The food at Celia's Mexican Restaurant is barley passible as Mexican food. The staff openly brags about A-1 Sauce being the main component in most of  the sauces they present.
Be careful to check your cocktail bill carefully padding for non ordered, non served drinks should never happen but has....
The food here is pretty outstanding! Â I have visited this place 3 times and each time was during the lunch hours. Â I would recommend the espresso burrito as I have ordered that 2 of the 3 times I have been here and it is outstanding. Â My last visit had some service challenges as there was 1 waiter who was apparently responsible for the entire dining room and the bar. Â He did his best but the time it took to get food and drink refills certainly suffered as a result.
Review Source:This review is for how they handled misinformation on their website. If you're care about how a restaurant handles an issue, read on, if you already like Celia's, then this won't matter.
My wife looked on the website for happy hour hours and it clearly says 4pm-7pm on the website. We got there at 5:55pm and asked about the happy hour to which the waiter responded that it ended at 6. Which would have been fine since we had 5 minutes. But when we showed him he website and what it states as their hours, he got his manager.
The manager came by and said happy hour ends at 6, it says it in the menu. We agreed and just was letting him know that their website says otherwise. On the defense, he said he knows but that's probably old and hasn't been updated in a while. He then said we should always call ahead of time to confirm the times - which if you're a person living in 2013, you'd expect the website to provide all that information.
One of the only places I've actually left before ordering anything, really disappointed and hope they get their stuff together. But it's in vein since we will never go back to this location.
I've been to Celia's a handful of times and been pleased. Happy Hour in the bar is great, and in the dining room, I've enjoyed the crab enchiladas. Tonight, I ordered the enchilada (cheese) and tostada (black bean) combo. The tostada was yummy...except for the cheese on top. It tasted like American cheese (yes, AMERICAN cheese. Cheese that is not even real cheese - it's "cheese food." Look it up if you don't know what I'm talking about). It ruined the flavor of the tostada with its cheap flavor.
Then, I went for the enchilada. It, too, was made with American cheese!!! So gross!!!! Unbelievable and absolutely disgusting. I was astounded that a restaurant could even THINK to make a cheese enchilada with such poor quality cheese. Obviously, I didn't eat it and left very displeased with the quality of food served at Celia's. I won't be back anytime soon.
One of the best authentic Mexican restaurants in the bay. Highly recommended. Attentive waiters and friendly. Camarones ala diabla are bomb. Margaritas are perfection. Location is not bad, parking is good. Right in front of a bowling alley. Perfect for a date or simply for family fun. Somewhat pricey but worth it.
Review Source:Best sit down Mexican food in Marin!! (in my not so humble opinion) Â Been coming here for years! Staff is friendly and the food is outstanding! Huge fish tank by the bar. Kids love it. Family friendly. Come here after work sometimes for the margaritas and to watch a game. Good times!
Review Source:A friend of mine was visiting from the city and we decided that some margaritas and delicious Mexican food was just what we needed. Being from Southern California, not many places up in the Bay Area live up to my favorite places from home. Celia's is definitely an exception! We walked in around noon on a Saturday and we were met with a smile from the waitress and she seated us immediately. The waitress took our drink order right away and returned within minutes with a basket of hot chips, amazing salsa and our much desired margaritas. We each ordered chicken tacos with rice and beans and the food arrived exactly as we wanted and it was steaming hot. I have now found my favorite Mexican restaurant in Marin County and I will be visiting them weekly, if not more. :)
Review Source:Celia's is one of my regular spots in San Rafael. Their food is great and any time my friends visit from out of town, they request to come here. Their margarita selection is great. I personally love their sangria. Their menu is huge. I love their combo selections. I always get their tostada and enchilada combo. The prices are reasonable, the service is fast, and the food also comes out very fast. Celia's is usually busy, but it never compromises the service. I love mexican food and Celia's ranks in my top 2 for mexican food.
Review Source:Mexican food for people who don't have access to really good Mexican food.
This place got a lot of really great reviews so I was excited to give it a try. I love great Mexican food am looking for the best in Marin county... but this did not pass the test.
Here's my test:
Chips and salsa - ok... but not great.
Margaritas - poor. The waiter said it came from a mix and it really tasted like it.
Taco - ok. At least they used shredded beef, but it was not remarkable.
Cheese enchilada - terrible. One of the worst I've ever had. Bland and tasteless. The cheese on top was practically rubbery.
Service - poor.
Still searching for great Mexican food in Marin!
Despite my deer in the headlights wide-eyed look, I was still spoken to in Spanish. That was the first sign that this place is authentic. We were quickly seated and asked what we wanted to drink, once again in Spanish! Thank God I remembered how to say "just water please."
My lunching companion and I both ordered steak fajitas. And they were good! The steak had a nice texture (I had asked for medium well), the works were all there, warm flour tortillas... (there is the corn option as well). We ate almost everything, with just some of the steak and veggies left. The waitress was super nice, checking on us several times, asking if we wanted more tortillas/drinks, etc...
I left with a 3rd trimester food baby. So why the 3 stars? Here's how I rate businesses...I start with 5 stars and deduct each time I come upon a flaw. Well the first flaw here is the location, in the canal area near the bowling alley. Not the greatest location... Definitely not someplace you want to bring your date. Second, a few hours after the lunch, you would have found me lying in a fetal position, my head buried in my pillow. And this was not, as you might assume, the result of my food baby giving me trouble, but a rather uncomfortable stomach ache. I hadn't eaten anything else that day so I blame it on the food. Maybe Mexican food just doesn't sit well with me, I don't know, just beware...
Meh.
The Cancun Platter was recommended to me. Chicken thighs, dry shrimp and a pinch of crab smothered in cheese. Super Sampler appetizer was a pile of grease and cheese.
Salsa is hot and the Sangria is real-meaning not too sweet with plenty of wine. I'll give them that.
I'm confused why folks think this is good. Seems on par with Mexican from a chain restaurant.
I came here again with a friend on Friday, and the food wasn't bad this time. I got the enchilada and tamale combo and one of their always delicious margaritas.  So I feel bad about saying that I don't understand why everyone comes here. Obviously for the margaritas and some somewhat authentic Mexican food  while you're at it.
I do love how big the place is and the booths are great. I think I like the place better when it is fuller. The bar was sad the last time I went, maybe that's why I didn't really like it.
I take back my hating. But it's still average. Mmm margaritas though.
Celia's is a classic!
Old school Mexican food on giant platters, piping hot and covered with melted cheese. In my family, we call this 'soft-mexican', as opposed to the taquerias and burrito joints which serve more al la carte, foodie-style Mexican fare. If you're looking for a sit-down place with great prices, tasty food, and strong drinks, this is your spot.
I've been coming to Celia's for 20 years, at least, and have never been disappointed, because it fills a niche, a special hunger than only soft-mexican can address. Creamy refried beans, unassertive rice, simple green salad, and delicious enchiladas and tamales. Their menu is extensive, and can be confusing. I just tell people that whatever they like in Mexican food, combination plates or single items, it's all in there somewhere. Just tell your server what you want, and that's what will come to your table ona hot plate in about 5 minutes! You can choose shredded or ground beef for your tacos, which I appreciate. The tamales are pork, very meaty, with tender masa. The salsa is tasty and assertive without being overwhelmingly hot or pepper-laden, and the flan is delicious!
It's a great place for a celebration, and is a real family style restaurant, so expect kids running about, and large parties in one of the three dining areas. Not the best spot for a quiet, romantic date, but if you like to eat, chat, and drink with friends and family, it's perfect.
I came here for Friday night with my ladies. I must admit that I was a bit skeptical of going out for Mexican because as a native San Diegan, I have been repeatedly disappointed by the Mexican food offerings in Nor Cal.
