Celia's by the Beach

We are unlikely to visit this location as we are not local. Our experience wasn't great but the owner reached out assuring me they had fixed the issues which were service oriented. Because of this I changed my rating. The food at tables around us looked awesome.

Why do we keep coming here : It's convenient.I was reluctant to write this review after reading the owner's super defensive and borderline rude responses to others here on yelp. Personally, I would appreciate the feedback and the opportunity to improve. Hosts at the podium are always friendly and welcoming. Chips, salsa and water are given to us almost immediately. I get my hopes up and think, "oh! Yay! This is going to be great!" Server comes over and takes our order within about 15 minutes and then... you can forget about getting her attention for the rest of your dining experience. It seems like they have a bunch of new staff, but they must train them to make sure to completely ignore your tables after they've ordered. I had ordered the torta with carne asada. This was the best meal I have ever ordered and I have been coming here for 12 years. I want to clarify that was not the best torta I have ever had, just the best menu item I've ordered at Celia's. The bartender takes forever to make one ice cup with a splash of margarita. It was almost impossible to order a second and took about 20 minutes after finally ordering from a random busser. Why would I even order a second? I'm just human I guess. Everyone was finished eating. If my husband didn't like the food, I would never come here. Oh yeah! They finally dusted the overhead lamps above the tables!

I'll start by saying the food wasn't terrible, but nothing super amazing. The carnitas meat in the taco and enchilada were both a bit dry. Luckily, the coleslaw they serve with it is actually quite tasty. We also really loved the strawberry agua fresca.The biggest complaint I have is that we called ahead to make sure there was something on the kids menu that was gluten free and celiac friendly. We were told the tacos were made with corn tortillas and they could accommodate us if we let the server know so they could ensure no cross contamination. Unfortunately, the taco is served on a fried shell and we were told by a server that they are premade shells and should be celiac friendly. Upon asking about the chips and whether there was cross contamination from them being fried in a fryer with food that is glutinous, we were informed by another waitress that the taco shell does get cooked in the fryer with other gluten items. My child already took a bite out of that taco and it was too late. The one waitress was knowledgeable about celiac and offered to remake a taco with a normal corn tortilla which he thought was delicious (ended up ordering a second). I was feeling pretty disappointed with this interaction and we're hoping he doesn't get any stomach pains tonight, but restaurants need to do better with food allergies especially since we called ahead and were ensured he could eat there. Overall, it's a nice location and very cozy inside during this cold night. Food was okay, some staff provided misinformation about food, but servers were generally kind.

I had the mango pork tacos and the house tacos. They were incredibly lackluster. The pico and meat wasn't drained so the entire taco was soaked and dripping in water. The tortillas also weren't toasted which added to the sogginess. The whole taco kept ripping and fell apart before I could even eat it. I tried all 3 meats in the house and they didn't have enough seasoning to differentiate between the meats. It all felt very bland and had small portions of meat. The same goes for the mango. Also they need to update their menus. I went for taco Tuesday and the menu said $8 for the mango pork but was charged $9 on the bill. They were slammed and it took a while to even get the check so I didn't wanna bug them, but this price should be reflected on the menu. Servers/host were extremely kind though.

I was strolling around this neighborhood after lunch and randomly hearing Ska music playing. (I hear music, I go!) Realizing that there was a celebration highlighting four.20 happening, I walked around the neighborhood to kill time and see what was going on. When I saw the sign on the street about the celebratory specials, I figured, 'what the hey!'" And walked myself up in there. I wasn't hungry or even particularly thirsty, just killing time before my flight and a $3 beer is worth a few minutes I think. I'm not sure if anyone was sitting down to eat, but the bar was definitely on one! I took a seat and the experience only went up from there. I ordered a $3 Tecate (class all the way) and the bartender dropped a basket of hot chips and salsa in front of me. (The chips were so good!! Super fresh.) Despite being a bubbly person and having a great job that allows me to be my friendly self, I usually like to enjoy my peace + quiet when dining out. Well, that didn't happen on this trip and I'm glad it didn't. As soon as I sat down, the friendly conversation from the bartender and a sweet couple at the bar began and we were laughing like old friends within minutes. Over time, more folks came in and I loved seeing them all connect and chat about the bar and their lives. I felt like I was in an episode of Cheers. Not a full dining experience, hell, not even an experience featuring a top shelf cocktail. But - a great experience that was well worth the $3 charge.

Forgot how good the taco Tuesday deals are. I got the 2 crunchy tacos for $6. Also have 3 street tacos for $5 and they are pretty decent sized. On top of that you get free chips and salsa. Of course I had to get my spicy California burrito while I'm here. Huge burrito ! Be prepared to take home leftovers. LOVE THIS PLACE!

Run don't walk to Celia's by the Beach! We all were treated to yummy authentic hot Chocolate and Pan de Muerto for Day of the dead. Our yummy tostadas ensaladas hit the spot. All of our dishes of course were delicious after a busy, productive, Halloween week. Service was excellent and fast. We arrived before the place really became super busy. Saturday night here at Celia's really was a treat!

YUMM!!!! Always perfect Gracias' ! I've only ordered from Postmates... Many many, many times!! Their Tortilla Soup, scrumptious!! Pro tip, add cheese & chicken + flour torts!!! OMG delicious chips & salsa !! Perfection. Crispy tacos & enchiladas. I can't get enough!!!

This place is great if you love overpriced mediocre Mexican food. I've eaten at the other Celias locations, and this one is by far the worst. The service is at a snails pace even when it's not busy, parking is terrible, and the inside is filthy. When was the last time they cleaned anything in here? This was the light above our table.... always nice to have years old dust falling into your food when trying to eat. Do better, Celia would be ashamed.

This is the greatest restaurant on earth. Four Michelin Stars. Delicious French fries and sopapillas. Warm Mexican decor. Kind servers.Also Phil is great! I remember when we were both in high school, he'd work there.