Lilly's Taqueria

Value for money is very good. The staff is friendly and smiling. They don’t even put the machine offering to tip into your face. The tacos are pretty basic and simple yet delicious and the portion of meat is very large. Chicken and beef tacos were a bit on the simpler side. The pork tacos were more delicious to me. The tripes tacos with the fried option were nice to try but had a very specific taste so I only recommend it if you are into trying different parts of animals. It’s a nice place for a quick bite and authentic simple meal, I can recommend

Amazing place for tacos! A lot of variety and super quick - no wait time. Self serve salsas and toppings.

Very straightforward, counter service, authentic street style taco joint. Very reasonable, everyday sort of prices. We met locals who have gone there regularly for decades it seemed. Quick service. Very happy to have this in the mix of the different Mexican and taco restaurants around.

Love this place. Stop anytime we drive down south. The tripas are my favorite, crispy and good portions. Brought my dad, who is very critical of his Mexican food- he got up after eating his tacos and ordered more. He loved them, I knew I had found a gem when he approved. Authentic and delicious.

Some of the best tacos in Santa Barbara! Very efficient staff, choice of tacos is extensive - and the salsa bar can solve world peace! Just a perfect spot to grab a great taco and a Jarrito!

I’ve got a lot of traveling and eating a lot of Mexican food, but these tacos were next level! 10 out of 10 this place was a little bit off the main part of town, but judging by the locals I saw going in and out I knew it was gonna be good, but it absolutely blew me away. Anytime I’m in Santa Barbara. I will for sure be coming here probably for lunch and dinner.

Great food really enjoyed the variety of meats. Fast services. Services could of been more patient with us since it was our first time here shouldn't rush new dinning customers. But over all place was great.

This place is as authentic as it gets! No frills and only a handful of tacos to choose from, but regardless of what you pick you will NOT be disappointed!

We went to Lilly's for lunch, and even though they had a line out the door, they were taking orders fast and moving people through. They have a small menu of different types of authentic tacos. I really liked the pork and grilled beef tacos. My husband tried some of the more adventurous tacos, like the lengua (tongue) and cabeza (head). The tacos were simple and delicious. We were happy with the meal! We really enjoyed the salsas and hot sauces, too.

So I had my second dinner of the night here last night. I'd eaten something lighter in the evening but was feeling a bit peckish and needed a little more to eat, as I'd had a really active and adventurous day. I knew you Yelpers didn't lead me wrong, 'cos there was a small queue outside the door when I arrived (8pmish on a Friday). Very straightforward - order at a register, and your food will be up a few moments later from a counter (just a few inches away). It was super speedy and the tacos were delicious. I added some of the medium salsa to mine - it had a good little kick. I'm not adventurous when it comes to my food, so I had one chicken fajita taco and one asada. But, as some other reviewers have noted, you can eat any part of a cow here -- or you could also get a veggie taco. 2025: 25/100

Below average tacos. Maybe it's cause I'm from LA, spoiled with good tacos. Sauces are mediocre. The tortillas don't even taste like it has been on the grill, barely touched. - Steamed tacos (ALL) 2.1/5 All of them were tender except for one, it was light brown in color. They all kind of tasted similar in terms of beefiness, and differed in tenderness (gelatinous). - Tripas crispy taco 2.7/5 Deep fried tripas, they're very crispy. Free street parking

My eyes were bigger than my stomach. This is one of those places where the tacos are pretty big. I ordered 5 and should have only ordered 3. You order at the register in the front, and they call your order. Self seating on the side, super casual, eat and then leave vibes.

Food came out very fast, the menu was easy to follow and order from. The place was very clean with lots of seating area. The portions were very generous as well as the price. They had their own bar to add onions, cilantros, and radish separately. They also had three sauce options varing in spice levels. Overall, very good place to grab a quick taco bite. The el pollo taco was the best for me personally and the tripe had a bit of a stronger bitter flavor but my girlfriend enjoyed it a lot because she liked tripe.

