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oChef » Celia’s – San Francisco
Celia's - San Francisco
Photo from Celia’s
Celia's at a glance
San Francisco Sunset District
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 48 of the guests
#1957 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#111 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
380
Reviews
61.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great ambiance
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Slow service
The restaurant Celia’s, a vibrant Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco’s Sunset District, invites you to experience its cozy and trendy atmosphere. You’ll find a welcoming spot perfect for any meal, whether you’re craving a quick bite or a leisurely dinner.
With a focus on fresh flavors and a lively setting, this spot offers a memorable dining experience right by the beach. It’s a place where you can unwind and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine.
Overview: Introducting Celia's
Celia’s offers a mixed experience, with many appreciating the pleasant atmosphere and the warm service from the staff. Diners often find the location by the beach appealing, contributing to a comfortable setting.
However, some visits are marred by concerns over waiting time and the perceived price of certain items. While the food receives many positive remarks, there are occasional reports of inconsistency in quality.
Good
6.5
out of 10
380
Reviews
61.3%
Satisfaction
114
negative
33
neutral
233
positive
Celia’s presents a somewhat balanced picture, with an overall Restaurant Score of 6.5. Customer Satisfaction stands at 61.3%, indicating a mixed reception.
This suggests that while many patrons leave content, a notable portion encounters areas needing improvement. Looking closer, the Ambience (7.3) is a clear strong point, often described as pleasant and kid-friendly.
Food (6.6) and Service (6.5) hover around average, based on 233 positive and 114 negative comments out of 380 total. However, Value (4.1) is a significant concern, with many finding pricing inconsistent or too high.
What people like
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Attentive service
- Good margaritas
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value
- Slow service
- Food quality issues
Celia’s could be a suitable choice if you prioritize a comfortable atmosphere and a generally friendly staff. It’s a place where you might enjoy a casual meal, especially if you’re looking for a good margarita.
However, be mindful of potential waiting time and check the menu carefully for pricing, as the 6.6 Recommendation Score suggests it’s not a universally outstanding experience. It might be worth a visit for specific occasions, but manage expectations regarding value and service speed.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Celia's
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.6 and customer satisfaction at 61.7%. Many diners rave about the deliciousness, especially praising items like "Taco Tuesday" specials, "vegan tacos", and "fajitas". The "mole" and "Chilaquiles" also get shout-outs for their authentic taste, with 127 positive remarks highlighting the quality and variety.
However, not all experiences were stellar. Some found the "chips" to taste of "stale grease", and certain "enchiladas" were deemed "inedible". Complaints also surfaced about "flavorless house chicken tacos" and "lukewarm rice and beans", alongside general remarks about "soggy" food.
These points, from 56 critical observations, suggest theres room for improvement in consistency and execution.
Food
206
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
56
negative
23
neutral
127
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican taste
- Great vegetarian options
- Delicious Chilaquiles
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Stale chips
- Soggy dishes
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently great for over 40 years. I have never had anything here that was not great, whether dining in or getting take out. The service is excellent, and they have a great bar.
- margaritasThe menu is extensive and also good for vegetarians, with the option to substitute Impossible Meat for most dishes. I highly recommend their incredible margaritas. The great vibe and affordable prices make it a place that always feels like home.
- Taco TuesdayTaco Tuesday last week and had a fantastic experience!!
- menuheavily customizable menu for all tastes
- chips and salsaI enjoyed the good margaritas, great prices, and great portions. The spice level was just right, and they even make their own chips and salsa. I celebrated my birthday here and had a truly great time.
- drinksOne word to describe the food and drinks, MOUTHGASM.😋🤤
- riceThe sides (beans, rice, and coleslaw) are all spot on
- Impossible NachosMy experience at the restaurant involved ordering the Impossible Nachos. Although it's non-dairy and came without cheese or sauce, the nachos were surprisingly delicious. The chips and veggies were nice and fresh.
- MargaritasMargaritas are worthy it-super strong
- chipsThe chips are light and perfect vehicles
Frequently criticized
- foodfood didn't taste as good as it looked
- tacosThe food itself is also soooooooo soggy. I'm not sure what's happening in the kitchen, but it's like they're serving enchilada soup and super soggy tacos.
- beansSmall amounts of beans
- enchiladasenchiladas tasted like a packet of Lawry’s enchilada seasoning
- fish tacosFor two fish tacos, two shrimp tacos, fries, and two beers, I paid 50 bucks, which felt like way too much for such simple dishes. The tacos themselves were basic, with just a little shredded lettuce and cheese, and small pieces of fish and shrimp. I really do not recommend Celia's; it's very simple and very expensive.
- food qualityMy experience at this restaurant was dreadful. The food was barely warm and of poor quality. To add to the disappointment, the service was lacking, with servers unwilling to look at customers.
- rice and beansRice and beans you can buy better at Safeway counter.
- Cevichethe Ceviche is not good
- Combo AppetizerEvery pre school kid gets this cheese quesadilla, nachitos better done.
- Expresso BurritoThe Expresso Burrito $18.50 was not good. The bottom of the list burrito.
If youre heading out, be prepared for a bit of a gamble with the food; some dishes truly shine while others might disappoint. Its worth trying for the popular items, but manage your expectations for overall consistency.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! Its a bit of a mixed bag here, with a score of 6.5, placing it in the average range, and customer satisfaction sitting at a 62.4%, which is also pretty mixed. Many guests, in 53 positive remarks, praised individuals like Phil for being incredibly responsive and reliable, and highlighted the friendly staff and seamless delivery, especially for larger groups, making for a great dining experience.
However, 31 negative remarks point to some significant hiccups. Issues like long waiting times, rude staff, and waitresses with bad attitudes frequently came up. Some felt neglected or encountered unknowledgeable servers, suggesting that consistency in service can be a real challenge here.
Service
85
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
31
negative
1
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, responsive staff
- Efficient for groups
- Seamless delivery
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff
- Neglected tables
Often praised
- serviceThe wait at Outerlands next door was an hour long, so my wife and I popped into Celia's for brunch and immediately got a table. I was pleasantly surprised at the great food, warm service, and comfy booths. I've walked by the place for years and never ventured in, but it's definitely worth checking out.
- staffHe made sure everything was set up seamlessly for us. When we arrived, the staff was fully prepared, and our buffet dinner was ready to go. The food was delicious, and there was more than enough space for everyone to eat, chat, and enjoy the celebration after a chilly game at Beach Chalet soccer fields.
- serverour server who was excellent and took time with our questions!
- PhilPhil was exceptional to work with.
- ServiceService:5
- StaffStaff like family
- commuteIt's a fun place for solo dining, families, or a date night. I miss living nearby, but it's still worth the commute.
- cooksy'all are amazing
- deliveryThe delivery was also seamless.
- dining experiencemost excellent place for dinning!
Frequently criticized
- waiting timethey take at least 30 to 40 minutes to bring your food
- serviceThe services is terrible 👎👎👎
- staffthe staff... all seemed like they were on their first day
- waitressthis waitress no creo
- ServiceThe service received was a 1
- bartenderThe bartender was charmless and curt
- cold serviceas cold as the service we received
- lady answeringthe lady answering the phone was very rude
- lousy serviceWhen I inquired, the server stated, 'we gave you free ice cream. ' Due to the lousy service and mediocre food, I won't be returning.
- managerthe manager wasn't trying to accommodate one of Sonia's mistake
If youre considering a visit, know that service can be a bit of a gamble. You might encounter truly friendly and efficient staff, especially for events, but also be prepared for potential long waits and less attentive service. Its worth trying if youre patient, but dont expect perfection every time.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, earning a 7.3 score, which is quite good! With 74.1% customer satisfaction and a strong majority of 43 positive remarks out of 58 total, guests frequently praise the atmosphere, patio seating, neighborhood feel, and family friendly vibe, making it a comfortable spot for many. However, it's not without its quirks.
A few of the 7 negative comments mention issues like needing to speak rather loudly due to noise, being seated near an open door, and some concerns about Parking and cleanliness. These suggest there might be occasional comfort snags.
Ambience
58
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
7
negative
8
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, friendly atmosphere
- Great patio seating
- Family-friendly vibe
What people don't like
- Loud conversations
- Parking can be tough
- Cleanliness issues
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was perfect for a special occasion
- locationit’s a great location near the beach
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Kid-friendlinessVery kid friendly!!!!!
- ambiancegreat ambiance
- ambiance and decorAmbiance et déco sympa
- barPretty good bar
- beachI loved the casual Mexican food and the margaritas. The location by the beach in the Sunset was also a highlight.
- boothsThe wait at Outerlands next door was an hour long, so my wife and I popped into Celia's for brunch and immediately got a table. I was pleasantly surprised at the great food, warm service, and comfy booths. I've walked by the place for years and never ventured in, but it's definitely worth checking out.
- catch the gamecatch the game
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe staff, from the hostess to the busser to the waitress, all seemed like they were on their first day. Physically, the place looked in need of some scrubbing and new paint, impacting the atmosphere. The food was just okay.
- ParkingParking is a pain
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- cleanlinessa pile of rags and vaguely swept up bits of taco chips
- open doorseated us near an open door that went out to the street
- speak rather loudlyso we had to speak rather loudly to have a conversation
If you're seeking a generally good and family-friendly spot with a cozy vibe, this place is often a hit. Just be aware that parking can be tricky, and it might get a bit noisy, so choose your timing wisely.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
While the overall customer satisfaction for value sits at a rather low 32.3%, some diners still find bright spots, with 10 positive remarks highlighting value for money, affordable prices, and great happy hour deals. Many appreciate finding a bargain that fills their belly without breaking the bank. However, the average score of 4.1 for value suggests there's room for improvement.
A significant 20 negative comments point to high prices and feeling overpriced. Issues like no discount applied and unexpected automatic gratuity also frequently leave customers feeling taken advantage of.
Value
31
Reviews
32%
Satisfaction
20
negative
1
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Good value finds
- Affordable prices
What people don't like
- High prices
- No discounts applied
- Automatic gratuity
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this Mexican restaurant near the beach was fantastic! I enjoyed the good margaritas, great prices, and great portions. The spice level was just right, and they even make their own chips and salsa.
- priceI had the loveliest dinner at Celia's by the beach. The food was tasty, the service was perfect, and it was not overpriced. The atmosphere was cosy, complete with my favourite music 🤩👌.
- bargainSuch a bargain!
- budgetPhil was incredibly responsive, reliable, and patient throughout the entire process. He took our budget seriously and demonstrated creativity in helping us finalize the menu. The delivery was also seamless; he arrived at the event even before I did!
- great valueour bellys were filled for great value!
- happy hour dealMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a cute local beach town restaurant with an amazing happy hour deal! I love coming here with friends to enjoy their vegan tacos and margs.
- value for moneyThe refried beans and rice were also delicious. It offered good value for money, and I will definitely be coming back.
Frequently criticized
- priceTo add to the disappointment, the service was lacking, with servers unwilling to look at customers. Considering the overpriced nature of the meal, it was an all-in-all dreadful experience.
- pricesThe food was barely okay and definitely not awesome. It was certainly not worth the excessive prices. To make matters worse, they did not apply the happy hour fares.
- billyou don’t know that until you get your bill
- Price30$ for something I didn't want.
- automatic gratuitycharge you 25% of automatic gratuity without any warning
- false advertisingUM….that’s false advertising
- happy hour faresthey did not apply the happy hour fares!
- jalapeñoscharged an extra $2.75 for jalapeños
- menumenu not updated so you don’t know that until you get your bill
- no discount appliedthere was no discount applied
If youre looking for a "bargain" or a "happy hour deal, " you might find some good options, but be cautious. Many customers feel the regular "prices" are "overpriced" and have experienced issues with discounts or unexpected charges. Its a mixed bag, so go in with your eyes open!
How are the prices at Celia's?
You’re looking at roughly 35 per person – reported by 48 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 35, most guests actually spend a bit less, with the biggest group falling into the $21–$30 range. However, there are also some diners opting for a more premium experience, which pulls the overall average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 48 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Mexican restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers options for those looking for a good value meal, while also catering to guests who want to splurge a little more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Celia's
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
3
Misleading Prices and Underwhelming Food
While the location near the beach is great and we were seated right away on a busy Friday night, our experience was marred by several issues. The prices have risen, but the menu (the in-house hard copy version) was not updated, meaning we didn't know the actual cost until we received the bill. When this was mentioned to the waitress, she simply stated, “ya, the prices are different, ” which felt like false advertising.
Four of us went in due to the crowd and good reviews, but the food was underwhelming. We just thought others should know.
- location8
- menu2
- bill2
- false advertising1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Taco Tuesday Experience!
As someone new to the neighborhood, I decided to try this restaurant after walking by and seeing they were having Taco Tuesday. I had a lovely time and am eager to return soon to explore the rest of the menu!
- Taco Tuesday9
- lovely time8
- rest of the menu9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Good Food, Nice Ambiance, Basic but Fair
My experience at this restaurant was pleasant. The ambiance and decor were nice, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The service was smiling and efficient, making the dining experience smooth.
The cuisine was good, and considering the price, it was very correct. However, the food remained quite basic.
- ambiance and decor8
- service8
- cuisine7
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Wonderful 80th Birthday Celebration!
We recently hosted an 80th birthday celebration here for my mother-in-law, and everything was absolutely wonderful! The staff was incredibly friendly, professional, and attentive throughout the entire event. They truly went above and beyond to ensure everything ran smoothly.
The food and drinks were excellent, and we received so many compliments from our guests about how delicious everything was. The atmosphere was perfect for a special occasion, and the service made it feel effortless from start to finish. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
Thank you to the entire team for helping make this milestone celebration so memorable! We’d definitely book another event here again.
- staff10
- food and drinks10
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
1
Rude Phone Service
I tried to order over the phone today, and the lady answering was very rude. The service received was a 1.
- lady answering1
- Service1
What Celia's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and meal services are available at Celia's by the Beach?
At Celia’s by the Beach, you can enjoy a full range of dining experiences. They offer seating for brunch, lunch, and dinner, complete with table service. Don’t forget to save room for dessert! For your convenience, they also accept reservations.
Does Celia's by the Beach cater to families and offer accessible facilities?
Absolutely! Celia’s by the Beach is good for kids, providing a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs. The restaurant is also fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
How does Celia's generally perform?
Celia’s receives a Restaurant Score of 6.5, indicating an average overall experience. While the Ambience (7.3) is often praised, Food (6.6) and Service (6.5) are considered average, and Value (4.1) is a notable area for improvement.
What do customers appreciate most about Celia's?
Many patrons enjoy the pleasant atmosphere and the restaurant’s location near the beach. The staff often receives positive remarks for their warm service, and the margaritas are frequently highlighted as a strong point.
What are common concerns among diners at Celia's?
Diners sometimes express dissatisfaction with the value, citing issues with pricing and unexpected charges. There are also reports of slow service and occasional inconsistencies in food quality, including soggy dishes or basic ingredients.