What a great night! A time was had with my friend. This was my first time here and I will be back. So many things I’d love to try. It was absolutely delicious!!! 5 stars to you all! Seasoned perfectly. I had the chicken burrito bowl, which was one of the specials pictured at the register. I also have to say this is by far the best salsa that I have had ever. I ran it as my number one and everyone else will have to live up to it. I will definitely be back. I told the owner this as I walked away to leave. The service was unmatched. Very kind and friendly from start to finish of my visit. .
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dee Can
I've been curious about this restaurant after seeing a great review on Tiktok, so I decided to give them a try. First, let me say, this is one of my affectionately referred to "lil whole in the walls." This is not an insult by any means. I love finding a small or charming family owned business, coming out of the kitchen with a meal loaded with love and pride. That's exactly what I got at Lily's. My ABSOLUTE favorite thing about this restaurant was the 'Welcome' feeling and the customer service. You feel more like you're walking into your friends home, and his mom is "cooking her a$$ off" in the kitchen (you'll see her cooking when you eat there).They start you off like the typical Mexican restaurant does with nacho's and salsa. Here's what's cool, though : they've got a salsa bar with fresh, housemade salsa. You go right up and serve yourself. You can try different flavors. I thought that was really cool. Now I'll be honest, it took a while to get our food. Be patient, because if you look in the kitchen, you'll see each order is made fresh. Once our food was received, it was definitely worth waiting for. All of the staff were nice and friendly. They were even concerned and checked to see if we liked the food quite often. It was definitely delicious and good old-fashioned service with a smile. I will definitely be back. Give them a try, the food and prices are good.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Fajitas, Chips and Salsa, Guacamole Salad with Beans, Pico De Gallo
Christa
Great atmosphere, food, and service. The owner, Sal, came to the table several times throughout our meal to check in on us, made us laugh, ensured we had everything we needed and was super friendly and personable as if we were long time friends (this was my first time here). Ordering was smooth, you just go to the counter and tell them what you'd like, they give you a table number, and bring the food/drinks out when it's ready. Food arrived quickly and staff were attentive and kind. Really generous portions and delicious! I ordered the chicken sope and a Lily's Margarita - so good! Paying was also easy, just let them know when you're ready, they give you a ticket to take to the payment area, the owner himself rang me up! Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa, Sopes
Joe Robinson
Got to this restaurant. I was very excited. I drove about 45 minutes to get here. When my wife and I arrived we stood in line to order which was ok ??,we where prepared to wait. We ordered or food and margaritas and sat down to wait. We watched almost everyone get there drinks but us. About 45 minutes went by and we finally said something which they responded they had a lot of tickets but the truth was or ticket was in the kitchen with the food. The man using the money was making the drinks also but couldn't multitask and do both. Either this restaurant needs more staff or they just need to do to go orders.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Neal M.
A humble establishment offering the taste of Mexico at its most authentic. Environment: when you walk into the restaurant, it feels like you're entering the Esparza family home. There's nothing fancy about this restaurant, but when you're eating authentic Mexican food, you don't need that type of ambience at all. There are several tables set up for parties of 2 and 4, and a small bar in the back that's mixing up margaritas and more. You order at the counter and then grab a seat wherever there's an open spot. You're given a basket of chips and there's a salsa bar near the back where you can self serve among 4 different types of delicious salsa. We will know that the chips are on the crunchier side, they aren't thin, Cantina style like you would find at other restaurants. Once you're done with your meal, you come up to the bar table to pay your tab. The family of this restaurant are some of the kindest and most authentic people I've met, and they deserve all the praise for the heart and soul they've put into this restaurant. Food/Drink: to eat, we got one plate of three cheese, enchiladas and one plate of two chicken enchiladas and a chile relleno. Plates are served with rice and beans. This food was extremely fresh and spectacular-- the most authentic we've had in St. Louis and one leaves you extremely satisfied but that makes you wish you had more. The enchiladas are cooked to have a crispy exterior and come with a deep and full bodied sauce, a combo that makes them super crave-able. we will say that the enchiladas were a little bit dry, but if you add some of the salsa from the bar on top, it fixes everything. The chile relleno what's the perfect balance of rich, salty, fresh, and crispy... exactly what a chile relleno should be. It was true highlight of our meal. With regards to the salsa, they have a bar with four to choose from-- all of heat/spiciness. All are homemade, fresh, and authentic... unlike any other Mexican restaurant in the city. Options are: hot tomatillo with chile de Arbol, medium traditional, hot smokey, and mild smokey. The hot tomatillo with chile de Arbol was our favorite, but the traditional was also light and refreshing with a small kick at the end. The margaritas here are an absolute star as well. We highly recommend getting the Lily special Margarita. It comes in three flavors-- we got the amaretto flavor and kahula flavor. The first one is more on the sweeter side, and the Kahlua flavor is less sweet and has some notes of cacao. Highly highly highly recommend with your meal. They made fresh at the bar and have a nice foam on top that adds something special to the margarita that we've never had before. Rating: 4.5/5, truly one of the most authentic restaurants we've been to that delivers immensely on the food. We took off points for the confusing ordering scheme and the slightly dry enchiladas, but that really should not distract you from coming to this restaurant. We will most definitely be back sooner rather than later. We found a new favorite Mexican restaurant in the city! We recommend coming early, this restaurant fills up very quickly! You might have a longer wait time for your food the later you come!
Ali H.
This is the best Mexican food I've ever had. After living 0.2 miles away the past 4 years, we discovered it. It will now be our frequent go-to spot.
Sandie Hea
There is really nothing good to say about this place. You eat and drink on plastic and styrofoam, the decor is so bad it doesn't even look like a dive eatery in Mexico. Food was overpriced and bland. Margaritas were terrible -- no flavor whatsoever. So disappointed.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
Charles Mountford
Don't let the hole in the wall vibe scare you away; the food is incredible! They have a salsa bar. The chili con queso was stellar!The place could use a good deep cleaning, but I'll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa, Guacamole Salad with Beans, Homemade Queso, Tamales Beans and Rice
Charles M.
Don't let the hole in the wall vibe scare you away; the food is incredible! They have a salsa bar. The chili con queso was stellar! I had the half chicken with rice, beans, and guacamole salad with corn tortillas. The tortillas held up well, and they were warm and fresh. The chicken was super tender and moist with a nice sear / char. Everything was seasoned nicely. The rice was great as well. The place could use a good deep cleaning, but I'll definitely be back!
Maggie O'Connor
This place is run by such a nice family! It's hard to find properly good Mexican/Tex-Mex in this city, but Lily's is the absolute best in the state!
If you're looking for the best margarita in the tri-state area, come here! You choose the tequila, and the place is run by the nicest man!! And don't forget the smokey salsa!
Emma B.
Extremely delicious. Owners were kind. Best marg I've ever had. Very authentic. Can't wait to go back!
Christian V.
This place is awesome!!! What you would call a hole in the wall restaurant but everyone knows those are the best!!! This is a mom and pop shop and felt like home. The food was made super fresh the owner even let us stay past their closing time to that we could finish our meals. Got the shredded chicken burrito with jalapeños.
Jacqueline GARAVITO LOPEZ
The most authentic Mexican food in St
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bryan Gomez
Family small business, lacking in appearance, utensils, presence. Very simplistic. You buy and serve your own drinks. The food wasn't exactly authentic Mexican, overly cooked; and they have a limited operational hours.
What a great night! A time was had with my friend. This was my first time here and I will be back. So many things I’d love to try. It was absolutely delicious!!! 5 stars to you all! Seasoned perfectly. I had the chicken burrito bowl, which was one of the specials pictured at the register. I also have to say this is by far the best salsa that I have had ever. I ran it as my number one and everyone else will have to live up to it. I will definitely be back. I told the owner this as I walked away to leave. The service was unmatched. Very kind and friendly from start to finish of my visit. .
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I've been curious about this restaurant after seeing a great review on Tiktok, so I decided to give them a try. First, let me say, this is one of my affectionately referred to "lil whole in the walls." This is not an insult by any means. I love finding a small or charming family owned business, coming out of the kitchen with a meal loaded with love and pride. That's exactly what I got at Lily's. My ABSOLUTE favorite thing about this restaurant was the 'Welcome' feeling and the customer service. You feel more like you're walking into your friends home, and his mom is "cooking her a$$ off" in the kitchen (you'll see her cooking when you eat there).They start you off like the typical Mexican restaurant does with nacho's and salsa. Here's what's cool, though : they've got a salsa bar with fresh, housemade salsa. You go right up and serve yourself. You can try different flavors. I thought that was really cool. Now I'll be honest, it took a while to get our food. Be patient, because if you look in the kitchen, you'll see each order is made fresh. Once our food was received, it was definitely worth waiting for. All of the staff were nice and friendly. They were even concerned and checked to see if we liked the food quite often. It was definitely delicious and good old-fashioned service with a smile. I will definitely be back. Give them a try, the food and prices are good.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Fajitas, Chips and Salsa, Guacamole Salad with Beans, Pico De Gallo
Great atmosphere, food, and service. The owner, Sal, came to the table several times throughout our meal to check in on us, made us laugh, ensured we had everything we needed and was super friendly and personable as if we were long time friends (this was my first time here). Ordering was smooth, you just go to the counter and tell them what you'd like, they give you a table number, and bring the food/drinks out when it's ready. Food arrived quickly and staff were attentive and kind. Really generous portions and delicious! I ordered the chicken sope and a Lily's Margarita - so good! Paying was also easy, just let them know when you're ready, they give you a ticket to take to the payment area, the owner himself rang me up! Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa, Sopes
Got to this restaurant. I was very excited. I drove about 45 minutes to get here. When my wife and I arrived we stood in line to order which was ok ??,we where prepared to wait. We ordered or food and margaritas and sat down to wait. We watched almost everyone get there drinks but us. About 45 minutes went by and we finally said something which they responded they had a lot of tickets but the truth was or ticket was in the kitchen with the food. The man using the money was making the drinks also but couldn't multitask and do both. Either this restaurant needs more staff or they just need to do to go orders.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
A humble establishment offering the taste of Mexico at its most authentic. Environment: when you walk into the restaurant, it feels like you're entering the Esparza family home. There's nothing fancy about this restaurant, but when you're eating authentic Mexican food, you don't need that type of ambience at all. There are several tables set up for parties of 2 and 4, and a small bar in the back that's mixing up margaritas and more. You order at the counter and then grab a seat wherever there's an open spot. You're given a basket of chips and there's a salsa bar near the back where you can self serve among 4 different types of delicious salsa. We will know that the chips are on the crunchier side, they aren't thin, Cantina style like you would find at other restaurants. Once you're done with your meal, you come up to the bar table to pay your tab. The family of this restaurant are some of the kindest and most authentic people I've met, and they deserve all the praise for the heart and soul they've put into this restaurant. Food/Drink: to eat, we got one plate of three cheese, enchiladas and one plate of two chicken enchiladas and a chile relleno. Plates are served with rice and beans. This food was extremely fresh and spectacular-- the most authentic we've had in St. Louis and one leaves you extremely satisfied but that makes you wish you had more. The enchiladas are cooked to have a crispy exterior and come with a deep and full bodied sauce, a combo that makes them super crave-able. we will say that the enchiladas were a little bit dry, but if you add some of the salsa from the bar on top, it fixes everything. The chile relleno what's the perfect balance of rich, salty, fresh, and crispy... exactly what a chile relleno should be. It was true highlight of our meal. With regards to the salsa, they have a bar with four to choose from-- all of heat/spiciness. All are homemade, fresh, and authentic... unlike any other Mexican restaurant in the city. Options are: hot tomatillo with chile de Arbol, medium traditional, hot smokey, and mild smokey. The hot tomatillo with chile de Arbol was our favorite, but the traditional was also light and refreshing with a small kick at the end. The margaritas here are an absolute star as well. We highly recommend getting the Lily special Margarita. It comes in three flavors-- we got the amaretto flavor and kahula flavor. The first one is more on the sweeter side, and the Kahlua flavor is less sweet and has some notes of cacao. Highly highly highly recommend with your meal. They made fresh at the bar and have a nice foam on top that adds something special to the margarita that we've never had before. Rating: 4.5/5, truly one of the most authentic restaurants we've been to that delivers immensely on the food. We took off points for the confusing ordering scheme and the slightly dry enchiladas, but that really should not distract you from coming to this restaurant. We will most definitely be back sooner rather than later. We found a new favorite Mexican restaurant in the city! We recommend coming early, this restaurant fills up very quickly! You might have a longer wait time for your food the later you come!
This is the best Mexican food I've ever had. After living 0.2 miles away the past 4 years, we discovered it. It will now be our frequent go-to spot.
There is really nothing good to say about this place. You eat and drink on plastic and styrofoam, the decor is so bad it doesn't even look like a dive eatery in Mexico. Food was overpriced and bland. Margaritas were terrible -- no flavor whatsoever. So disappointed.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
Don't let the hole in the wall vibe scare you away; the food is incredible! They have a salsa bar. The chili con queso was stellar!The place could use a good deep cleaning, but I'll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa, Guacamole Salad with Beans, Homemade Queso, Tamales Beans and Rice
Don't let the hole in the wall vibe scare you away; the food is incredible! They have a salsa bar. The chili con queso was stellar! I had the half chicken with rice, beans, and guacamole salad with corn tortillas. The tortillas held up well, and they were warm and fresh. The chicken was super tender and moist with a nice sear / char. Everything was seasoned nicely. The rice was great as well. The place could use a good deep cleaning, but I'll definitely be back!
This place is run by such a nice family! It's hard to find properly good Mexican/Tex-Mex in this city, but Lily's is the absolute best in the state!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Burrito
Restaurantji Recommends
If you're looking for the best margarita in the tri-state area, come here! You choose the tequila, and the place is run by the nicest man!! And don't forget the smokey salsa!
Extremely delicious. Owners were kind. Best marg I've ever had. Very authentic. Can't wait to go back!
This place is awesome!!! What you would call a hole in the wall restaurant but everyone knows those are the best!!! This is a mom and pop shop and felt like home. The food was made super fresh the owner even let us stay past their closing time to that we could finish our meals. Got the shredded chicken burrito with jalapeños.
The most authentic Mexican food in St
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Family small business, lacking in appearance, utensils, presence. Very simplistic. You buy and serve your own drinks. The food wasn't exactly authentic Mexican, overly cooked; and they have a limited operational hours.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2