Lilly's Taquería

Lilly's Taquería is a family-owned taco shop on Chapala Street in downtown Santa Barbara, California, founded in 2004 and known for steamed beef head cuts such as cachete, labio, lengua and ojo.

History

Jose Sepulveda and Sonia Guido started the business in Santa Barbara in December 2004. Sepulveda grew up in the taco trade in La Piedad, Michoacán, and tested the concept on weekends in rented space at a friend's business before committing to a shop. The couple named it after their daughter, Lilly; Sepulveda oversaw cooking, Guido handled administration, and their son Cesar later took on operations and marketing. In 2013 the family announced a second location on Storke Road in Goleta.

The main shop sits in an older building beside a freeway overpass just off Highway 101 and is cash only. Lines are common but move quickly.

Menu

The shop serves only tacos. Besides carne asada and adobada, it specializes in steamed head meats: cabeza, cachete (cheek), lengua (tongue), labio (lip) and ojo (eye). Tripas were added at customers' request and have been offered on weekends. Chicken and vegetarian fillings are also available, and diners finish their tacos at a salsa bar.

Reviews

References

1. "Tacos Anyone?". Santa Barbara Independent. Retrieved 2026-10-10.
2. "Lilly's Taqueria". The Infatuation. Retrieved 2026-10-10.
3. "Lilly's Taqueria". Time Out. Retrieved 2026-10-10.
4. "Some of the Best Tacos in Town". Santa Barbara Independent. Retrieved 2026-10-10.
5. "Santa Barbara Taco Trail". Visit Santa Barbara. Retrieved 2026-10-10.