Today: Epic BBQ ribs... cheesy Jalapeño grits.. & cole slaw. I enjoy my time coming here. Everyone is super cool, and are intent on feeding you well. Vinyl playing on the Turntable... Art... Reds memorabilia... read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - Ribs & jalapeño cheddar grits. - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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I came on a Sunday around 630 on a cold winter evening, we ordered our food at the counter and then sat down - the food was delivered maybe 10 minutes or so later & it looked and smelled amazing! I got the 2 loaded hot dogs with mac & cheese & mashed potatoes - my meal came to be 14$. The hot dogs were so good - the perfect snap on the meat and the toppings complimented it so well the perfect amount of sweetness and no soggy bun! The mac and cheese is basic in my opinion - nothing to write home about . The mashed potatoes were very good and I like how they finish them off on the grill to give a little cripsy crust. The staff was nice enough and checked on the table often - the place was clean and i like how they still have the record machine to control the music in the dining room. I haven't been here in years and I am honestly not sure why because it was delicious! read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - Loaded hot dogs , mac and mashed potatoes - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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. read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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. read more

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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. read more

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The service was nice and pleasant, the decor was simple but nostalgic. The food is a solid 4 out of 5. Would have given it a 5 but the coleslaw was too mayonnaise forward and there was no banana pudding! Great prices and good food makes this place worth a drive out of the way. read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - Pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw Macaroni and Cheese and baked beans - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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) read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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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. read more

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This is a GREAT spot, and next to an awesome bar as well. Wonderful and delicious BBQ, friendly staff, and really nice outdoor seating in a really cute area (indoor seating also available). Will absolutely be back. read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - Pulled pork sandwich and signature sides. - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Stopped by too eat dinner and said closed for work party. No mention on web site! Poor customer service!

Eli's really never misses. I probably eat here at least once a month and they always deliver. I love their smoked turkey and jalapeño cornbread. Their outdoor area is a great place to meet with a group as well. read more

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 read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - Pulled Pork & Macaroni and Cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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. read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - BBQ Sammy - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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. read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - Macaroni and Cheese 2 oz Cole Slaw Rib Tips Pork Sandwich 2 oz BBQ Sauce - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Always great food from ribs to turkey sandwiches. Grab a couple of sides or wings while your at it.

We ordered Thanksgiving from Eli's this year and it was a hit! Picked our food up the day before and reheated it the day of. Everything was tasty. The pulled pork with bbq sauce was my favorite-it has a nice tangy, sweet flavor. read more

Went here last Friday night. The food was delicious!! We had ribs, the turkey sandwich, wings, baked beans and the cheesy Mac n cheese. The wings were our fave...the dry rub was on point and they're perfectly cooked. The mac n cheese is CHEESY. The baked beans are peppery and VERY flavorful. Maybe the best I've had! The place has a nice vibe with lots of outdoor covered seating. I deducted a star bc the cashier was a downer. We had a pretty big group and everyone had the same experience with her. Unpleasant and her only words before we ordered, "...you know it's going to take at least 45 minutes?" Which it didn't. Also she had in a crop top with no bra. Eww. Get past her and then enjoy the rest! read more

Eaten lunch only. BBQ sandwich and a side. It has been several months and can't remember the side. Service (you wait on yourself) so give that 100 percent. Food very good and ambiance is fine. Rate Eli's a 9/10. read more

We ordered from DoorDash for lunch. $40 plus dollars for jerky. The pulled pork was so dry and tough it was literally inedible. Even with bbq sauce and coleslaw on top it was too dry to eat. My friend ordered the turkey, it came like big slabs of lunchmeat and it was also extremely tough. It's almost as if the food was left from the day before. Never experienced barbecue like this and I hope I never do again. read more

The food is good. The meat I got was well done and I could taste the grill. Eli's cooks it nice and crispy to the bone, it was a little too well cooked. However, the sides were bustacious. The Mac and cheese was good and the cole slaw was tasty. The service was nice and fast. The workers are friendly and warm. The ambiance is chill and pleasant. We sat outside at the picnic tables. The picnic areas are clean and it's good vibes. Highly recommend if you want a nice bbq meal and good vibes. read more

