 17, 2025. The restaurant reopened on Monday, January 20.
Beyond the vermin issues, the December 30 report cited additional health violations, including unsanitary conditions, improper food storage, and structural disrepair. There was a buildup of food debris under the cook line, black residue on the ceiling, and large gaps in walls and ceilings, creating potential entry points for pests. Facility doors and windows were left open without proper screening, further exacerbating the risk of infestation. Moreover, the report detailed plumbing issues such as a leaking two-compartment sink and improperly stored pots in an unenclosed outdoor area, raising further contamination concerns.
A follow-up inspection on January 10, 2025, conducted by Environmental Health Specialists J. Wyatt and L. Landin, found that the vermin infestation persisted. Live cockroach activity was still present behind the beverage refrigerator and along the cook line, despite pest control services being resumed. Dead cockroaches of multiple generations were also discovered, suggesting the infestation had not been adequately addressed. Due to these findings, the county ordered the restaurant to remain closed until it could demonstrate complete eradication of the vermin.
A subsequent re-inspection was conducted on January 16, 2025, but the report for that inspection was not provided in response to the San Diego County public records request. Las Cuatro Milpas was approved to reopen after receiving an A grade and 98 score following an inspection on January 17, 2025. The restaurant reopened on Monday, January 20.
The recent closure of Las Cuatro Milpas adds to a challenging year for the decades-old eatery. Earlier in 2024, rumors of an impending closure due to financial difficulties caused an uproar among San Diegans. Tax records first published by San Diego Union-Tribune revealed that the Estudillo family's property was at risk of default, with nearly $50,000 owed in overdue property taxes and an additional $16,000 in state sales taxes. These debts sparked concerns about a potential forced asset sale, which could occur as early as mid-2025 if unresolved. A GoFundMe campaign aimed to support the family was launched, quickly raising over $4,000, but was quickly shut down for an undisclosed reason.
Las Cuatro Milpas is now operating during normal advertised hours at 1857 Logan Avenue in San Diego historic Barrio Logan. For more information, visit las-cuatro-milpas.com and see the full health inspection reports below.
Originally published on February 8, 2025.