Absolutely hidden gem. Simple menu of Absolutely delicious tacos! Affordable! 3 pastor and 4 asada, filled to the rim of doubled fresh tortillas. Salsas on the bar were homemade and a great kick, spicy! Fresh chopped cilantro and onions. The place was packed and the line never ended.

Authentic and quick experience. You order and the tacos come out very quickly! We tried the pork and Asada tacos. We liked the pork taco more -- the meat was tender and fatty. Salsa bar was also fun! The carne asada meat was a bit tough. Good for take out inside an authentic taco shop.

The lengua was decent but not the best. Asada was too basic and lacked flavor. Not the 5 star reviews. 11 tacos, 1 drink, 50 bucks. It's just a hype.

Came here while driving thru town. Standard tacos- nothing special but affordably priced.

These tacos are amazing! Do yourself a favor and go have some today! I've got a salsa bar and excellent service. These are the tacos to eat in Santa Barbara.

This has become a go-to staple every time we visit Santa Barbara. The tacos here are straightforward, but what really makes this place stand out is the flavor of the meats and the generous portions. There's always a line, but it moves quickly thanks to the super-efficient staff. The person at the register gets orders out fast--and they accept cards and don't even prompt for tips. Respect. On my last visit, I ordered the Asada, Adobada, Lengua, and Cabeza tacos: Asada - Classic grilled beef. Some pieces were even slightly crispy, which made me think they leave a bit of fat on there (not complaining). Not the most tender asada I've had, but the flavor was solid and satisfying. Always a safe choice. Adobada - Pork, similar to al pastor, mixed with pineapple. I hadn't noticed the pineapple before, but it was a great combo of sweet and savory. Not the absolute best I've had (there are slightly better ones in L.A.), but still tasty--and again, some crispy pieces, which was a nice touch. Lengua - Stewed beef tongue, chopped into tender bites. This was the standout for me. Perfect saltiness, rich beef flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Honestly better than many versions I've had in L.A. Definitely ordering this again. Cabeza - Another slow-stewed meat, similar in richness to the lengua but with a texture more like shredded beef or pulled pork. Also very flavorful and tender. If you like braised meats, this one's for you. What's also great is that each taco comes double-tortilla'd, and because they pile on the meat, you could easily split one taco into two. There's a salsa bar too--just note that grilled onions and jalapeños are extra (about $1.37). This place is clearly a local favorite, and for good reason. Flavorful tacos, hefty portions, fast service, no pretense. I'll definitely be back whenever I'm in town.

Tacos were super mid. Someone had recommended this place to my boyfriend and I so we expected some delicious tacos but they honestly lacked flavor. They were also pricy for tacos. The service was fine.

I spent the weekend in Santa Barbara, first time ever actually. I usually am just passing by but gaaaahhh daaammmm was I missing out! I had no friggin idea SB got down like this!! These tacos were probably some of the best I've had in my life and I've had A LOT of tacos. Everything I ordered was so flavorful and not too greasy but juicyyyy. They hit my tastebuds with a quickness and did not turn back LOL Oh yes and they had a really unique meat choice "beef eye", lemme tell you this was super tender no seeing the actual eyeballs just had that tender lovin flavor we all need in our lives haha. Will definitely be back to SB and you bet your MF azz im coming back to Lilly's. PEACE!!

While this restaurant was cranking out both freaky fresh and freaky fast tacos, it also just got my team of distance runners acting... freaky. Order cautiously at Lilly's Tacos, or you might be overwhelmed with an unexpected elation that causes you to streak from State St and dive into the freezing ocean. The level of late-night energy corresponded directly with the amount of tacos consumed. For example, on one end of the spectrum, my friends and I were just there to sample, and we appropriately stayed on shore around the bonfire. This contrasts with Andrew (or maybe it was Gabe), who downed 5 tacos in the afternoon and proceeded to commence the polar plunge.

Delicious tacos - don't be fooled, they may look "small" but are PACKED with meat. All of them were delicious in flavor. This is cafeteria style where you order and pay upfront then wait for them to call your name - afterward you find a place to sit. These tacos are not overpriced. They have a salsa bar too. Loved it and can't wait to stop by Lilly's when I'm back in SB.

I give it a 5 on food 7/5 if I could. service 3.5/5 sometimes kinda mean but I mean that's a small price to pay for tacos Ambiance I mean pretty good. everyone seems to be enjoying there delicious tacos! I love how they put fried veggies on the tacos just so CHeF'S KIsSsSssS

Looking for SoCal street tacos? This is the place. Delicious and generous size. Friendly staff and atmosphere.

I have been going here for years. No frills taco place. Order, sit down and eat. Fast service and no long lines even during lunch and dinner times. The salsa bar is kept clean and tidy. Ample seating and tables are always clean

Fire!!!! Literally everything here is delicious. Tacos only! Best you'll have in the area! Very flavorful meat and soft fresh tortillas. There's 2 salsa bars so you can dress up your tacos just how you like. They put a lot of meat in the tacos too. Perfection!!! Staff is friendly and service is fast. Plenty of seating inside.

A local fave, def would've never found this place otherwise. Cheap and gets the job done. Lots of meat and you can customize it to your liking. If you Wanta get away for the touristy hustle and bustle , this place is a find.

You'll find more than just the regular carne asada at Lilly's. On the menu: beef head, cheek, tongue, tripe, lips, and eyes! I don't do organs, but my bf was intrigued with the eyes on the menu. One ojo taco for him, and one carne asada taco for me. I made sure which was which, as I definitely wouldn't want to mix them up! Verdict: he wouldn't know it was eyes, other than that he knowingly ordered it. A few gelatinous strips were in there, but it might have been mixed with some carne asada as well. Overall, ok but wouldn't order again. I thought my carne asada taco was pretty standard, a bit on the chewy/tough side. The salsa bar had all the fixings including a variety of salsas, onions and cilantro, lime wedges and spicy radishes! Fast casual joint.

I love Lilly's tacos though I will say I think I prefer the Goleta location. They have parking out front and there's plenty of seating room. The tacos are cheap and filled to the brim with chicken and grilled veggies. The tortillas weren't cooked as well so they were a little chewy but still tasty. Also love the salsa options, the hot is actually hot and flavorful. You can also put onions and cilantro on top.

Lilly's Tacos was my absolute go-to spot during college and it never let me down. The quality is consistent no matter how many times you go, and it's the best bang for your buck at its price point. What sets Lilly's apart is the variety of meat options you don't often find at other Mexican establishments in the U.S. My personal favorite has always been the soft tripe tacos while my friends prefer the crispy tripe for the crunch. The menu is straightforward, the cashiers are always friendly and efficient, and orders are delivered very quickly. The self-serve salsa bar offers a range of spice levels, onions, limes, etc. Seating is also self-serve, keeping everything casual and convenient. Lilly's Tacos is everything you want in a taco spot: affordable, convenient, consistent, and, most importantly, delicious.

Best tacos in town! Fresh, authentic Mexican food with a kind and friendly staff! They are always quick to get your order ready too. I have ordered for 6 people and it took 5-10 minutes. Great spot and a Santa Barbara staple!!

Superb. My friends and I have come three times and loved everything. My personal favorite is Cachete (cheek). The steamed meats are juicy My friend A got both the soft and crispy tripe and three of the steamed ones (head, cheek, tongue) and loved them all. In short, you can't go wrong Tacos come out super fast and they take card. Staff is very nice

Delicious, cheap, fast! Employees are super friendly and helpful. Would definitely return when I'm back in Santa Barbara.

Authentic tacos with 3 choices of sauces. Lots of sodas, including Mexican coke and Sprite. Family owned with friendly and fast service. Be ready to speak spanish as some employees do not understand English. A bit of a cafeteria ambiance but so is the price! If you want solid tacos with no thrills, this is it! PS, the mild sauce was only mild for people who eat fire for a living -- sample before you commit!!

