Lilo's Streetfood & Bar: Why This Lake Worth Spot Is Actually a Local Secret

Lilo's Streetfood & Bar: Why This Lake Worth Spot Is Actually a Local Secret

Honestly, walking into Lilo's Streetfood & Bar for the first time feels a bit like finding a cheat code for Lake Worth Beach. You expect a standard Florida beach town bar—maybe some fried fish and a watery margarita—but what you actually get is a global fever dream of a menu. It's tucked right on Lake Ave, and if you aren't looking for it, you might just walk past the most interesting kitchen in the county.

The place is owned by Joe Lipovich and his daughter, Lindsay (the "Lilo" in the name), and they’ve built something that feels genuinely safe and neighborhoody. It isn't just about the food. It's about that specific vibe where you can show up in flip-flops after a day at the beach or get dressed up for a "secret" cocktail in the back.

Most people come for the tacos, but they stay because the menu refuses to pick a lane. In a world of corporate chains, that's a huge win.

The Identity Crisis That Actually Works

Most restaurants that try to do everything—tacos, sushi, burgers, ramen—usually fail at all of them. Lilo's is the rare exception. They’ve basically smashed together a high-end sushi bar (OKA Sushi) with a street food kitchen and a hidden speakeasy called The Library.

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It shouldn't work. It really shouldn't. But when you’re sitting there looking at a menu that features both a Bulgogi & Pear Taco and a Chicago Deep Dish Pizza, you realize they aren't trying to be authentic to one culture. They’re being authentic to the "street food" philosophy: if it tastes good and you can eat it with your hands or a quick fork, it belongs.

What to Actually Order (The Non-Boring Stuff)

If you're going to Lilo's Streetfood & Bar, don't play it safe with a basic burger, even though their "Dreamy One" burger has won awards. You’ve gotta get weird.

  • The Fig on a Pig: This is the appetizer that local regulars obsess over. It's one of those salty-sweet-savory bombs that hits every part of your tongue at once.
  • Miso Soy Bass Taco: Most Florida fish tacos are just blackened mahi. This one uses buttery sea bass with wonton chips for crunch. It’s a texture game-changer.
  • Burnt Ends Taco: Pork belly, apple carrot slaw, and onion straws. It’s basically a BBQ platter shrunk down into a tortilla.
  • The "Library" Cocktails: If the lamp is on, the speakeasy is open. Don't ask for a rum and coke. Ask the bartenders—like Suzanne, who’s a bit of a local legend there—to make you an Espresso Martini or something off-menu.

The Hidden Gem: The Library Speakeasy

There is a door. If you find it, you’re in The Library. It’s dim, it’s vintage, and it’s "strictly cocktails, strictly after dark." This is where the OKA Sushi team operates, too. You can get incredible nigiri and rolls like the Crispy Rice Tuna while sitting in a room that feels like a 1920s sanctuary.

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It’s a massive contrast to the sunny, high-energy main bar area. That’s the magic of this spot; it has a split personality that fits whatever mood you're in.

The "Buy the Kitchen a Round" Rule

One of the coolest things about the culture here is a small line on the menu: you can literally buy the kitchen staff a round of drinks to say thanks. It’s a tiny detail, but it speaks to the community vibe Joe and Lindsay have fostered. They aren't just serving tourists; they’re a hub for the LGBTQ+ community and host regular fundraisers for groups like the Compass Community Center.

Pricing and Strategy: How to Not Go Broke

Lake Worth Beach can get pricey, especially for "craft" anything. Lilo's has some sneaky-good deals if you time it right.

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  1. Taco Tuesday: This is the big one. The prices drop, and the place gets packed.
  2. Wednesday Burger Night: You can snag their classic burger and fries for about $10. In 2026, finding a high-quality burger for ten bucks is basically a miracle.
  3. Happy Hour (3:30 pm – 7:00 pm): This is the sweet spot. The margaritas are excellent, and the "buck and a half" oysters are the move if you want to feel fancy on a budget.

Logistics: What You Need to Know

The address is 701 Lake Ave, Lake Worth Beach, FL. Parking in downtown Lake Worth can be a nightmare, but there’s a large public lot right behind the building. Use it. Don't circle the block for twenty minutes hoping for a street spot that isn't coming.

The hours are pretty consistent—11:00 AM to midnight most days—making it one of the few places in the area where you can actually get decent food late at night. They even have their own mobile app now for rewards and ordering, which is worth downloading if you plan on becoming a regular.

Final Actionable Insights for Your Visit

  • Check the Speakeasy Lamp: Before you sit down in the main bar, see if The Library is open (usually Tuesday–Sunday after 5 pm). The vibe change is worth the walk to the back.
  • Order the "Wok This Way" section: If you aren't feeling tacos, the Tonkatsu Ramen is surprisingly legit for a place that also serves pizza.
  • Download the App: If you're local to Palm Beach County, use the app to track points. The rewards add up fast if you're hitting those $10 burger Wednesdays.
  • Bring the Dog: The outdoor seating is prime for people-watching on Lake Ave, and they’re very pup-friendly.

Stop by Lilo's Streetfood & Bar next time you're near the bridge. Get the burnt ends, buy the kitchen a beer, and see if you can find the secret door.