Celia's Mexican Restaurant and Cantina

Celia’s Mexican Restaurant was founded in 1960 by Celia and Perfecto Lopez (left), but our family’s story began much earlier.

Celia and Perfecto Lopez met in La Questa, a small town located in Jalisco, Mexico. There they fell in love and started their family. In search for opportunity, our family immigrated to los Estados Unidos in the 1950s.

It was in the Sunset District of San Francisco where our family decided to plant roots. After working various jobs and saving money, Celia and Perfecto bought a small café on Judah street. In 1960, Celia’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina was born - a true American Dream!

Phil Havlicek, Sal Lopez and Sal Sr sit and enjoy a meal at Celia's by the Beach.

Celia’s #1 on Judah was the first restaurant of our family’s legacy. Celia’s is one of the oldest Mexican restaurants and cantinas in San Francisco and has paved the way for countless others.

Celia’s is now operated by Celia and Perfecto’s grandchildren: Phil Havlicek and Sal Lopez. It is an honor to continue to nourish and serve the community that has given so much to us. It is our philosophy to deliver personal customer service along with delicious, fresh and authentic food and beverages in a comfortable atmosphere. We thank you and ¡Buen provecho!

Our recipes are true and authnetic to our original family recipes. Our recipes have been passed down from generation to generation, since 1960. We use traditional techniques, spices and seasoning when preparing our rice, beans, meats and salsas. We pride ourselves on using fresh ingredients daily in the preparation of our food and sauces.

Our meats are all natural and hormone free. We prepare all our meat based dishes from scratch. We hand cut, season, marinate and cook all our grilled and stewed meat dishes using traditional techniques and recipes over the course of multiple hours. Our tortillas are sourced from a family owned tortelleria located in Oakland, CA. Ourtortillas are made with masa ground fresh from non-gmo California grown corn.

DRAFT BEER at Celia's
XX Amber | Estrella Jalisco | Ft. Point KSA Kolch

Order for take-out and delivery via Postmates, UberEats or DoorDash.
Call us directly to place a take out order: 415-759-8741

Taco Tuesday 4:30 - 9:00 pm
Familia Wednesday 4:30 - 9:00 pm
Thirsty Thursday Thursday 4:30 - 9:00 pm
(all night happy hour)
Friday 4:30 - 10:00 pm
Saturday Brunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday 3:00 - 9:00 pm
Sunday Brunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday 3:00 - 9:00 pm

We are the original Celias #1
Located on 4019 Judah Street, San Francisco since 1960.

Celia's by the Beach