If you're looking for authentic, no-frills barbecue with an authentic atmosphere, Eli's BBQ is a good spot. I had the chopped beef brisket sandwich with a pickle, and it was good. The brisket was tender, smoky, and packed with flavor--exactly what you want from good BBQ. The bread was simple and classic, nothing fancy, but it did its job just fine. We tried the coconut cream nut cake with lemon icing (don't quote me on the name). It was outstanding. I'd go back just for the cake! It wasn't on the menu, but it was on display in the window. The atmosphere is part of what makes Eli's special. It's a fun, laid-back setup with an outdoor walk-up window that gives it a casual, backyard vibe. You can tell it's a family-run place, and that homey, genuine energy really comes through. read more

Eli's Bar B Que - Brisket Sandwich w/ a pickle - Barbeque Near Me - Dunedin, Florida

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This place is the real deal. Authentic wood burning grill with meat smoking and cooking all day. Everything is delicious. Try the sides and desserts. Only open a couple of days per week, get here early because once sold out it's gone for the day. read more

The real deal BBQ! Home made soul food at its finest. Come early ! you don't want to miss the black eyed pea salad and burnt ends. Today oxtails were the special. read more

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Overall things were fine. Just not as good or as good of a value as it used to be. Pork was a bit dry. Brisket was slightly better. Sauces taste pretty standard. Great portion sizes but can be messy. Used to be as fantastic value but with price increases on BBQ it may not be worth the drive anymore. Service was as expected. And lastly, so many flies by the seating area. (Don't forget cash only) read more

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I have walked by on the Pinellas Trail in Dunedin, but normally not near meal time. The line last week was nearly out to the road, but definitely worth the wait! I enjoyed the chopped sausage sandwich an my wife's chopped brisket sandwich, both were large enough for two meals, each. Although I didn't try the potato salad, it looked pretty good! I recommend getting there early (otherwise they might run out)! read more

Eli's is only open on Friday, and Saturday, so you better get there early because they are open only until they run out. A chopped bar bq sandwich was just as tasty as their delicious ribs. Eli's Bar B Que is the what you envision a true Bar BQ shack to look like. This little white building puts out some fine que. On the side of the building there is a little patch of cotton, that was really cool for a Northerner to see, you can pick some off of one of the plants which I did, I was going to give it to my 5yo granddaughter but I lost it straight away. Eli's offers their regular, or hot style sauce for you can slather on your porky deliciousness. Waiting in line on this particular Saturday morning I met this nice lady that tells me she stops over every Saturday to pick up a sausage sandwich for her husband which is his favorite, but they go very fast. read more

We stopped in to Eli's Friday for our usual rib rack with beans and coleslaw. It was kind of tricky because the city has the street torn up in front of them. I was glad to see that all of the picnic tables were full with local BBQ fans chowing down. The trick to getting into the parking lot is to turn east onto Skinner from Bayshore. It's one way right in front of Eli's but their driveway is open. The ribs were tender with a great smoke flavor. The beans were sweet with a hint of onion and the slaw was crisp and fresh. They are our favorite Friday and Saturday BBQ carryout as those are the only days they are open, only 11:00 to 6:00 so get there early and bring cash, no credit cards. read more

We've picked up Q here several times before and I was surprised I did not review it before. This is a great little BBQ joint right on the Pinellas Trail and Skinner Blvd. in Dunedin. They are only open Friday and Saturday (that I know of) and they only take cash so hit up the ATM before you go because you are going to want to try a little bit of everything. Also, when they run out of something for the day, they are out so plan accordingly. This is also a family business, and the people are really nice. My husband was wearing his Florida State t-shirt when we went and the daughter said she was about to go up to Tallahassee for school at FAMU. They had a nice chat while we waited for our order. We got burnt ends, pulled pork, ribs and chicken and beans. We like to order a variety and have several meals over the weekend. We were happy that they still had burnt ends because we were there after lunchtime on Saturday. My favorite was the burnt ends and the chicken. Their chicken is really good. Also, they have two types of sauces, regular and spicy. I like the spicy sauce. If you just want to stop for lunch and eat there, they have a couple picnic tables underneath the oak trees. I encourage you to support small businesses and visit Eli's! read more

I was in Dunedin on a Friday and was feeling like having some BBQ. While there is a smokehouse in Dunedin, I wanted something more traditional so I decided to checkout Eli's. Here's my take on the experience: Quality of food:  Good. I tried the pulled pork sandwich and a side of baby back ribs. The pulled pork sandwich was a little dry and definitely needed a lot of sauce. They have good sauces that go really well with the pulled pork. The baby back ribs were in some sweet tangy sauce and it was fun to pick off meat off the bones. All in all...it was good but I just had higher expectations since I had heard a lot about Eli's. I wasn't blown away by the meats. Decor: okay. Eli's is going for a very low budget operation so they really don't have any decor and all the seating is outdoors. There are picnic benches and you get your food from a walk-up window. Cleanliness: good. The tables looked clean, although, they might have been kept clean by previous good customers. Service: good. I think it's just a small husband and wife operation and the lady that took my order was very nice and sassy :) Price: good. This place is cash only and the pulled pork sandwich was around $7 which is a good price. If you're in the mood for some classic BBQ and are in Dunedin on a weekend and are okay with "we close when we are sold out of it" type of a BBQ joint then Eli's is a worthy try. read more

Eli's Bar B Que - Pulled pork with smoked beans - Barbeque Near Me - Dunedin, Florida

Best bbq in Pinellas county. We recently had family in town and bought a sampling of all the different meats they offer. Everyone was pleased with all The meat. Side items cole slaw, bbq beans and especially the black eyed peas were a great hit too. Cash only and only open Friday and Saturday but run out of most popular items early. read more

The ribs were excellent. The beans are very nice with the brown sugar. The coleslaw was OK. That was the first time I went. This week I opted for the whole chicken with beans and black-eyed peas. She said she had potato salad and I thought it would be great. It was not it was cheap runny store bought potato salad , and the chicken was so cooked. You could put an eye out with a piece of the meat so dry and not edible. other than the beans, the whole $24 chicken went into the garbage. read more

Eli's Bar B Que - The menu - Barbeque Near Me - Dunedin, Florida

HEARTBURN ALERT! First, this place is extremely overpriced for BBQ. The quality of the BBQ/smoked meat is awful: you should not get heartburn or "burp up" smoke taste after eating BBQ; this is a sign of poor quality, "I don't care," rip-off BBQ! The smoke in BBQ cooking must enhance the flavor: not destroy the flavor and give customers tummy aches. Standing in line and paying those prices for third-rate BBQ is just old fashioned foolish. Don't do it. Stay away from this place: This does not represent the best of old Florida cooking! read more

Eli's Bar B Que - Barbeque Near Me - Dunedin, Florida

Delicious as always! No frills but friendly people and great bbq!!! Cash only so be prepared! read more

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Stopped by to pickup some BBQ, having heard good things about this Dunedin staple in the past. 100% exceeded my expectations with friendly (like family) service and excellent chopped pork sandwiches and baked beans. These are the types of small businesses that we will continue to go out of our way to support! Absolutely delicious read more

AMAZING. First time to this part of Florida & we came here after my partner did research on bbq which is a must during our travels. We are very particular & this place had a line. Cash only & open Friday & Saturday. The people are so kind and friendly. Short wait for food. Highly recommend Support local, Black owned businesses read more

Eli's Bar B Que - Chopped pork sandwich & slab of pork ribs. - Barbeque Near Me - Dunedin, Florida

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Made it a point to get to Eli's in Dunedin for some Bar-B-Que. Lots of free parking in lot next to Eli's. We had noticed the limited hours (11-6 Friday and Saturday) while walking on the Pinellas Trail in Dunedin which runs right passed it. It is in a small cinder block building and you order at the outside window. Outdoor seating on picnic tables, but most do takeout. It is a family-owned old-style restaurant with bbq pork, beef, chicken; and burnt ends. By the time I arrived, 5 PM, I was told "if you want to get burnt ends" you need to get there early in the day as it sells out early! So we ordered .1 lb of pulled pork, with sides of black-eyed peas and collard greens and tea for $15. You add the BBQ sauce on site. Curious as to why so popular, my wife was In line the next morning. She managed to get 1/2 lb of burnt ends before they sold out in just 15 minutes. That must be their specialty. The burnt ends were worth the second trip as they were perfectly done and the sauce was perfect and really made the difference. The staff was courteous, fun service as you can tell they love what they do. A major indication is that the locals love it and work around the limited hours as they know the routine and love their weekend Bar-BQ. read more

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By far and away, THEEEE best BBQ chicken I have ever had.... And I have traveled to some of the BEST cities in America that are supposed to be known for thier Barbecue. Only open on Fridays and Saturdays and they run out of food by 2pm..... But the guys from work promised it would be an experience, and it WAS DO NOT PASS THIS PLACE!!!! read more

We have enjoyed Eli's BBQ for years! Their ribs are awesome and the beans bomb!!! The employees at Eli's are so very sweet and welcoming. There's no ambiance because it's a walk-up window, but that doesn't take away from the quality of food and friendliness of the staff. They have picnic tables if you want to eat there. Be prepared it is cash only. read more

Ordered half slab. Generous portion of cut ribs. They were meaty and smoked right. Plenty of choices of meats. Only Hot or Regular sauce. I like Carolina but had a bottle at home. They were sold out of the rib tips so I'll try to get there earlier next time. Really enjoyed what I ordered. read more

from the food to the service to the genuine southern ambiance - this small bbq spot is a true gem to the 727 area. located conveniently off of the bike trail. open Friday and Saturday 11-6pm !!get there early for burnt ends!! cash only read more

Eli's Bar B Que - Chopped pork sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Dunedin, Florida

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I have to DISAGREE about the glowing reviews of Eli's BBQ, Dunedin. I live near this place and have tried it 3 times over the last several years and it is NOT VERY GOOD! It LOOKS quaint and cute tucked away in the trees next to the Pinellas Biking trail, but it's only pretty packaging on a POOR QUALITY PRODUCT. The meat is low-grade with lots of fat and gristle. Their sauce is nothing special. And if you visit there during warm weather (which is most of the time in FL) and eat on their outside picnic tables you will have to CONTINUOSLY BATTLE THE FLIES for your food! I'm not kidding! The flies are so bad I literally could not enjoy my food for constantly swatting away swarms of flies. Eli's looks cute, but eat somewhere else! read more

Absolutely amazing!!! The best bbq in the area. Sadly they're only open Friday & Saturday for a few hours. It's also cash only...the sausage is my favorite! Although, I can't think of a single thing I do not like. The beef, pork, sausage... ok, the chicken sandwich should be removed from the bone but, I think that's my only complaint. That & I wish they were open more often. I love this little place. It's family owned & they're all very friendly & resourceful. Definitely give them a try. If you see a long line, don't get discouraged. It moves fast & it's well worth the wait! read more

Best chopped pork I ever ate and I have had BBQ in NY, NJ , Texas, and GA. Super moist with a nice smoke flavor. The ribs were good but slightly fatty. The sides were great. The beans had a nice smoke flavor and the home made cole slaw had flavor that went perfectly with the meat. Most places use too much mayo. Just a small shack. Only open Fri and Sat. Cash only. Very happy my wife found this place while wandering around Dunedin. read more

Tried this cute bbq weekend stop located off Pinallas Trail. Chicken, pork, beef, pie, and sides. The food was okay to try. But don't think I'd go back. It wasn't amazing. Cash only. read more

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This place was awesome! If considering checking this place out you should know it's cash only & only Open on Friday and Saturday. When we arrived there was already quite a long line, but it moved pretty quick. It's definitely a no frill spot but the friendly customer service and delicious food is what your coming here for! We got a 1/2 slab of ribs and a pulled pork sandwich. The sandwich Came with a side of slaw and baked bbq beans. If you don't want one of those sides they will double the one you prefer. Outback is where they are smoking all of the meat! They also have two different types of BBQ sauce (mild and Hot) which you can add to your meat. The hot wasn't too spicy and had a great flavor! Definitely would recommend this place- come hungry! read more

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I can't get past the flies. As soon as you sit down with your food they are everywhere. Flies, flies and more flies. Thank goodness they aren't the kind that bite. It's a cute stand open Friday and Saturdays. Wood fired. Outdoor picnic bench seating with flies. The beef ribs are meaty and tasty. Don't even need sauce although they are unseasoned. Flies. The pulled pork was limp. Not as good as Sonny's. The cole slaw is the awful cheap kind. The beans were interesting and tasty. A bit unusual flavor that I liked. The chicken was standard overcooked. The sausage was OK but fatty. Pretty good flavor. Flies. Come for the ribs. Skip the rest. The BBQ sauces, hot and mild are good. Flies. You will have to escape the flies by fleeing as fast as you or become one with them like Jeff Golfblum. Flies. FLIES!!!!! read more

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Ok. First off. This is your typical Florida roadside barbecue shack. If you are expecting impeccable service, typical restaurant business practices or even anything remotely resembling a restaurant, Eli's is not that place. But it is decent, old school que. All the meats are smoked, but not mopped. Sauce is Heinz and the hot isn't very. Portions are big. My half slab was more than filling and I enjoyed it for what it was. Beans and slaw were adequate. You sit at picnic tables outside and the birds watch to make sure you eat it all, because, if you don't they will! Cash only. If you remember this is a part time, two days a week endeavor, you will not be disappointed. If you are a snooty northerner, wanting gourmet---forgetabout it. read more

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Southern cooking and hospitality done right. Dine just off the Pinellas trail in a picturesque setting of oaks on generous portions of smoked chicken, beef,pork or sausage at reasonable prices. All of their offerings are Smoked on site. Love this place! read more

Learned a lesson about the food at this joint. It's only worthwhile on Friday. They only cook the food on that day. By Saturday it's been stored at room temperature for 24 hrs. This revelation can only be concluded when the weather cools off. What I get is served at the 60 degree temp.that I visited on that day. read more

Had lunch there the other day. I had the pulled pork sandwich with cole slaw. Pork was moist and delicious. Had a great smoked taste to it. Other people in my party had the slab of ribs. Said they were very tender,lots of meat on them and again a great smoked taste. They offer 2 sauces a mild and a semi hot sauce. Both were good. Wonderful kind people there serving you. A real pleasure. Get there early as they sell out quickly. Will be back to try other options. read more

Kinda disturbed by the " it's cotton picking time " sign , I would want a explanation before I ever tried this place.

Allow me to admit that I am not a BBQ person. I have lived in the area for 14 years and never tried this place. It was just never a good time, or they were not open, or the line was too long. My best friend told me I had to go to try the bunt cake. She is known to be very particular about her food, so even though I'm not a BBQ lover I went. The pulled pork was amazing!!! So good, I mean really really good. We went late in the day so they were sold out of a couple items and I will have to go back to try more. The ribs were yummy and I would eat them again. My boyfriend thought they were great. I'm sure for people who dig BBQ they would be special (I just am more of a salad girl). Let's talk cake! I ate so much BBQ that I had to wait to eat it. That cake was to die for!!!! It was bakery quality for sure. Someone put love and time into the recipe just like every BBQ dish. I know you are full from all the pork, ribs, burnt ends, but get the cake!!! read more

I decided to try Eli's after seeing a boatload of cars and people going here while I visited Dunedin. I asked a local his opinion and he highly suggested visiting and informed me they were only open 2 days a week and always run out, so I took the opportunity to try it. I got the brisket sandwich meal which came with homemade slaw and beans. I took my meal to a nearby beach and it was not as hot as I'd hoped when I dug in. The beef was a little dry so I wished I had gotten the pork, however it was still delicious and I can attest to the quality. Best part is it was only $7! read more

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I've been here a few times and it has never been my favorite. I think I went with four stars originally just because of the history. I was here a week ago and I may have had one of the worse rack of ribs I've ever come across. If there was a drop of salt and peepee on them then that smoke must have blown them right off. Speaking of smoke there was no smoke flavor. I don't know how this is possible when I see the smoker cranking and covering an entire neighborhood unless they foiled it too soon. Perhaps the largest mistake was they were way undercooked. They were safe to eat temperature wise but the fat did not liquify and baste the meat. There was hardened fat throughout every piece so I had to finish them in my own oven. Was a long time since I was there and will be even longer to get me to come back. read more

Wow family rib dinner. The best all in all I'm as happy as a hound on a hair hunt. The parking just a little ify .People waiting means something good going to happen. read more

On our way to honeymoon island, saw this little place and thought it might be good to try. We are on honeymoon from South Carolina and it is literally the best place we've ate since leaving SC!! The chopped bbq was AMAZING! I usually don't like slaw, especially large chunks in slaw, but I ended up eating half of my husband's slaw! Oh, and the bbq sauce is a must!!! Everything was so good!! The staff was so nice, I love a person that will cut up and joke with me! Loved everything about my experience!! read more

This is a tiny shack on Pinellas trail in Dunedin. Only open Friday and Saturday. 11-6. Yep, it's BBQ. I had the pulled pork sandwich meal (slaw and beans) and he had the rib meal. 2 huge ribs on bread. Everything was fantastic. Packaged 'to go' in styrofoam it keeps your food warm while you find a place to sit on their many picnic tables. We arrive at 11:30 not knowing how great this place is. By the time we left 12:15, there was a line out to the street. I assume it was Eli out back on the smokers. Great place. Love it! Well done!!!!! read more

Eli's Bar B Que - Menu! - Barbeque Near Me - Dunedin, Florida

I don't understand why people seem to flock to this place, thinking its good. I mean in theory, this place seems amazing because: (1) we are in the south - automatic good BBQ, one would assume, (2) they are only open 2 days / week - making me think there was high enough demand for them to be open just 2 days, (3) there is ALWAYS a line there - again making one think it is really worth your time, money and taste buds. Unfortunately, these theories were proven wrong in practice. The meat is tender, but lacks flavor and spice and well...everything nice. Even the BBQ sauce condiments on the side are missing a lil sumthin. The sauce labeled "spicy" was nothing of the sort. It tastes exactly like the non-spicy one. Very sweet the both of them, couldn't tell the difference (good enough though, to completely drown and flavor my meat). I got the pulled pork - from a very rude woman at the walk up window mind you - if your gonna be rude at least feed me well - by the way, they need to work on their customer service, seriously. Pulled pork was lacking. Being that I have recently moved to the south, I'm a LOT disappointed that I've yet to have delicious southern BBQ, just makes me sad really ,due to the reputation alone, of course. I'm in the south, I want good BBQ!! Anyway, when I went they were all out of coleslaw - apparently It is common practice for them to be out of things often - really?! When you are only open 2 days a week?? You should be fully stocked!!! Seriously! Just sayin.... Needless to say, I will go there no more. I don't get the hype around this place, but I'm starting to think its because it's the only BBQ spot around and it's so damn convenient, just sitting there on the Pinellas trail. I want to go back and it be delicious beyond reason, but I know it won't be, so I do my best to resist that ever present urge (ha, yeah right). read more

Some of the best bar-b-q in the area. I got the chopped pork dinner (I think that's what it's called). You get a sandwich, a small homemade cole slaw, and a small beans. The chopped pork was so good, it was juicy and tender, you didn't even need to put bar-b-q sauce on it. The homemade cole claw tasted really good and you can tell its homemade. Also get their early, they get slammed right as they open, and they will run out (because they are THAT good). The only downside is that they are only open on Friday and Saturday. Maybe that's a blessing in disguise, because I would eat there everyday. read more

Eli's Bar B Que - Chopped pork w/ homemade cole slaw & beans. - Barbeque Near Me - Dunedin, Florida

I kept going back because people say it's so good, but I will not return. It's only open 2 days a week, I don't see how I missed the good food they talked about every time I went. The meat is tender yes, and flavorless, and comes on white bread with no sauce. The ribs are done well but again, no spice, and store made barbecue sauce to choose from? Pass. I do better barbecue at home and I'm not even that good at it. And the non-toasted wonder bread that my sandwich was on? A little shocked, I tossed it in the trash. read more