Parking: open lot, free Reviews are so great but experience was average. I am from LA so I love my taco spots. I love that this place had tripa and it was crispy but it really lacked flavor. What i really liked was that there was a sauce bar, onions, and radish available. All in all, would not come back

If al vapor is your thing, I recommend the variety of meats prepared in this fashion. Bomb ass taco's with fresh handmade tortillas.

This was a fast casual taco joint for some interesting meats. They have your usual chicken and Carne Asada but they also have eyes and tongue. Ordering is very straightforward just counter service and your tacos. Come out within minutes. There is a self serve in the restaurant with lime wedges, different salsas, radishes, and various toppings for your tacos. I appreciate that you can top them anyway you'd like but I thought the meat was just OK.

A meal at Lilly's is an absolute must while in Santa Barbara. You can't go wrong with anything on their menu, but personally I love the adobada. Ordering is quick, and the tacos are ready in no time. I love the self-serve salsa bar and how the meal is always so good it's consumed in seconds. There's a reason I come back every time I'm in the area!

Kind of hole in the wall spot but it came recommended. My friends who eat meat enjoyed their tacos. Their vegetarian option tacos are pretty lacking though so not a good spot for vegetarians (like me).

This place was very disappointing. It is rare for me to not finish my food and I ended up tossing my tacos because I just couldn't get myself to finish them. Asada was dry and overcooked to a point I thought I was chewing on rubber. Sauces were flavorless and tortillas tasted like they were store bought. I've been Yelping for some time now and I reserve one star only for special occasions and today I decided to use my one star button because this place was just that bad. Everyone that gave positive and raving reviews about this place should be drug tested immediately.

Any taco joint with a Low Rider out front ..... Lilly's is a simple cafeteria style taco joint with the basics to satisfy any appetite in quick fashion. Order, pay, and staff constructs tacos to order. Basic 2 corn tortillas covered in your meat/veggie of choice (recommend beef tongue - Lengua). The. You take your plate to a cold bar and add toppings. Perfect mix of onions and cilantro then heat it up to your liking or just enjoy the perfectly flavored tacos without salsa. 5 salsas to choose from the darker the spicier. None too bad and packed with flavor. My three things: 1) I know you don't like the idea of beef tongue. DO IT! 2) 50/50 meat to onion & cilantro mix is perfect 3) Of the three thought the green salsa was the best overall flavor and had a nice little kick.

Some friends recommended Lilly's, so we had high hopes. Unfortunately, the food is just OK. The beef in the beef taco was dried out and lacked flavor. The chicken taco was better, but nothing special. There is plenty of seating and a salsa bar for your tacos. The staff is friendly. Parking is available on the street.

I've been going here for decades, and it NEVER fails to provide quality, inexpensive tacos. This place runs a tight ship, with the service being friendly and efficient with putting in orders, and the kitchen completing my tacos BEFORE I find a place to sit!! My go-to order is adobada tacos with grilled cebollitas and chilis on the side with a bottle of coke. They have always been consistent with their cooking, as with every first bite of a meal I take from there, I am Anton-Ego-Ratatouille'd back to the memories of eating tacos post-karate with my family. Great ambiance, good people, and a wonderful time. 10/10

Food was delicious! Place was nice & clean. Some of the best tacos I've had! Service was friendly too.

Dare to say even better than tacos I've had in LA?! Lilly's Tacos were absolutely delicious - fresh, flavorful and AUTHENTIC. The cashier was very helpful taking the time to let us know the different types of meats they had available for the day (my husband is all about the cow tongue, cheek and etc). Highly recommend to anyone in town looking for authentic and delicious local tacos. P.s Parking might be hard to find on the weekends.

