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Eli's BBQ - Riverside

4.4 (1.6k reviews)
ModerateBarbeque
Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

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Eli's BBQ - Riverside Photos

ELI'S BBQ - RIVERSIDE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for groups
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Eli's BBQ - Riverside

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Val B.

I do not care how many times I crave and boost about Eli's BBQ. They NEVER let me down. When I tell you the rib tips are the best in the city, that's exactly what I mean. When there is not a need/desire for bbq sauce, you know you have good ribs. The front of the house is always welcoming and personable, Love, love both the OTR location and the Riverside locations. You really get your $ worth.

Pulled pork sandwich w/ cornbread and baked beans
Eljay C.

I ordered the chicken wings, ribs w/ corn bread, baked beans, pulled pork sandwich, & macaroni & cheese with pork bits. Overall the only thing I liked was the chicken wings and ribs. The pulled pork sandwich was dry as F. You had to smother that in bbq sauce to scarf it down. The baked beans weren't too bad and didn't really care for the MacNCheese or cornbread. I did like how they had outdoor seating and it was spacious. The service wasn't that great. I ordered there and it took about 40 minutes just to get my food. A couple before me complained how they didn't get their food for 30 minutes that they ate there.

Outdoor signage
Alain Serge Y.

Little hole in a wall making a bold statement with their bbq meats. I had the ribs and I had a paradigm shift, I started entertaining very existential questions, my concepts on humanity because inspirational. I digress, there was a thin layer of slightly crispy caramelized sauce on each rib, perfectly balanced moist/dry meat. The cornbread could have been slightly moist Overall, it is one of those places that remind you the true greatness of America, in a small way.

Peyton R.

Really good flavorful pulled pork! There was no wait, and the staff was really nice and patient. They have heated outdoor seating, and plenty of parking. The only thing I wish they had is regular cornbread (they only jalapeno flavored). I do recommend this place over the one down the street (PC)

Dry
Mesy D.

On my way back from doctor visit. I was a bit hungry. Grabbed 10 bones and 2 pulled pork sandwiches for my aunt that recently had surgery. I mentioned that I had never been to this location, only Findlay. Perhaps that was not a good idea. The bones I received were probably the driest over smoked/cooked ribs I've ever had. Whomever packed this knew they were doing a customer wrong. 2 bones out of 10 were edible. No worries, Eli, I have learned my lesson. Times are too hard to waste money like this. Sauce the bomb as always.

Pulled Pork & Macaroni and Cheese

The pulled pork sandwich was juicy, smoky, and stacked just right with a nice balance of flavor, hit the spot. The mac and cheese was rich, creamy, and super comforting. 10/10 Overall, a really satisfying combo I'd gladly order it again

BBQ Sammy
Ryan G.

Friendly service, food that taste fresh and delicious, and atmosphere that is peaceful and pleasant outside in the barn like structure. Favorite BBQ PLACE in Cincinnati...make the stop, great deal, full belly.

Macaroni and Cheese 2 oz Cole Slaw Rib Tips Pork Sandwich 2 oz BBQ Sauce
Morgan W.

Outdoor picknic table seating, in the winter they have the heaters on. Casual dining experience. Order up front and grab utensils, condiments outside on folding table. Macaroni is wonderful and bbq sauce is good on everything. Pulled pork sandwich was my favorite over the ribs but great portions.

Mike H.

Everyone loves Eli's..! Food is always great. Staff is wonderful & helpful. Vynl on the turntable.

Pulled Pork
Alex F.

GOOD BBQ SAUCE I ordered a Pork Sandwich and Jalapeno Cornbread through Uber Eats. The sandwich is large enough to make two so I recommend getting an extra bun. The pork itself was dry and the cornbread was even drier. Eating at the restaurant may help with the dryness. The bbq sauce is tasty and on the sweeter side. Overall, I recommend the sauce but not the meat.

Hot Dogs with Macaroni and Cheese and Mashed Potatoes and the Pound Hickory Smoked Pulled Pork with Best Baked Beans and Jalapeno Cornbread

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1 year ago

dry, dry, dry. Last two times here were the same, probably done with this place, it was on the way home so convenient

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1 year ago

best bbq in cincinnati. great atmosphere, both indoor and outdoor seating with live music. unbelievably good food!

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Ask the Community - Eli's BBQ - Riverside

Are they kosher?

Of course not

I've heard customers are allowed to bring their own alcohol? Is this the case and are there specific guidelines?…

Yes, we do allow guests to bring whatever they like to drink with their meal. However, as we do remind customers that open container is illegal in the state of Ohio, we do not have the authority or obligation to enforce these laws. Please feel free… Read more

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Lucius Q

Lucius Q

(412 reviews)

$$$$

Over-the-Rhine

Great food & awesome atmosphere! Service was amazing! You definitely won't regret visiting Lucius Q!read more

Tucked into the heart of Pendleton, Lucius Q is the kind of place that pulls you in before you even…read morereach the door--the irresistible aroma of smoked meat drifting out onto the street is enough to make you stop in your tracks (and immediately start craving barbecue). Every visit feels like a treat, but lately they've taken things up a notch with a lineup of signature cocktails. I tried the espresso martini, and it was outstanding--smooth, balanced, and the perfect complement to the bold, smoky flavors coming out of the kitchen. As for the food, it's consistently excellent. The dry rub wings are my go-to: perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of heat and flavor, and even better when paired with their bama white sauce. If you're leaning sandwich, you can't go wrong with a pulled pork or pulled chicken sammy topped with their Carolina gold sauce--it's tangy, slightly sweet, and completely addictive. And the fries? Thick-cut, crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside--exactly what great fries should be. Beyond the food and drinks, Lucius Q really shines as a place to gather. They have a fantastic event space that comfortably holds around 50 people--perfect for parties or private events. It's also one of the rare downtown spots with plenty of TVs, making it a great place to catch a game. Add in live music most Fridays and a great outdoor patio for those perfect Cincinnati weather days, and it's easy to see why this place is always buzzing. Lucius Q is one of those spots I simply can't walk past without slowing down and breathing it in. Whether you're a Pendleton regular or just passing through downtown Cincinnati, it's a must-visit that delivers every single time.

Smoke Justis - Smoked chicken nachos

Smoke Justis

(397 reviews)

$$

Good experience good service. Really nice location. Good space for watching games and downtown…read morelocation

Visiting from Chicago, so I am not a local, but this place made me wish I was. It didn't go off…read morewithout a hitch, but they made up for what had been missed. Read on for more. I ordered online for pickup. I chose the federal burger (with onions, tomatoes, and provolone cheese - no grand slam sauce, which is a thousand island type of sauce, but I asked for it on the side when I got there) and a tray of smoked nachos with no jalapeños and no sour cream. I also opted to do cheese sauce on the side so that way when I got to my hotel, the nachos wouldn't be all soggy and soft. When I picked it up, I was completely impressed with the look, feel, and general ambience of the restaurant/bar. It just had a general feeling that made me wish I had been able to go with some friends. I was impressed. Unfortunately, after I walked with the food, back to my hotel, I ended up finding out that they had neglected to include the cheese sauce on the side. When I called and was directed to the manager, Rebecca, she was extremely apologetic and offered to either credit me or refire my the nachos. I said that I would love to come get them, but my burger would be cold by the time I got back she offered to re-fire the burger as well. I really wanted to have the full experience for my first time eating from Smoke Justis. Rebecca was absolutely amazing and made sure that I was taken care of well despite the issue that I had. I agreed and said that I would give the original meal to the front desk attendant at the hotel. He ended up being very excited to get a free meal, especially one from Smoke Justis. (Hint: Remember to make sure they put your cheese sauce in the bag!) Now for the food: The tray of smoked nachos were amazing and I definitely I'm glad that I got the cheese sauce. It completely pulled the dish together and it was absolutely amazing. The only problem is that they were so good that I had a harder time getting to the fries and burger. By the time I got to the fries and burger I was almost completely full. The fries were really good and they were seeming to be homemade sliced fries, but either way were great. Then I tasted the burger... wow, just wow. The flavor from the burger, was one of the best I have ever had. No sauce or anything else. Whatever they used to season the meat was incredible. Bottom line, I definitely will be back. Their commitment to excellence, both with the food and with the service, is apparent. Be good to you. Eat here.