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. read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - Pulled Pork - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

The wife and I had lunch today, fantastic. Ribs were cooked well, Mac & Cheese was cheesy, but only Luke warm, I should have bit**ed, but was too busy stuffing my face. But the sauce: I don't like bbq sauces in general, but theirs was awesome. I will definitely be back, and the young lady that took our order was great, friendly and not yet old enough to hate everybody that walks through the door! read more

For the ribs alone, 5 glorious stars. I don't even eat ribs, but I'm changed. Thank goodness for my friend who suggested we get 2 bones to try. They're unmatched. Crispy and sweet outer layer, with a juicy fall-off-the-bone center. The pulled pork sandwich was also fantastic. The buttery bun, juicy pork, great ratio of sauce...it's a sure-fire choice. Get pickles for $0.50! The sauces on the table are bomb. Medium for the win! Now that you're absolutely certainly not going to pass up on the opportunity of visiting, let me tell you about their sides. 1) Mac and cheese - it's more cheese than Mac. It's so much cheese, in fact, you'll have trouble swallowing. 2) Jalapeño cornbread - cast iron style, but thin and dry. 3) Coleslaw (free) - pretty good. 4) Jalapeño grits - very bland. 5) Pickles (upcharge) - it's 3 slices of pickles. They're crisp and delightful, but cmon... they're 3 slices of pickles. But don't let that dissuade you! The meat is incredible! And there were other sides we hadn't tried. read more

If you like BBQ you have to come here. The servings are well worth the price. When it comes to side they are all good. The beans has a hint of smoke and the Mac and cheese is very cheesy. Cornbread is a must. They have a huge outside area for a group. read more

The food was AMAZING! Everything had so much flavor. I was so full but the hot dogs were so good I had to finish it. We ate outside on their picnic tables where you can also byob for the outdoor area. We ordered our food and everyone had a smile and was so friendly. They told us what was the most popular and helped us decide what to get. Then you get a buzzer and sit down outside and they bring the food outside and you grab it when your buzzer goes off. Can't wait to go back for their hot dogs! read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - Hot Dogs with Macaroni and Cheese and Mashed Potatoes and the Pound Hickory Smoked Pulled Pork with Best Baked Beans and Jalapeno Cornbread - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Wonderful weather outside for the outside patio seating at Eli's! 15-20 minute wait is normal, but the smoky dry rub flavor is worth the wait. Ribs were the star but the wings are good if you like chicken. Mac and cheese was the extra thick cheesy sauce kind if that's what you're into--our toddler gobbled it up! read more

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Was craving rib tips so why not go to Eli's. Don't worry if you can't find parking in the front for the store, you can turn the corner and find some parking in the back parking lot. read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - Rib Tips - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I've been coming here for years, and I'm surprised I haven't done a review until now. The pulled pork sandwich here is classic and wonderful. I'd take that over the ribs every day. My personal favourite are the rib tips - I remember when they were $8, even! Still worth it at $11. My only critique? The mac and cheese is as bad as ever. It tastes like cheap Velveeta smothered over macaroni. The recipe has never changed, and I'm surprised, since it's an obvious weak point in their business. read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

You can't go to Cincinnati without going to Eli's BBQ. INCREDIBLE. Ribs were so tender and crisp at the same time. The potatoes were amazing and the baked beans were truly the best. Service with a smile. The outdoor heated tent just adds to the ambiance that makes it so unforgettable. read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - Ribs Best Baked Beans & Mashed Potatoes - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Eli's BBQ definitely knows how to do barbecue right--they've got the meat game on lock! I regularly order the pulled pork sandwich, and it's always incredible. The sandwich is packed with so much tender, flavorful meat that I always grab an extra bun, and it's worth it. You can easily make two sandwiches out of one--it's that loaded. I wish I could say the same for the sides, but they're really just OK at best. Honestly, I usually skip them because the star of the show is the pulled pork. If you're ever looking for a quick, affordable, and delicious lunch, Eli's BBQ is the spot. That pulled pork sandwich never disappoints! read more

