Lilly's Taqueria keeps a tight, specific menu built around autenticos tacos al vapor — steamed and grilled — served simply on corn tortillas. The grilled side runs asada, adobada (pastor-style, with pineapple), and chicken fajitas, with tripas added on weekends. The steamed side goes deeper into the animal: maciza, cabeza, cachete, lengua, and labio, with ojo also weekend-only, plus a mixed-vegetable option for anyone skipping beef. No rice, no chips, no beans — just the tacos.
The Santa Barbara location sits on Chapala Street near the lower end of State Street, with a second location in Goleta. Regulars point to the quality of the meat and salsas and a kitchen that keeps the space clean and the service sharp.
The Santa Barbara Independent named Lilly's Taqueria a best-of pick for 2025.
The Santa Barbara location sits on Chapala Street near the lower end of State Street, with a second location in Goleta. Regulars point to the quality of the meat and salsas and a kitchen that keeps the space clean and the service sharp.
The Santa Barbara Independent named Lilly's Taqueria a best-of pick for 2025.