I live in LA and I'm originally from Mexico. I haven't been able to find good , authentic and high quality tacos until this amazing taqueria. Skip all the grill stuff and focus on all the steam tacos. The cheek, head and tongue are my favorites. So tender and delicious Yum yum yum. Open a taqueria in LA, we need one!

Seriously Lily's tacos never disappoints. In Santa Barbara it might be somewhat of a mission to find authentic Mexican food, but this is it. A little hole in the wall (but wholly molly, great tacos). Tucked away in a dead end street of Chapala next to the 101, you might have a bit trouble finding parking but well worth it. Ample assortment of grilled and steamed meats but even have a veggie option too, so that was a nice surprise. Don't forget to add your salsas and toppings at the bar area. Red sauce definitely has more heat but pairs perfectly with asada. And if it couldn't get any better, pair your tacos with their Mexican bottled drinks... most importantly a crisp,icy cold Mexican Coca Cola with real cane sugar! Visit Lily's at both Goleta and Santa Barbara locations! It's a must!

I had the lengue. It was pretty good. Didn't blow my socks off. The service was very fast.

Such an awesome find! Literally at the end of the block where one meets the freeway. You can order up front and tacos are pretty much ready right then and there. They have a variety of grilled meats and steamed meats. Not feeling too adventurous I went with asada and maciza. I enjoyed the maciza a little more just cuz the meat was super soft. All tacos were fully loaded with meat. You can then dress them with onions, cilantro, limes, radishes, and three types of salsas. At under $3 each these tacos are a must.

Come for honest, homey, affordable ($3ish), and may even a little unexpected tacos. The robust steamed selection tell you: lengua, cabeza, cachete, labio, and ojo (tongue, head, cheek, lip, eye). Grilled tripe too. These feature the lovely, complex flavors of the unusual cuts well. Adobada is my favorite amongst their more mainstream cuts. Get 3-4 tacos, each served on a pair of corn or flour tortillas onto which you can pile white onion and cilantro and squeeze lime and salsa on to your heart's content. I've only ever eaten in; my recent trip is a throwback to when I lived in SB in 2013 and ate at Lilly's often. I learned of it through locals' recommendations and consider it the best taco joint in SB.

Lilys tacos.... What do I have to say. I tried it for the first time yesterday You can find all sorts of people munching and lunching on Lilys offerings.. For what they offer.. I would say they are real deal in their animal selections From eyes ( ojos), and I believe tongue as well I kept it simple and went with "carne asada" Service was fast and straight forward. You pay at the counter Grab a receipt with number And wait for it to be called. I was seated for less than two minutes and.... My number was called. I didn't participate much in the dressings I was solely interested in the tasting of the meat It was a solid ok... I could see a future time and place to order it again I ate it with no bad thoughts and even enjoyed it I found the meat similar to what you would get on a Philly cheesesteak With less fat.. The tortillas served with it soft and warm like a winter blanket Now where Lilly shines.. Is pricing.. You can call it eating on a budget. At some point I plan on going back But I'm in no rush.. I believe a lot of people will find value in what they have to serve.

Causal spot tucked away at the end of a road. I didn't have a wait when I arrived but I think I was lucky when reading other reviews who said to expect a wait. I tried the cow lip labios tacos. They were tasty but fatty and not particularly memorable. Good sauces but fairly basic selection. I think I should have tried other meats to compare.

I love Lilly's tacos. This is an authentic Mexican restaurant with salsa bar and all the other ingredients that make street tacos delicious!

Amazing tacos. Beats anything I've had in san diego. Definitely go and try all the beef specialty tacos.

Quick service and delicious. They have the topping bar where you serve yourself which is nice. Good selection of refreshments.

Very basic decor and efficient setup with outstanding Tacos. They serve tacos of all kinds, from the most common tacos you see at other Mexican restaurants to the more exotic, beef cheek, beef lip, and an Ojo taco (look it up). Tacos are fantastic and service at the counter is very fast. You will meet a cross section of the Santa Barbara population and enjoy some amazing tacos. I believe the tacos are under $4 each.