The Original, Celia's Mexican Restaurant Est 1960
Tucked away in San Francisco, Celia's Mexican Restaurant has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine since 1960, and after my recent visit, it's clear why they've stood the test of time. This family-run gem offers the kind of homestyle cooking that keeps locals coming back generation after generation.
Starting Strong
We kicked things off with their guacamole, and I can't overstate how amazing it was. Fresh, creamy avocados with just the right balance of lime, cilantro, and seasoning—it's the kind of guacamole that sets the bar high for everything that follows. We found ourselves fighting over the last scoop with our chips.
For drinks, I went with the strawberry margarita while my friend opted for the hibiscus margarita. Both were excellent choices. My strawberry margarita was refreshing and not overly sweet, with real fruit flavor that complemented the tequila beautifully. The hibiscus margarita was a standout—floral, slightly tart, and perfectly balanced. It's not a flavor you see everywhere, and Celia's does it justice.
The Main Event
I ordered the combo platter featuring a beef taco and chicken flauta, and it was everything you'd hope for from a classic Mexican restaurant. The beef taco was perfectly seasoned with meat that had that ideal texture—not too dry, not too greasy—nestled in a crispy shell that held up beautifully. The chicken flauta was the star of my plate: rolled tight and fried to golden perfection, with tender, flavorful chicken inside and just the right amount of crunch on the outside.
My dining companion went for Celia's Special, and I have to say, I experienced some serious food envy. The carne asada was absolutely delicious—grilled to perfection with those beautiful char marks and seasoned in a way that let the quality of the meat shine through. It's the kind of dish that reminds you why carne asada is a staple of Mexican cuisine when it's done right.
The Experience
The atmosphere at Celia's feels genuinely authentic, with that comfortable, no-frills vibe that lets the food do all the talking. The restaurant has plenty of character, including some fun vintage artwork in the restrooms that adds to the old-school charm.Try using the urinal and not thinking weird thoughts, lol. The portions are generous, however the prices are higher than other location (probably due to being the original location), and the service has that warm, efficient quality you find in restaurants that have been perfecting their craft for over six decades.
Getting There
One word of advice: parking in this area is notoriously difficult. Save yourself the headache and take public transit or grab an Uber. Trust me, you'll arrive in a much better mood and ready to enjoy your meal.
The Bottom Line: Celia's Mexican Restaurant is a San Francisco institution for good reason. Whether you're craving a classic combo platter or their standout carne asada, you're in for genuine, delicious Mexican food that's been satisfying customers since 1960. Don't miss the guacamole and creative margarita selection. Just skip the parking hassle and you'll have a perfect dining experience.
