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Celia’s by the Beach
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Celia’s by the Beach
7.9
Long-running Judah Street cantina with Taco Tuesday and an all-night Thursday happy hour, drawing families and groups for sit-down plates plus HH-priced tacos and classic margaritas. Reliable service and big portions anchor its neighborhood appeal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Fish Tacos, Chicken Tinga Tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Taco Tuesday plus all-night Thursday happy hour in a classic cantina.
Who should go: Families and big groups near the beach
When to visit: Tue 9–10pm reverse HH; Thu all night
What to order: Carne asada tacos, fish tacos, house margarita
Insider tip: Ask for bar seating during HH for fastest rounds.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Judah and nearby residential blocks; fills up around sunset but generally available within a few minutes’ walk.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are after the beach or from work; jeans, hoodies, and sandals all fine.
Noise level: Moderate-lively; conversations are possible at tables but bar area can get loud during happy hour.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for large parties; smaller groups usually seated within 15–20 minutes.
Weekday lunch: No wait—ample seating except on Taco Tuesday evenings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetarian taco and enchilada options plus customizable plates.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 plant-based options; request no cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas available and most grilled proteins are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups or established couples—fun, lively vibe but not intimate enough for a quiet first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins welcome; just expect a short wait during peak happy hour or Taco Tuesday nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids’ menu, high chairs, and patient staff make it easy for families; noise level masks kid chatter nicely.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, family outings, and those craving traditional combo platters with reliable happy hour value.
Skip if: You want upscale cocktails or a quieter, date-night ambiance—opt for a modern bistro like Outerlands instead.
Celia’s by the Beach
7.9
Long-running Judah Street cantina offering sit-down plates, big combo platters, and a well-priced happy hour (including an all-night Thursday) with classic margaritas. Families and groups use it as a dependable pre- or post-beach meetup spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enchiladas Suizas, Carne Asada, Chile Verde
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Sit-down cantina with Thursday all-night happy hour and classic plates.
Who should go: Families and big groups near the beach
When to visit: Weeknights; Thursday for extended happy hour
What to order: Enchiladas suizas, carne asada, house margarita
Insider tip: Ask for the bar area during happy hour for quickest ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—usually available on Judah or nearby side streets, though it can tighten up after 6pm near the N-Judah stop.
Dress code: Casual and beach-friendly—sandals and hoodies welcome, no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during happy hour; quieter early evening or weekday lunches.
Weekend wait: Typically 25–40 minutes for large parties; bar seats often open faster.
Weekday lunch: No wait; easy walk-in before 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of meatless burritos, enchiladas, and combo plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides and bean-based dishes can be modified upon request.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—corn tortillas and grilled options available but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for relaxed, low-pressure dates than romantic ones—think shared margaritas and comfort food over candlelight.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm; just expect a short wait for groups or during the Thursday all-night happy hour.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—ample booth seating, forgiving noise level, and a kid’s menu make it great for families.
Best For
Better for: Larger groups wanting hearty portions, classic margaritas, and a dependable local vibe.
Skip if: You’re after modern Mexican small plates, patio views, or a quiet date-night setting.
Celia’s by the Beach
7.9
Neighborhood staple serving combo-plate classics, sizzling fajitas, and big margaritas a few blocks from the ocean. On select nights the kitchen goes to 10pm, making it a practical late dinner choice after a beach or park run.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Fajitas, Carnitas Plate, Chile Verde
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Old-school, family-friendly plates with later hours than most nearby spots.
Who should go: Families wanting hearty combo plates late
When to visit: 8–10pm Tue–Sat for later kitchen
What to order: Chicken fajitas, carnitas plate, house margarita
Insider tip: Check Taco Tuesday: late ‘reverse’ happy hour can stretch dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on Judah or 45th Ave; free but fills fast after 7pm. Limited spaces on side streets nearby.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and hoodies fine; beachgoers fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—lively dining room with music and chatter but still possible to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes at peak hours, faster after 9pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; steady local crowd.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several options like veggie enchiladas and fajitas.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify dishes (hold cheese and sour cream).
Gluten-free options: Yes—most corn-based dishes are naturally gluten-free; ask staff for confirmation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for relaxed, casual dates than romantic ones—fun vibe, hearty plates, and margaritas keep it lighthearted.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common; expect short waits on weekends, especially during Taco Tuesday or late-night hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families frequent it. Kids’ menu available, plus quick service and forgiving noise levels for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Larger groups and families craving classic combo plates and strong margaritas in a laid-back setting.
Skip if: You’re seeking chef-driven or modern Mexican cuisine—this is more about comfort and tradition.
Celia’s by the Beach
7.6
Sunset District institution (since 1960) serving classic NorCal-Mex with combo plates and a full cantina. Hard-shell and soft tacos are reliable, and larger portions suit groups before an Ocean Beach walk.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos plate, Fish tacos, Chicken taco combo
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Long-running Sunset cantina with hearty taco plates and margs.
Who should go: Families and longtime locals
When to visit: Weeknights after 8pm for easier seating
What to order: Carnitas tacos, fish tacos, chicken combo
Insider tip: Ask for extra salsa verde—portions are generous and it pops.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Judah and nearby residential blocks is usually available, but can fill near peak dinner hours. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — jeans and sweaters are the norm; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak dinner hours, but still easy enough to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating even for groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, cheese enchiladas, and burritos are available.
Vegan options: Limited — can modify some dishes by removing cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Partially — corn tortillas and some plates are gluten-free, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s more of a casual, lively cantina than a romantic spot — great if you want fun over formality.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they accept walk-ins; arriving before 6:30pm or after 8pm helps avoid waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely — kids’ menu options, high chairs, and friendly staff make it easy for families.
Best For
Better for: Large group meals and classic combo plates with reliable service.
Skip if: You’re seeking elevated or modern Mexican fare — head to Sunset Cantina or Underdogs Tres instead.