I went for the first time after always hearing amazing things about Eli's and it definitely lived up to my expectations! I ordered the 2 ribs, pulled pork sandwich, mac & cheese, and jalapeño cornbread. The coleslaw that came on the side was also good! The rib meat came right off of the bone and it was sooo good. They give you enough meat on the sandwich to eat the remainder with a fork when you've finished. The outdoor seating is great for going with a few friends and it's fully covered so you can eat out there through all the Cincinnati weather. One of my favorite parts was a cat that was hanging out around the area and came up to say hi read more

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I go pretty often and on 4/23/2025 I placed an order for eight ribs as I spoke to the lady. I said I wanted them to be tender. I received the opposite of what I asked for. I'm even going as far as to say they were old ribs dried out and hard my husband and I were very unhappy!! Will be taking a long break from them read more

We love Eli's so much. For our wedding reception, we had them cater for it, and were not disappointed. If you go to their restaurant, inside it is quaint, but there is seating out back. Everything from the smoked meats to the sides are wonderful. You wont be disappointed coming here! read more

Giving 5 stars because I have nothing to complain about. Ordered the 4 bones rib plate, was given 6 (BONUS), as well as wing platter and Mac & Cheese. Mac & Cheese was VERY cheesy and had great flavor, great side and price for amount. Ribs had a nice dry rub with sweetness with no smoke aftertaste. Wings appear to be dry rub in a similar rub with a side a sweet and tangy buffalo sauce. Location is clean with friendly staff and heated outdoor pavilion with room for large groups. Great little spot close to the river, great small business to support. read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - Rib Plate, Macaroni and Cheese, and smoked Wings - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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

Eli's is the spot that will make you realize how fraudulent your mom's "pulled pork" was. This is real pork here, and some of the best of it. If you find yourself saying "I don't like barbecue", give this a last chance. The food is incredible. It will also make you question how sweet baby rays corn syrup sludge sells so well. The fraud-free sweet brown sugar Bbq sauce you experience here will change your perspective real quick on what a sauce should taste like. Always good food here. Amazing ribs, and the sides are tasty too. This is always a great place to bring someone for a meal who isn't from Cincinnati. Ambiance is pretty cool with a chill vibe. Everyone eating BBQ by the river. Mac and cheese is by far one of the better ones for around Cincy and we appreciate that. Service is ordering yourself, and then sitting with no server. A little bit pricy but definitely a good restaurant still. Try, and share the ribs! You won't be disappointed. read more

Service is okay, food wasn't so appetizing, pulled pork was so salty and dried out it was hard to chew. You leave me puzzled about all the hype? read more

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I know I am going against poplar opinion here but we did not like Eli's! We were in Cincinnati for the weekend and I googled and checked Yelp for "best bbq in Cincinnati" and Eli's was the best on everything I read. So we went Saturday for lunch. I ordered the 4 bones and my husband ordered the pulled pork sandwich. We also picked two sides, Mac and cheese and slaw. The rib bones were so small and barely had any meat on them. The meat that was there was tough and not "fall off the bone!" The pulled pork tasted like it was warmed or cooked over lighter fluid. It had a terrible chemical taste. The sides were the best part of this meal. I didn't like the slaw but my husband loved it. And I really enjoyed the Mac and cheese. They have a large tent like structure that was heated and had rest rooms. There were picnic tables that were social distanced to sit and eat your bbq. Since this is the only time we have been to Eli's I would say we just got a bad batch of bbq. Maybe yesterday leftovers. read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - Pulled Pork sandwich with coleslaw and Mac n cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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This place has seemingly limited protein selections to help maintain quality. The sides are amazing here. I like the takeout of bulk proteins and sides Cost is reasonable and I would recommend this spot read more

From Buffalo and wanted someplace close to where we were staying for dinner. Outside seating is cool - saw people bringing their own coolers with drinks/beer. Had the ribs and I thought they were dry. They could have been good. Mac n cheese - if you like overly cheesy Mac n cheese. I also had the jalapeño grits which I did like. I sure hope there are better bbq places. read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio