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

I just tried Eli's Bbq for the first time Delicious. I met the owner Veronica Who is sweet as pie. She recommended the bbq beef sandwich with beans and coleslaw. So tasty and juicy. I then ordered their famous bbq chicken for dinner. These people take pride in their cooking. I can't wait to go back for their pulled pork and ribs. Yummy read more

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Outstanding real BBQ. The ribs are delicious and meaty. The chopped beef is a thing of beauty almost no weird fatty pieces. Also have to say that their sausage is wonderful Nice sagey country sausage flavor and so worth trying. Sauces are on the side as is always the case it seems with true BBQ. Good sauce although I like mine with a little more kick. Don't eat there best taken to go. Get there early because once they run out its gone. Cash only and limited business hours so check before you go. The only thing I thought was just okay was the pulled pork but that fine as I go to Reel BBQ in palm harbor for that since it's the best I've ever had in Florida. read more

If this were a chain, Sonny's would be out of business! I've done BBQ all up and down I95 from Va to Fl. I'm reminded of past familiar joints in the woods and little towns as I approach Eli's. But then comes the BBQ smell! Imagine going up to a very small two room house, ordering from a little screened window, then picking it up from another window, and sitting down at a picnic table right by the little gravel parking lot to chow down....on some of the best BBQ around! Ribs, pulled pork, beef, chicken, and sausage available to knock you off your feet. ( I am salivating now just thinking about it!) The baked beans are awesome and different, not too sweet but gives off a good twang! The prices are so decent! This is the Que without the frills. The real deal smoked from Eli's own Big Foot grill in a screened shack behind the little serving house. This place is the bomb and you have to visit to believe it. The bad news is that it's only open on Friday and Saturdays from 11am to 6pm. I must add that Eli, his family, and friends are good people. It's easy to come by, get your Que on, and become part of the party! You also see by the fast moving lines and carry out orders that so many patrons are in agreement on the taste of Eli's! Do yourself a big treat and get there! read more

Once upon a time I loved this place. So nostalgic. The people who work here are super friendly and the outdoor ambiance is cute. Something happened though to the food. The ribs from what I remember used to be warm and tender. Now they are not served fresh and they are tough. Or perhaps my tastes changed? Cash only. Limited hours Friday and Saturday. Go early before they run out of your favorite. read more

Heard so much about Eli's BBQ in Dunedin ...I had to give it a whirl. Super excited that I did. This tiny little shack is family owned and only open 2...yes TWO...days a week. Friday and Saturday...11-6. Get there early, because the line gets long and the food runs out. Ribs, Chicken, Beef, Pork, and Sausage...a couple desserts...beans and slaw, but that's it! No frills down to earth good 'ole bbq! They have a few picnic tables on the side for eating....friendly people all around! On my first visit, not only did I experience the line...I experienced the food shortage. Albeit I didn't get there until 2:30/2:45ish...so I half expected this to happen. They were out of ribs, chicken, and beef...but more would be ready at 4pm. So we all had the pork sandwich. Just your basic sandwich filled with pulled smoked pork, topped with jalapenos and mild bbq sauce....but YUMMY! The meat was tender with a hint of smoky flavor....so moist and delish I wish I had more! I will defiantly be back when in town again, I can't wait to try the beef! I gave a 4 star ONLY for the reason that they ran out of food.... read more

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This is a great little "hole in the wall" in the Dunedin area. I must admit that I've only gotten their chopped pork sandwich with 2 sides, but it's not a bad stop. I've been here 10-12 times in the past 3 years. The pork is mildly tasty, and I cover it with hot sauce and hot peppers anyway. But it's an overstuffed portion on a hamburger bun. $4.50 without the sides. They are only open Friday and Saturday from 11-6. The waiting line can get fairly long at lunch time. There is only outside seating. Why only 3 stars? Well....the flies knock it down a star. I hate flies. read more

Has to be one of the best barbecue places in the nation, pulled pork, chicken dinner, and their sides are amazing. One suggestion, I wish they had mac & cheese, if they did I would eat there twice a week. Local family place, very casual, right by the trail. Staff are always friendly and helpful read more

Best BBQ we've had. Good beans/slaw too. Friendly, busy place. We lost some keys in the parking lot; not only did a customer turn them in, when we called they pleasantly invited us to come on over and pick them up, even though it was outside business hours. read more

Because I love it It has yummy pork and coleslaw beans and ribs and it has a grill and picnic tables.

Tried the place today and had a chopped pork sandwich, slaw and beans. Outdoor seating or take out. Had a nice portion of pork. Flavor of the pork was not bad but not a lot of smoke flavor or any unique or memorable flavor. Just ok in my book. Slaw was pretty good and the beans again were again just ok. The 2 sauces offered again were just ok. Nothing unique. Prices were reasonable and the counter staff very friendly. I'm not saying don't go there. Far from it. Just don't expect anything to knock your socks off. read more

Tried to place an order for work. Called in and the lady on the phone told me to wait 10 mins and call back. Called back then she told me she would take my number and call me. She never called back so I drove up there. When I go to the window I was told there was no beef, and she couldn't understand what I was saying I don't think. I understand this is a small mom and pop place but it for to be that hard to order 6 sandwiches is kinda ridiculousness read more

I stopped at the 7th Sun Brewery for a beer, and was enjoying it outside when I caught a whiff of BBQ. I discovered the delicious smells were coming from Eli's BBQ, just up the road, so I changed dinner plans and went to Eli's. Eli's is nothing fancy, just an old-time BBQ shop. There ARE a few picnic tables under the shade trees, but it's mostly carry out. The food is all BBQ, smoked in house...or rather in the big smoker in the yard. Smoked pork, ribs, chicken, and a few sides is all that's on the menu, but it's all good. NOTE: They are only open TWO days a week, on Friday and Saturday afternoons, and they DO run out of food, so get there early to avoid disappointment! read more

Everyone is wrong about this place; I've driven by it for 15 years and always marveled at the lines, the smell, the history, etc. The food is terrible. Absolutely terrible. Go to Sonny's lol; and I hate chain BBQ... read more

Great spot off the Pinellas trail open only two days a week. The staff were super friendly and kind and the bbq was legit, really tasty. We got ribs, pulled pork and white chicken on the bone. Normally white chicken at a bbq place isn't the star but this was super flavorful and moist. Will definitely visit again. Side of coleslaw was excellent. read more

I'm from North Carolina and I love some BBQ. Went on our honeymoon to Florida and was just tired of the same old dining out restaurants. Tried Frenchy's Rockaway grille yesterday and was not impressed . But today on the way to honeymoon island we saw Eli's BBQ. So after swimming in the ocean we stopped on our way back to the hotel and man it was well worth it. I ordered the BBQ sandwich with baked beans and Cole slaw. It was the BEST BBQ, BAKED BEANS, AND COLE SLAW I've ever tasted in my life. Very nice down to earth people at Eli's. It felt like home. 5 star food and 5 star service. read more

I almost feel bad writing this as it has had some stellar reviews. I was disappointed. I stopped by on a Saturday afternoon and waited about 10 minutes to order. Not so bad. I ordered a 1/2 slab of ribs. There were 3 people working inside the little hut and I guess another back on the grill. So finally, a half hour later, I got my ribs...to go. I got home expecting fall off the bone, tender, juicy delicious ribs and boy, was I disappointed. They were chewy and mostly tough. They tasted like they weren't seasoned at all and not much smoky flavor. Only flavor came from the sauce, served on the side. I think they need at least another half hour to hour on the low heat. Sorry to say I won't go back. 2 stars was slightly generous. read more

I have been coming here since a young kid. By far my favorite place to stop at every time i come to florida!

We stop here at least 2-3 times a month. The owners are so nice and the food is always great. Get there early bc things sell out.