We started with a pitcher of margaritas on the rocks and chips and salsa. The margaritas were perfect- not too sweet and a good amount of tequila. You can get 4-5 margaritas out of the pitcher, so it's a great deal if you have a group of friends. The salsa is really flavorful with a smooth consistency and the right amount of heat. It was a perfect compliment to our margaritas.
For dinner I ordered the cheese enchiladas plate with rice, refried beans (which you must specifically ask for) and slaw. My friends had chicken enchiladas and tostada salads. Huge portions yet we all finished our plates (good thing, soak up those margs!).
I liked the unpretentious vibe of this place and the dimmed lighting. Our server was very attentive and didn't push us out when we lingered a little after dinner was over. I'd definitely come back, and look forward to it :)
I can't believe it took me this long to review Celia's! I have been coming here since before I was born (seriously!).
Celia's is my all-time favorite restaurant, hands down. The service is friendly and extremely quick! The food comes out about five minutes after you place your order.
I get the chicken enchilada plate with rice and beans (Numero 1) and a Shirley Temple, EVERY TIME. To those of you who gave Celia's less than 4 stars, you have obviously never tried the enchiladas. Best ever.
I thought this would be fitting for my first review since I have eaten at this restaurant more than any other in my life. I think I have celebrated my last 30 birthdays at this place and have had several parties in the banquet room. This is the place my family goes when we are all together. It was the fist place we went after having our 1st daughter.
The menu is extensive, the staff is friendly, the service is good and the margaritas are strong.
I recommend one of the large combos. Easy to split with a friend and still walk away full. The tacos al carbon or the fajitas are winners too.
Have I seriously not ever reviewed Celia's before?! Â Weird.
Anyway, my family used to have a tradition when I was a little girl. Â Every Friday night we would eat out together as a family. Â While we would pretend that included trying new restaurants and menu items, 5 out of 6 Friday nights would be at Ceilia's, with the following:
Dad: 2 Negro Modelos, and 2 beef enchiladas and side order of corn tortillas
Mom: Ice tea and 2 cheese enchiladas
Me: 2 ala carte cheese enchiladas.
For years we did this menu rotation. Every. Single. Friday.
My sister and her husband even had their bachelor/bachelorette parties here in the party room.
And so it continues-if I want to go out to dinner with my folks, the only place I know will get them out of the house is Celias. Â When I want a post work cocktail with co-workers, when asked I almost always recommend Celia's.
Their margaritas are fantastic, their chips are fresh, crispy, salty wonderment.
Even though I sometimes wonder if they use Velveta cheese instead of real cheese-for some reason it does not bother me. Â Celia's will always be one of the staples of my family's culinary relationship.
Yummmers! We came here for lunch and boy was I in for a treat! I ordered their shrimp platter doused in sauce....lots and lots of it.. In fact, it was drowning in this red sauce! I had to save my shrimp and mushroom from drowning and almost devoured my entire meal! Their portions are huge, too. I'll post pictures later, too lazy right now. I can't wait to have Mexican food cravings again so I can come back here!
PS, their Spanish rice was good, too! Their salsa was kickin' hot spicy and their guacamole.... I don't recall cause I only had 2 bites since my bf and a friend devoured it.. Those greedy son-uv-a-gons!!!!
A fellow yelper ( thanks, Miriam S.!) suggested we go here-- she said it was her favorite "sit down" Mexican restaurant-- and I have to say-- we were not disappointed!
The restaurant is a busy, lively place! Lots of families having a great time, and its eye candy walking thru to your table checking out what all there is to order.
The menu is HUGE. There is no doubt in my mind that everyone you bring to dinner will find something to eat, and will leave more than satisfied. Did I mention they have more than 5 margarita flavors to choose from? I know its not crazy-authentic, but hell-- I love a good ice blended drink in any flavor.
The portions are huge, the food is good quality-- and it really makes for a cute date, or can just be a normal dinner out. I'm definitely going back, and bringing the parents when they come to visit next week.
