Explore Santa Barbara
Lilly's Tacos
Cuisine: Latin, Mexican
10Best Says
Best street tacos. Go on the weekend so you can get the tripas! Lilly's has arguably the most authentic tacos in Santa Barbara. Unobtrusively tucked in an out-of-the-way shopping center at the oceany... Read More
Best street tacos. Go on the weekend so you can get the tripas! Lilly's has arguably the most authentic tacos in Santa Barbara. Unobtrusively tucked in an out-of-the-way shopping center at the oceany end of downtown, Lilly's tacos has been serving up sizzling meats on soft corn tortillas to lines of happy customers for years. There are no chips, no rice and nary a bean in sight... just tacos. For around $2 a pop you can choose from a variety of meats, including asada, adobado and even ojos. Yep, you read that right! Lilly's proudly offers a variety of less-common taco fillings like eyes, tongue and cheek. Order a few, dress them up with salsa and lime, then scarf them down.
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EXPERT TIPS BY:
Geneva Ives
Santa Barbara Local Expert
- Tacos, Mexican: "With such reasonable prices, Lilly's is a great place to try a taco that you wouldn't normally consider - like the cabeza or tripas."
- Best Value: "With such a reasonable price tag, Lilly's is a great place to try a taco that you wouldn't normally consider - like the cabeza or tripas."
- Best for Tacos Because: For the most authentic and most affordable tacos in Santa Barbara, head straight to Lilly's. Now with a location in Goleta too!
- Recommended as Best Value Because: You want an authentic taco on a homemade tortilla with minimal fuss? This is the place.
- Best for Mexican Because: The one true taqueria in town, Lilly's only serves (really affordable) tacos. If you're looking for something else, you're out of luck.