Was down for a softball tournament and came across this wonderful place. We really enjoyed it and took for the ball team to enjoy also

It's Friday mid-afternoon in Dunedin and I still haven't had any lunch. A friend says to me, "Do you like barbeque?" After living in the Carolinas for much of the last 30 years I respond, "Oh yeah, and I'm pretty hungry too!" He goes on to tell me there is an iconic little hole in the wall just a couple of miles away, so off we go... It's around 2:30-3:00, so Eli's has only been open for a few hours. Apparently they are only open for two days (Friday & Saturday) and you would hope that so early in the schedule they are well stocked with menu items. Nope. As we approach the window to place our order, I ask the lovely young woman on the other side, "Which do you like better, the pork or the beef?" She responds enthusiastically, "The beef." "Great", I say. ""Let me have one Beef Platter." OOOPPPS! She tells me, "We are out of slaw. I can let you have a double order of the beans. Open for just a few hours and already out of coleslaw?! (first star lost) Moments after placing our order, we are called to pick it up. I notice a condiment area with two kinds of sauce - regular and spicy. Being a spicy kind of guy, I reach for that one. Regular Kraft BBQ Sauce is spicier/hotter than this stuff! (another star falls away) I can't remember when my jaw worked harder chewing slow-cooked barbeque beef. Doesn't that usually almost melt in your mouth? (third star gone) While eating, we notice several people wearing Eli's shirts standing around. They look to be employees. With that many people standing around, we started to wonder how they ever managed to run out of coleslaw. Before too long two or three of the employees started yammering to each other in a very cartoonish manner from distances of 30-35 feet. To be heard from that distance outside, you really have to project your voice. These clichés were up to the task. (another star bites the dust) It's possible that I just caught Eli's in one of those "perfect storm" moments, but with so many other places to enjoy lunch in the area, I'm not sure I will return to find out... read more

This is your straight to the point barbecue nothing more nothing less. They are open two days a week; ribs, chicken, and sausage and a few sides is all your getting. The flavor is OK, but not spectacular; some people may like it like that though. I would prefer a little more smoke on my BBQ, but when I'm in the area, this is the place for me.I would say that the chicken is the best on THIS menu. I won't be driving out of my way to get here, but when I'm on this side of town, this is the spot for me. P.S. CASH only read more

That was sooooo good, I'm from New York . Don't know much about BBQ but, that was the biggest tastiest rack of ribs I've ever had. The hot sauce was great, my friend had the chicken sandwich she loved it. The beans and coleslaw were delicious. Only four stars because they didn't have any more Burt ribs read more

Another good BBQ place in Pinellas county. Definitely has that down home feel. It is a walk up spot along the Pinellas trail. They have a wide variety on their menu. They are only open two days on the weekend and I would suggest getting their as soon as they open because there is always a line and they tend to sell out of certain things such as the sausage. Reasonable prices and great food. I highly suggest Eli's. read more

The rating system is based on the total experience and not the food alone, so Eli's gets a 3 from us. We rolled up to Eli's yesterday because we saw the reviews below and were in the mood to fill out guts with some smokey BBQ goodness. It only took us about 20 minutes to get there from the Westchase area, so the commute wasn't bad. When we got there, we were pleased with the site of a massive smoker in the back of the eatery. The smell of various smoked meats was thick in the air; it was a thing of beauty. The building was very quaint and small, so we were wondering how many people could possible fit inside to cook AND eat. We got the answer as we thought we were walking to the entrance and found an order window. It was at that time that we realized it was outdoor seating only. The weather was nice and the eating area was shaded by some oak trees, so we were okay with it. We got 3 pulled pork sammiches, 2 orders of baked beans, 1 order of slaw, 2 sodas and a water; the bill came to $19, so the price was right. It only took about 5 minutes for our food to be prepared--another plus. What happened next is what brought our rating to a quick 3. We've done a lot of outdoor eating, but never... NEVER have we seen such abundant fly activity, especially at a restaurant. We literally had to fight off swarms of flies for each bite we took. I was really sad because the food was excellent. The pork was probably the most tender I've ever had. It didn't have the best smoked flavor, but according to la chica, "It melts in your mouth." The slaw was great, the beans were good (not the best, but good) and the portions were sufficient for a lunchtime meal. But those freakin' FLIES! Fellow Yelpies, if you go here, get your order to go and grub down someplace safe and far removed from the fly mob at Eli's. The food is worth eating, but just at another locale. P.S. CASH ONLY! read more