For extra credit check out the old school bar in the back and to the left of the main entrance. ADORABLE! It looks like time hasn't it changed it in years. They even have a fish tank. My husband is in love with the bar alone :D
P.S. Point 1: price range can be $3 for a taco, up to $16 for a special entree. Again, the huge menu also allows for a big spectrum of prices.
P.P.S. Point 2: don't be scared away by its location in the Canal District. Its a well lit, no one just hanging out ready to cause trouble, and there were lots of different cars parked around from the 80s beaters to BMWs.
I came back today and I had another wonderful authentic Mexican meal. Â We arrived a little past 6:00 pm and by 6:15 pm, each table in the restaurant was taken.
I again ordered my favorite carne asada, my wife had the tamales and my kids had the steak fajitas. Â For desert, we had the sopapillas.
Luv the food and the Mexican-Southwest decor. Â I feel like I am in a Mexico City hangout!
Yum yum yum, I like Celia's. Â Sometimes people don't want to go there with me because it's dark and sorta dingy and in the Canal but not me. Â
I don't think the place is scary, it just seems that way. Â Margaritas are tasty, service is good, chips yummy. Â
Okay, lemme give you some details: tortillas are GREAT. Â Coleslaw is served on the side of almost everything and I think it's yucky. Â The cheese is not normal. Â Its yummy, but it's not normal. Â You only get this cheese at Celias. Â The beans and rice are, to me, so so good. Â They are plain in this way that is comforting like someone giving me a hug. Â I often park across the street at the bowling alley. Â Gosh, I've never thought about it, I hope that's ok. Â Well, I've never gotten a ticket.
Food is consistent. Â It has tasted exactly the same for at least 15 years, which is about as far as my memory goes back.
3 stars for the unhealthy goodness!!
The portions are really large and quite tasty.. although the service always seems to be mediocre at best, lagging on refills, and barely looking at/talking to you. Honestly I don't think customer service is their priority.
Sitting at the booths all around can be fun because nothing is pinned down, so all the chairs and tables can be pushed around. If you sit at the ones by the "patio" area, which is just the raised dining area, you're pretty much sitting at people's butt level. How about investing in some plants or fencing of some sort? That would really make dinner more enjoyable.
Overall, food gets delivered quickly and portions are filling, sometimes live music is okay, and sitting next to people that definitely had a happy hour can be amusing.
I only like Celia's because their salsa is more spicy than other places and it is more of a sit-down restaurant than a fast food place. I usually judge a Mexican restaurant by their chili rellenos.
The chili rellenos platter comes with 2 pieces, rice and beans. The sour cream and guacamole is extra. The batter is very thick and then it is soaked with the other sides so the entire fried skin pulls away from the chili. I wish the crust was more crispy than soggy.
My husband usually orders the steak fajitas and we share (or I steal) a few pieces to make at least 2 fajita wraps. The meat is a little chewy but for a sit-down restaurant and all the salsa I can stuff my face for $15 is a bargain.
Wow I guess I really haven't had good Mexican food lately...until now. Â The hubby convinced me to try this place and we happened to be in the neighborhood one afternoon. Â Walking into the restaurant made me feel like I was back in Mexico - a bit dark and creepy at first, construction workers lurking at the bar, but with high hopes for good food. Â
Chips and salsa were home made and delicious - warm and spicy. Â I ordered a fajita burrito with carne asada and chicken combined and it came out on a large hot plate, beans, rice, cheese, guac, and a huge glob of sour cream oozing out all over... just the way I like it. Â My husband ordered the chalupa and it came out with the perfect crispy touch. Â I devoured the burrito as much as I could, but my stomach had already expanded. Â It was too late to finish it by then so I had to box up half of it. Â
Since we were in the middle of a long trip up to Sacramento on a hot day, I couldn't keep the burrito long. Â I was too full to finish it and a few hours later with no refrigerator or cooler, my husband threw my burrito away. Â I was devastated and of course by that evening I was craving it. Â I will definitely be back to Celia's to reclaim the second half of that burrito.