Midwest Best Bbq & Creamery - **Special** Add 3 CTB

Midwest Best Bbq & Creamery

(329 reviews)

$$

I got 6 wings of their dillonator & 6 of their g-funk wings. They know exactly what they are doing…read morehere with their BBQ. I also got some baked beans and a corn muffin. I wish I ordered 5 instead of 1. I can eat those all day long. Never have I ever had cornbread that bomb in my life. Come get you some! The lovely lady upfront with the red curly hair was nice and helpful. The other cashier which was a young boy also seemed pretty nice! If you're craving BBQ, ya'll gotta come try this spot out. It's right off the freeway. Nice building with a good amount of seating.

Look, as the winner of the 1992 Barbecue Competition, with Gary Burbank as judge, I'm basically the…read moreLeBron James of ribs. I've eaten my way through every smokehouse in Cincinnati, so when I say Midwest Best BBQ is the real deal, believe me. My arteries are practically Yelp-certified. The team of servers and cooks seems like they recruited an entire football team of young men from the University of Cincinnati; service so fast you'd think they were running a two-minute drill, attentive enough to make your mom jealous, and coordinated like they're protecting the quarterback only this time, the quarterback is your pulled-pork sandwich. Their wings, rubs, and sauces? Every single flavor profile was so good I nearly proposed to the coleslaw. And don't get me started on the G-Funk wings. They're delightful, though naming wings after a rap genre means you half expect Dr. Dre to hand you wet wipes. And let's talk about the smoking schedule. They've got a night smoker and a day smoker, which sounds less like a BBQ setup and more like a buddy-cop movie: "Day Smoker plays by the rules, Night Smoker breaks 'em, but together they deliver justice... in the form of brisket." Mark, one of the owners, literally smokes meat during a half-day shift with the love and passion of a Michelin-star chef who moonlights as Cupid. This guy makes ribs like he's serenading them. If Hallmark made a "Brisket Romance" channel, Mark would star in every single movie. I bought several pounds of meat to take home. Not "a pound." Several. Because nothing says "self-control" like hiding a bag of smoked chicken behind your kale in the fridge. Exclamation point. Period. Now, location... ...here's the kicker. They're hidden off the road over a hundred yards. That's right, it's the Area 51 of BBQ. You basically need Google Maps, a Sherpa, and divine intervention to find them. Yet, somehow, when you do, it feels like stumbling upon the Ark of the Covenant... ...only tastier, and fewer Nazis melting. Inside? Casual. TVs locked on Bengals or Reds games, so you can watch disappointment while you eat happiness. Patio? Shaded. Perfect for when you want to sweat from the hot sauce, not the sun. The sides? Top echelon. Beans, slaw, cornbread, each one a little sidekick to the main meat superhero. And for the low-carb crowd, this place is a protein paradise. Keto bros rejoice: you can bench-press your brisket guilt-free. Bottom line: Midwest Best BBQ doesn't just feed you, it baptizes you in smoke, sauce, and joy. And if you're not leaving with meat sweats, did you even go?

