Lilly's Taqueria — Restaurant in Goleta

I’ve been a loyal customer here for a long time—easily coming in 3 to 4 times a week because I genuinely enjoy the food. Up until now, I’ve never had a single issue with my order, and I’ve always appreciated the consistency and quality. Unfortunately, today was the first time something went wrong, and the way it was handled was extremely disappointing. I placed my usual order, and I realized one of my tacos was missing. Mistakes happen, I totally get that. So I went back, thinking it’d be a quick and simple fix, especially considering how often I support this place. I politely explained what happened and mentioned that this was the first time anything like this had occurred in all my visits. Instead of acknowledging the possibility of a mistake, the response I got from both the cooks and the cashier was basically a denial. They said they didn’t think they forgot anything. They gave no apology and made no effort to make it right. I left empty-handed and honestly, pretty disappointed. It’s frustrating because I’ve been such a consistent customer, and I wasn’t looking for a freebie—I just wanted the food I paid for. One mistake is forgivable. The lack of accountability and poor customer service? Not so much. I’ve supported this place consistently and was honestly surprised at how quick they were to dismiss it like it didn’t matter. Just really disappointing from a spot I go out of my way to support several...

Edit: I tried the new steamed beef and that was working for a couple of months, but even that has turned into some sort of weird mushy kind of strange meat texture that made me physically wretch and it is not quite like genuine shredded beef cuts. Unfortunately, Lily's is off the table for me in 2023. I know the economy is hard on people right now, but their high quality meat for a low price used to be the main draw. Hope they find their groove again.

Edit: I think they must have changed meat providers, cuts, or chefs because the last several times we've been the meat has been gamey and chewy. A little too close to authentic for me.

Original: I always get the Asado and rarely is the meat chewy or weird. They need to add a menu sign closer to the door or outside, though, and adjust their pickup table. This situation is not promoting social distancing. When I went last night I found myself literally surrounded by a couple of college kids who clearly couldn't read the warning on the back of my sweater to socially distance. Like right next to me and right behind me close, because they wanted to see the menu and couldn't wait their turn. It was so annerving that I got out of line to protect mysel from those...

Terrible customer service/awareness. So I have been going to Lilly's for years, long before the Goleta location opened. I used to stand in line outside the Chapala store and watch the freeway cars whiz by. Today that all changes. I order 3 tacos and start to wait. I then remembered that I wanted peppers and onions. I very politely wait until the cashier moves to the next person and quickly ask. She says sure. Then while I'm moving back to where I was waiting, she informs me it's a dollar. I decided to get in the back of the line and wait my turn. When I get there I noticed I spent the cash I had on my first order, so I grab my debit card. I'm then informed there will be a 50¢ charge for purchases less than $5. It's not worth it at this point. I then go to pick up my tacos and they try to hand me the extras but I decline because I didn't pay and the looked at me like I'm the biggest problem ever. I just don't understand it when people in service jobs refuse to give good service. I looked very disappointed and I feel they couldn't care less. I will avoid them now and you should too, at least until they look up the words good, service,...