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

Excellent, out of this world pulled pork. Cole slaw is also delicious. Put it on top of your pork sandwich with some of their sauce, you will not be disappointed. Wonderful out door seating by the pinellas trail shaded by a big oak tree. read more

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

Since this place is only open 2 days a week, it's a little hard to visit. But while we were in dunedin today, we decided to check it out for lunch. It's a tiny little snack that produces some mighty fine bbq. The prices are really cheap ($6 for a meal) and service is quick. I went with the pulled pork sandwich with a side of baked beans and coleslaw. Now the sides were nothing great, but the sandwich was really tasty. My husband ordered the ribs and he devoured them. Was it the best bbq I've ever had? No but it was definitely a great spot for lunch. read more

Oh stop it. The fawning by guilty liberal baby boomers. This place is soooo over rated. Yeah it makes youall feel like you all getting some home cooked barbeque back in the Carolinas in 1959. It makes you feel more intelligent because its a historical site. The reality is the food is way overpriced and in the two times I visited way over smoked and dried out. read more

Wow! So happy we found this place. The pulled pork sandwich was completely divine! Super moist and melts in your mouth. I've never had a better pork sandwich in my life, and I'm from Texas! We will be back! Contemplating every weekend! Thanks Ronnie and Eric for knowing how to make delicious BBQ! read more

It's a crisp Saturday morning in Dunedin, but Elijah Crawford doesn't notice the chilly air from his spot inside the grill house behind his barbecue stand. Eli's Bar-B-Que is only open on Friday and Saturday, and a line starts to form as usual, even with the cool temperature. Crawford and fellow pitmaster, Eric Davis, tend to the assortment of meats on the grill - whole chickens, three-pound slabs of ribs, sausages and beef rest of the bottom rack while an array of Boston butts fill the top rack. Smoke billows from the grill house, which Crawford built and calls the Big Foot. The pleasing scent of barbecue is evident to bicyclists pedaling along the Pinellas Trail, which is adjacent to Eli's. Just make sure you tell Crawford you like the way he grills the meat because he will quickly correct you if you assume his barbecue is smoked. "Some people smoke their meat, but I grill because the taste is much better," Crawford said. "If you put the lid down, it's a smoker. If you keep it up, it's a grill. We only use wood. The taste is better. The dried oak wood provides a better flavor because it burns longer." The atmosphere at Eli's is as laid back as the owner himself. A cotton tree stands at the front of the property. Towering oaks shade the picnic tables below where locals dine. The menu is simple. Ribs, chicken and chopped beef, pork and sausage are available in sandwiches and dinners and feature Crawford's special seasoning. All dinners are served with cole slaw and baked beans, both of which Crawford makes. Customers pay in cash only at the walk-up window. The prices are reasonable, ranging from $4.25 for a chopped sausage sandwich to $8.50 for a ribs dinner. Family size options, which include a 16 ounce container of cole slaw and a 16 ounce selection of baked beans, vary from $12.50 for one pound of sausage and $15 for a pound of pork to $17 for a pound a beef or a whole chicken and $27 for a slab of ribs. Regulars know first-hand that it is best to arrive early when Eli's is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Sometimes, Crawford runs out of menu items. Barbecue enthusiasts rave about Eli's. One woman spent more than $100 buying three pounds of pork and shipping it overnight to her sister in Alaska. And there is the tale of the man who forgot an essential item on a picnic table after savoring the ribs. "They are so tender that you don't need your dentures to eat them," Crawford said with a smile, flashing a gold tooth. "One guy left his teeth on the table and left without them after finishing an order of ribs. I guess he forgot where they were because he never came back to get them." Crawford, who is 69, developed a fondness for barbecue as a kid growing up in Valdosta, Ga. in what he calls the barbecue belt. With his seven brothers and seven sisters, Crawford recalls helping his parents make homegrown feasts centered around barbecue. When he was 17, he worked for a corner market where he learned how to transform a hog into sausage. In 1967, Crawford made his way to the Tampa area and worked for several years as a butcher and applying stucco on homes. To share his love for barbecue with the public, he opened a small cart on Highland Avenue in Clearwater and one day in 1997 he saw an ice cream stand for rent in Dunedin. "I wanted something bigger than just a cart, and this seemed like the ideal spot," Crawford said. "But I wasn't gonna serve ice cream. I changed it into a barbecue stand." Crawford transformed the ice cream stand into a barbecue hut, refurbishing the kitchen and building an outdoor screened "shack" behind the restaurant. A friend welded an eight-foot grill that was originally a water tank. Crawford spends much of his time in the Big Foot grill house, but he can also be seen talking to and posing for photos with customers. Later this year, Crawford estimates, he will hand over the head pitmaster role to the 40-year-old Davis, who once operated his own barbecue cart in Tarpon Springs and has worked with Crawford for several years. The namesake of Eli's has three sons and one daughter, and considers Davis a fourth son. Crawford's grandchildren work at the stand, and his wife of 14 years, Veronica, helps as well. "I thought about selling the place a few years back, but customers had a fit, so I decided to stay," Crawford said. "When I step back and Eric takes over, I'll still be around. I won't disappear. This place is big part of my life." read more

more hit than a miss is why the 4 rating. Their dark chicken sandwhich is so moist and smoke. i always get this along with the Beef Sandwhich (sometimes can be miss) most of the time the beef is uber moist and smokey but once in a while i will have one with dry hard to chew meat (doesnt happen often). I have also had their sausage and ribs. Ribs were nothing to write home about.Sausage was homeade goodness. the pros outweigh the cons by far. when its good its Great. i go weekly on fridays for quick lunches. read more

I have been by this place many times and wanted to try it. We recently were riding on the trail and decided to stop. We both ordered the pork sandwich. I guess I was expecting something different. I thought it would be the texture and taste of a smoked Boston Butt that was pulled or chopped. But was more like pork roast in a crock pot. The meat had none of that smokiness I smelled rolling out of the smoker. Really wanted to like it but doubt we will be returning. read more

Best pork I've ever tasted! We deliver the oak for the smoking. Just tried the food the last time I was there and was blown away. This is my new favorite lunch spot. read more

My favorite BBQ restaurant in Florida! The women are so friendly and the food is INCREDIBLE! I always make the time to stop if I'm in the Dunedin area on a Friday or Saturday. Wonderful restaurant. read more

You can smell the smoker as you walk down the bike trail. This is bare bones BBQ goodness. I am talking picnic tables, napkins and can soda. I loved his ribs. Not much to the seasoning but you can really taste the smoke. My only complaint .....the sides are small. But the prices are reasonable, so buy another side. The baked beans were good. I liked the coleslaw the best. It isn't too sweet or sour, just right. Give Eli's your business. His people know what they are doing. Remember cash only. I wish he delivered to upstate New York. read more

I'm so glad I found this little gem. While I wish there were more sides to choose from (I'm not a coke slaw fan), the food was out of this world. I'll be back to try other menu items! read more

Eli's Bar B Que - Pulled pork :) - Barbeque Near Me - Dunedin, Florida

Wow, first time here and it was amazing! The absolute best BBQ I have had since moving to Florida!

A must stop local BBQ joint. So good we stopped in the pouring rain and ate in our car. We refused to wash the delicious BBQ smell off our hands. Get away from the chains and try something local. read more

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This is the place. Family owned and operated only open Fridays and Saturdays. Get there early, they do run out of some things as the day progresses. You will find no better barbecue anywhere. Right on the Pinellas Trail. read more

Excellent BBQ, ribs and brisket. Authentic! A don't miss this spot kinda place! Sweet tea was delicious and refreshing.