Montgomery Inn - The Boathouse - Shrimp and Grits (appetizer)

Montgomery Inn - The Boathouse

(815 reviews)

$$

Mt. Adams

$100 Food Poisoning…read more My husband was really wanting ribs and we had always heard good things about this restaurant. We didn't have a reservation but were seated pretty quickly on the heated patio upstairs. When we sat down, they instantly gave us our water and then we didn't see our waitress for about fifteen minutes. The waitress finally came and we went ahead and ordered our appetizers, drinks, and ribs all at same time because we didn't know when she'd be back (even told them no need to delay the entree to try to hurry things along). We waited quite a bit for our appetizers- about an hour. The couple next to us even left before they got their entrees and were very upset and spoke to the manager. We got the appetizers first- onion straws and the meatballs/grits. Meatballs were.... not good. Very very herby with an uncomplimentary sauce, grits were bland, but at least the onion straws were good. Ribs can out about 20 minutes later. We shared them and got mac as a side. Mac tasted very generic. We were very excited about the ribs but they were a let down. Sauce was very sweet and for price we paid I expected a bigger slab (we got the full slab). Went ahead and got our check while we were still eating so we could hurry home. Now, the real surprise came that evening. Husband got very very bad food poisoning- like the up all night kind. I'm not sure if it was his side of the ribs or the grits but it was BAD. Can't believe we paid over $100 for someone in the kitchen to not follow basic food safety protocol!! We will not be back! Money is better spent elsewhere!

Haven't been here in years but came back thanks to restaurants week and I am glad I did…read more The service was great and the food was even better. We enjoyed everything but our drink which tastes watered down as soon as it came to the table. We orders the ribs and chicken, 2 grilled pork chops and 2 loaded potatoes and we had no complaints! Of course you can't forget in views inside and outside of the restaurant.

Eli's BBQ - Findlay

Eli's BBQ - Findlay

(195 reviews)

$

Over-the-Rhine

Because you can't give a half of a star, I will give it a full four but if you could, I would have…read moregiven the experience 3.5 stars. I have heard for years how Eli's is highly rated. I was down at Findlay Market along with stopping by Sam Adams and wanted to grab a quick bite. My thought was how tasty a pulled pork sandwich would be so I stopped into Eli's. I placed the order then saw a sign indicating I believe it said 15-20 minute wait. At first I had a hard time comprehending this and why there were so many people standing around. After some time had passed, I heard them say to put DoorDash on a delay. After a bit, I walked over just to observe to see what may be taking so long for orders to be prepared as I don't believe any of their food is cooked to order but is prepared to order. With this I mean, all of their food is already cooked,it is a matter of dishing it up. Again, seeing that there were three people plus and order taker, again I (who worked much of my younger years in food service) was trying to decipher the delay. Then I watched as the staff was joking, laughing and just being sort of happy go lucky in the back (not that you shouldn't have a good time at your place of employment) whic in my personal opinion added to the delayed preparation. I'm order finally was ready after the 15-20 minute wait and I was ready to eat my long awaited pulled pork sandwich. I must say, it was quite delicious and met all that I was hoping for and I'm sure any of the sides are equally delicious. With all that said, the whole waiting experience lessened the visit for me but the food did make up for it. I'm not sure about their other location but with the one by Findlay Market, if you are in a hurry, skip Eli's, if you have the time to wait and want delicious food, them give Eli's a try. Now that I know what I know, the next time I go, I will stop by and place an order the go do my Findlay Market shopping and come back to pick up my food to help with time management. Nine the less, if you have the time, I would say give them a try.

Damn dude. For yearssss I've been a customer. This last 1-1.5 years has been drastically different…read more The quality of everything down to the coleslaw. I know with this societies environment it's hard. But recipes are obviously different and it went from quality and service of food consistently 1000% to now my 6th time getting it being ever hopeful to still be disappointed. As someone vetted in restaurant industry both back and front of house, it's obvious ownership/leadership made cuts in the wrong places. It feels like they've given up...and damn it's just to obvious n when you've had it years prior. To the staff dealing with complaints. It's not on you. Thank you for working in this industry in general. It's rough out here. Appreciate you and hope you feel appreciated.

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - bbq - Updated May 2026

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