The Perfect Margarita: Act 1, Scene 5
IT'S A DUMP, IT'S TACKY, IT'S THE MEXICAN RESTAURANT YOU WENT TO AS A KID WITH YOUR PARENTS ON FRIDAY NIGHTS BUT IN A SEMI NOT SO GREAT PART OF TOWN, THE DECOR IS FROM HELL, THERE IS A FISH TANK BEHIND THE BAR THAT IS AT LEAST, AT LEAST 500 GALLONS AND Â . . .
I FUCKIIIING LOVED IIIIIT !!!!
But, and this bothered me a little, the bar napkins say "home of the margarita" or some shit like that and to that I can only say:
If you like your margarita made with LEMON KOOLAIDE, then yes, this may be the place for you, but outside of that, their margaritas SUCK and mine was with Casadores 100% Agave Anejo and that shit ain't cheap, but it's good, and it still couldn't save the Americanized swill that they mixed me.
Now, in fairness, discrimination is a two way street, and you'd be hard pressed to find someone whiter than me (I'm Irish and I DO NOT tan, not ever) so es possible Senor Bartender looked over at whitey and figured no problem, I'll make it the way "they" like them.
Hey look, we all make judgments, so that's cool.
Doesn't matter though because I will go back, and next time I will sit at the bar, and I will let Senor know that skin color aside I am down with the good shit and I have the knowledge so hook a hermano up !
Oh, and the food ?
This is kinda funny, I asked the waiter what he recommended and of course, he points to the most expensive thing (does it say "dumbass" on my forehead ? Com'on, you guys . . . ) so I said, OK mi primo, let's try that again, what do you order when you eat here ?
Big fucking prawns, get this, wrapped in bacon AND deep-fried ! LOL ! Fucking classic, oh and it came with some kind of mayonnaise lemon sauce, what it should've come with was a Lipitor 'script.
It's a classic, I loved it, it is the antidote to soulless corporate American restaurant chains like PF Changs, and CPK and we're going to work on the margarita, try to get that shit straightened out because frankly and this hurts, but it's true, I've had better at marg's at Chevys in the Embarcadero.
Whooopah - 4 stars bitch !
June '09 ** UPDATE - I still love Celia's but I ate there again and I got into it with the waiter, I was like essay, let's talk margarita con jugo (that's juice fuckers) de limones, fresco (fresh) ? He was like noooo, sorry, they only make them with the mix.
Look, there were a lot of white faces in there so I get it but there were a lot of local Jalisocan's too, if you're gonna print "Home of the Margarita" on your fuckin cocktail napkins you need to offer something not made with lemon kool-aide for your mix putos ! For the love of El Cristo, buy the goddamn Tommy's mix if you're too fucking lazy to squeeze your own ?
I gotta lop a couple stars off for the bad marg, and I'm talking B-A-D bad this is just another old school Mexican restaurant, and if I can whip up a better margarita than your bartenders ?
El Jefe, escuchar me, tu tiene un problemo por que yo soy un gringo de Estados Unidos, y la margarita en mi es mas fina ustedes.
Que lastima, yo soy no feliz.
Yummy...
I love the atmosphere... very colorful and beautiful wooden carved booths. Â Excellent, fast service- great for lunch or dinner. Â I especially like their large plate with shrimp and chicken and rice and beans- excellent! Â But, beware, it's easy to go overboard so make sure to either fast for the entire day in anticipation of eating there or, put 1/2 of your plate in a to-go box. Â
And, I LOVE their pina coladas, they don't skimp on the rum. Â I hate it when they do that. Â What's the point of ordering a cocktail if I can't taste the alcohol at least a little bit. Â And, no I'm not an alcoholic. Â But, I have admittedly, on occasion, just come here with my friends and shared a pitcher of Margaritas while munching on just the chips and slasa.
I just have only one question. Â Who is Celia? Â I have a friend who can't cook worth shit and I'm trying to fix him up with her so at the very least he can learn how to cook some camerones. Â It's really not that hard, I know but, he really needs some cooking lessons. Â If anybody has any tips, please mesagge me now.
Let me start by saying, I've hated most of the mexican restaurants that I've been to in Northern California. Â I grew up in Colorado with one of the most amazing mexican restaurants about 5 minutes away from my house. Â Maybe that has something this do with it....
Last night I tried the chicken and sour cream burrito with a mango margarita. Â My burrito was huge with a heaping slab of sour cream on top. Â Just the way I like it! Â While their special red sauce isn't as good as my favorite place in Colorado, it's darn close. Â
My only complaint was that they charge extra for melted cheese on top. Â Huh? Â A burrito just isn't a burrito without melted cheese on top and I don't want to be charged extra for it. Â The margarita was yummy and full of alcohol. Â I'll definitely be going back for seconds.
Probably the best Mexican food in Marin! Â Although not the most authentic of Mexican restaurants in Marin, the food is by far the best. Â They also give VERY generous portions. And they have Wonderful margaritas :)
And the prices are very reasonable.
The only thing that keeps me from giving Celia's a perfect review is the service- it is fair at best.
Yum yum yum yum. Yum yum YUM yum...I have dreams about Celia's...I am flying over San Rafael on my Magic Carousel Horse and it nose-dives right through the celing into the bar. We hang out there for awhile having margaritas (rocks, NOT blended, and WITH SALT, ya weenies) next to the giant fish tank .
Then we slide into the dining room and order by closing our eyes and throwing darts at the menu...it doesn't matter what we hit with our Food Selection Darts because it is ALWAYS good.
The wait-groovies' all know what's up and don't mess up our order (the Magic Carousel Horse frickin' HATES it when you screw up his order and can make quite a scene). Â Wood booths are cool and me an' Horsie dig the funky decor. We uber-Marin locals (born AND raised, thankyaverymuch) dig this place muchomucho.
If you want to go to a restaurant that consistently serves great Mexican food this is the place to go! Â I have been eating here for over 20 years and it keeps getting better! Â It is very kid friendly and it even has a large banquet room for bigger parties. Â Great prices and wonderful portions!!!! I normally order a dish and share it with my 6 year old daughter since there is so much food.
The Margaritas are excellent!! There is street parking and a parking lot across the street. Â Friday and Saturday evenings are busy so be ready to wait 10 -15 minutes at least!!
Great, tasty Mexican style food. I have been to a few of the Celia's and this is my favorite, also it is the closest to me hooray!
I always seem to order the same thing here, the carnitas adobodas with steak and chicken. It is HUGE and you will have leftovers for a day or two. But all their meals are like that.
I have been here with groups as well as just two people. The staff are attentive and friendly, and the salsa is spicy.
Ok so can I say what a better way to spend a working lunch than to have it at a Mexican restaurant? Â Um no there were not margaritas involved, but that's because yes I did actually have to work.
I was lucky enough to come with a co-worker when this place was quiet during lunch and I was charmed by the place. Â Nice dark wood booths, cactus and Christmas lights...what more do you need to make a place feel festive right? Â
Food was delicious. Â I had a crab enchilada with a Chile Verde sauce and Chile relleno. Â So friggin good! Â Lots of big chunks of crab meat with just the mildness of the Chile Verde and a dollop of sour cream to cut the heat. Â Freshly fried chips and spicy salsa. Â Yeah I know don't kill me, cause I didn't try the margaritas ...next time I promise.
Celia's is the kind of place that you're not really sure what's going on in the kitchen in terms of cleanliness, but the food is good and greasy enough that you just don't care.
The chips and salsa are great. They make their own salsa and it's consistently hot. Sometimes hotter than others, and it never disappoints.
The quesadillas are so cheesy and good, be sure to stop counting calories at the door. When I still ate chicken, I was never a fan of any of their chicken dishes because they don't serve white meat, but others may not care.
I stick to the tostada salad with no meat or the quesadilla and a side of refried beans -- and I've always left happy. Â Could it be the margaritas? Possibly. Those alone are worth the trip. Blended with salt for me, please.
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