Discover the Authentic Flavors of Mexico at Celia’s Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco

admin February 23, 2025No Comments

Celia’s Mexican Restaurant has been a beloved San Francisco institution since 1960, offering a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine crafted from family recipes passed down through generations. Located in the Sunset District, Celia’s is more than just a restaurant; it’s a story of family, tradition, and the American Dream.

Our Family’s Journey: From Jalisco to San Francisco

The story of Celia’s Mexican Restaurant begins in La Questa, Jalisco, Mexico, where Celia and Perfecto Lopez met, fell in love, and started their family. Seeking new opportunities, the Lopez family immigrated to the United States in the 1950s. They chose San Francisco’s vibrant Sunset District to build their new life and plant their roots. After years of hard work and saving, Celia and Perfecto realized their dream by purchasing a small café on Judah Street. In 1960, Celia’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina opened its doors, marking the beginning of a true American success story.

A San Francisco Mexican Restaurant Legacy Continues

Celia’s #1 on Judah Street was the first chapter in our family’s enduring legacy. As one of the oldest Mexican restaurants and cantinas in San Francisco, Celia’s has become a cornerstone of the local culinary scene, inspiring countless others. Today, Celia’s is proudly operated by Celia and Perfecto’s grandsons, Phil Havlicek and Sal Lopez. They are honored to continue the tradition of serving the community that has embraced their family for decades. At Celia’s Mexican Restaurant, the philosophy is simple: provide personal, welcoming service alongside delicious, fresh, and genuinely authentic Mexican food and drinks, all within a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

Authentic Mexican Recipes and Fresh, Quality Ingredients

Our commitment to authentic Mexican flavors is unwavering. Celia’s recipes are genuine family creations, passed down and perfected since 1960. We employ traditional techniques, spices, and seasonings in every dish, from our flavorful rice and beans to our savory meats and vibrant salsas. We take pride in using only the freshest ingredients daily in our food preparation and sauces. Our meats are all-natural and hormone-free. Every meat-based dish is prepared from scratch, with our team hand-cutting, seasoning, marinating, and slow-cooking grilled and stewed meats for hours, using time-honored recipes and methods. Even our tortillas are special, sourced from a family-owned tortilleria in Oakland, CA, made with masa ground fresh from non-GMO California-grown corn.

Experience Celia’s Today!

Visit us at our original location on 4019 Judah Street, San Francisco, and taste the tradition for yourself.

Draft Beer Selection: XX Amber | Estrella Jalisco | Ft. Point KSA Kolch

Convenient Ordering Options: Enjoy Celia’s at home with takeout and delivery available through Postmates, UberEats, and DoorDash. Call us directly for takeout orders: 415-759-8741.

Don’t Miss Our Weekly Specials: