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

I'm in town again and this was a must!!! The pulled pork is as good as ever. The mashed potatoes were solid. The baked beans are my favorite side. A bbq tang to them which is a great flavor addition!! Inside seating was needed on this winter day. The gal at the counter was very sweet. Took our orders promptly and brought our food out. Always a hit. Always coming back!!! read more

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The longest wait I've ever had for BBQ with relatively few people outside and a very small menu. With 3 proteins (no brisket!), i don't know how it could've possibly taken that long. Took 30-40 mins for 1 pulled pork sandwich, 1 smoked turkey sandwich, 2 ribs. Only BBQ I've been to that doesn't do 1/2 pounds. Pulled pork and ribs were really good. Smoked turkey was good, not dry at all. The BBQ sauce was a classic thick, sweet BBQ. Spicy one was thin, good and not overpowering. Slaw was nothing special. Mac & cheese wasn't good. And the cornbread was disappointing. read more

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

Thee best BBQ in Cincinnati. Hands down. Bar none. Look no further. They have created a nice outdoor area to enjoy your food. The pulled pork, baked beans, cornbread, and ribs were all great. The chicken wings were to die for. Also, you can BYOB. It's literally the best. read more

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

The bones were awful! So dry, tough, and full of gristle! Never again! The ends were so dry all you could do was peel them off. So disappointed!!! read more

09.24.2022 Ordered 2 plates and "added" cornbread. 1 Rib tips with macaroni and cheese and baked beans. The sides were decent in flavor and on the smaller sides. The rib tip were huge chunks of the ends with very little meat. Quite greasy, some flavor, definitely overpriced. 2. Pulled Pork Plate along with macaroni and cheese and baked beans. Again, the sides were decent but small. The last two pulled me pork was an absolute disaster. I can't even describe what it looked like. Just looked liked dried up leftover shavings. Didn't even begin to try to eat it. An absolute waste of money. Two hungry people with only half of a meal between the two of us. For $38 you could have eaten almond anywhere else in the city. Check your food before leaving, there's no way we would have taken that food if we had checked it. Our first and last meal at this place. Was in search for a decent bbq spot in the city, well this isn't it. I Do NOT recommend wasting your money here. read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - Supposed to be Pulled Pork, YOU decide... - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I ordered take out for a quick lunch. I only ordered a pulled pork sandwich with toppings on the side. My only critique is the pork was over salted. I would have enjoyed it more with a lot less salt. Even the barbecue sauce couldn't cover the salt. Maybe it was just a fluke because I heard good things about the sandwich which is why I tried it. I may try again later. read more

Great place for the entire family to gather outside and eat. Excellent bbq. Be aware this place is byob.

I stopped by for a quick meal. I will say I did like the smoked wings and the Eli's BBQ sauce. I didn't care for the bake beans or the coleslaw. I will come back for the wings and BBQ sauce. I'm afraid to try any other sides. read more

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Man, I don't know what is going on out here in The Nati. I keep Yelping restaurants before I try them, I see a lot of 3.5 and 4+ star reviews, but then, I try a place and it's mediocre at best! The place has a lot of space to hang outdoors and chill, while enjoying your food. That's more than likely the highlight of the review. Or, the Mexican coke they offer. That would be highlight 1A. I ordered a pulled pork sandwich and slaw on top, sauce on the side. The food came out pretty quick, which is always good. I brought it to the car and there was an odd smell coming from the bag. Not that hickory smoke BBQ has or even something rancid. Just strange. I can't make it out, but when I open the lid to my sandwich, I smelled it a bit more. Super odd. Pulled pork was not very juicy and was borderline dry. Not a lot of flavor and again, another restaurant that needs some salt and pepper and some seasoning. I have never experienced such bland food as I have here in Ohio. I hate to say this, but I won't be back. I always want to LOVE a restaurant, but more and more often, I am finding mediocrity here in The Nati. Can't say I am shocked, cause it's Ohio and all. read more

The place is a bit overrated. The atmosphere is great, not gonna lie. But the cost was a bit much for the little bit you get. I ordered the pork sandwich and it was okay, not much flavor and the sauce was nothing to write home about, I've had better for much less. The wait staff was super wonderful, though, and very friendly. But again, why so expensive for so little?! There's a place in OTR that charges way less and you get so much more food and bang for your buck. read more

As the first customers to be seated inside since the pandemic, we may have overwhelmed the young man at the register. I helped my two boys order and by the time my out of town guests figured out the menu, we had let the moment pass.....don't look back! We are vaccinated and craving BBQ! If you have a chance, please love on the staff. I tipped them well and hope they are as happy to be back and in person as we are to be INSIDE! The Reds game was postponed due to rain and I am not sure if we could have been happy outside in a tent. Last Friday, my family met a couple who had come to Cincinnati from Columbus for the Freedom Center. They tried BBQ outside in the big tent. Today was warmer and everyone felt comfortable. Today, I brought baseball fans who needed to see the Reds. Since the game wasn't going to be an option, we lucked out and saw the Big Red Machine in portraits on the wall. I was just glad we didn't have to go in some chain or another sports bar. Eli's delivered! Thank you to the staff. They were friendly and despite their lack of comfort with our mask less smiling faces, they stepped up and bravely served us. We can do this Ohio. Daddy DeWine is giving us the freedom to get out and smile at each other. Go get vaccinated and eat BBQ! read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - We got to eat INSIDE Eli's. No baseball, no problem. They even serve LA Dodgers fans! - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

The pork was lean and had a nice flavor. The sauce was good. However, two out of the three sides were not good. The mac n cheese tasted like it was made from a Velveeta mix and the slaw was bland with large pieces of cabbage. My husband did enjoy the grits. read more

The food is great. The wings are awesome! Both sauces are delicious. They have a covered patio outside and it's BYOB so pack a cooler and hang out. Bench style seating unless you wanna bring camp chairs for the uncovered grass area. Staff was great too! So many options for a BBQ joint. Keep it up! read more

Best bbq you gonna find around here always slide me an extra bone good staff as well good people and great food . read more

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

OMG the bones! The meat melts in your mouth and the spices are perfect. The baked beans have some spice to them which is spot on, and the best beans I've had in a while. This place has a great atmosphere and the staff is super friendly. My first time in Cincinnati and just found this place for lunch. So glad I did! Would highly recommend this place. read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - Pulled pork, 2 Bones, baked beans, and Mac and cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

The meat is pretty good but I cannot wrap my head around how TERRIBLE the sides are. The Mac and Cheese tastes like glue. The cornbread is dryer than a college freshman's post geeb throat. So disappointing. Ive had better sides in prison. read more

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

Unfortunately Eli's is not what it used to be. When it first opened a few years back, you couldn't keep me out of this place. Now after an absence (I moved), I came back hoping for the juiciest, tastiest dry rub ribs ever and their previously excellent sides. This dinner definitely wasn't that. The ribs were small, thin and fairly tasteless. The Cole slaw bland. The biggest disappointment was the jalapeño cornbread, which was served like a cold slab of yesterday's stale bread. The baked beans were okay, but they didn't save the meal. Truly breaks my heart. It was my favorite place in Cincinnati and changed my mind about dry rub ribs. read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - Four bone rib dinner with jalapeño cornbread and baked beans. - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Eli's has a pork heavy menu and that is ok as they do it right! When dinning in here are the Riverside location its usually a toss up between pulled pork sandwich and the smoked chicken wings. The pulled pork is pilled high but for sure requires bbq sauce. The smoked wings are meaty, crispy yet still juicy. You will crave them after having them. read more

Nice relaxed out door location. Pulled pork my wife really liked. Ribs were pretty good. Service was ok. The jalapeño grits were great. read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - Pulled Pork Sandwich with baked beans and Creamy Southern Coleslaw - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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The pulled pork was some of the best I have had. The flavor danced in my mouth. Sandwich was well proportioned with meat. The sauce was unique, different than most, sweet and tangy with a zip. Good sides of cornbread and baked beans. Wish they had something green on the menu. #spicemeister approved. read more

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

The food was good and the service was good as well. The cashier was very friendly and helpful. Ribs fell off the bone, beans and wings were all good. read more

I've eaten here a couple times and the first time was great; had the hot dog and cole slaw. Second time, not so wonderful; dry ribs and cornbread. The jalapeño cheddar grits rocked though; just thought that, for $13, it should've been a little better... read more

I'm an Eli's fan! Not usually that excited about BBQ but Eli's is different. Their pulled pork is to die for! It has just the right amount of smokiness and Crispiness to make you feel like your taking a bite of heaven. I will say that their sides are ok nothing to rave about. Skip their Mac n cheese and go for the mashed potatoes. I'm also a fan of their hot dogs! read more

Was on a bike ride along Riverside Drive. This place smelled so good that I came for lunch today. I had the smoked turkey sandwich plate with cheesy macaroni and the jalapeño cheese grits. Everything was very tasty. Can't wait to return to try the pulled pork, always one of my favorite at a bbq place. read more

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

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After driving a bit into what felt like the boonies, my husband questioned where I was taking him. "To the best lunch of your life," I said. And it was. After not seeing people for a few miles of our drive, we pulled up and suddenly found all of them at Eli's. It's a non-assuming place with a cute pig sign out front. You walk in and order a pulled pork or chicken sandwich, or a hot dog (or meat without a bun). Then come the sides: mac & cheese and jalapeño cornbread sounded the best. You can choose to eat inside, OR they have a huge, outdoor structure with clear, plastic sides and indoor heating lamps for people to eat. There's hay on the ground inside of it and lots of picnic tables. You can BYOB and there's lots of colored twinkle lights and games you can play. What a cool hangout spot! Our food was incredible - both of us said it was the best bbq pulled pork sandwich we've ever had. Man, I can't wait to return, especially on a summer's day. read more

I placed a large catering order for my company and Jessy crushed it for us. She had outstanding attention to detail, communication, and customer service. The food was amazing (as always), and everyone loved it for lunch. read more

The ribs were great and loved the sauces. The sides weren't anything special. Service was good and the staff is friendly read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - Ribs Jalapeno Cornbread Macaroni and Cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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I love Eli's, but sometimes the wait is just too long. This is not the place to go if you are already super hungry. Instead, come a little before the time you would normally eat and bring your own snacks to munch on while you're waiting and also some games to play with the people you're with! If you go in, knowing that it's going to take up to 2 hours (on holidays or prime time on the weekends) you'll be golden. Don't expect to have your food super quick. With that being said, I love every single thing on their menu. My favorite are the hot dogs, you get two and they are huge! I usually get the "plate" which comes with two sides and I can never finish everything (so I have leftovers...yum)! There are lots of picnic tables available, both under the shelter and out in the grass. Pro tip: call ahead your order and show up when it should be ready, then your wait might only be 15 minutes and you can still enjoy the ambiance of Eli's! read more

I needed some BBQ and found this gem in my neighborhood. I enjoyed all the food. Next time I need way more Mac and cheese;) Get you some comfort food! read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - Brisket. Baked beans. Greens. Brisket mac & cheese. Peach cobbler. - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Ordered online for pickup. I have always liked Eli's and had a gift card so why not. Ordered a turkey sandwich with cheese grits and jalapeño cornbread. The order was correct and everything was very tasty as always. Turkey was tender and well smoked and the bit of slaw and bbq sauce were outstanding. Cheese grits were a bit loose for me but I like mine thick. Still tasted great. The cornbread was a bit stale but I still scarfed it and ordered a second piece. Order time was one hour at 3 pm. Still not ready at 4. Not a problem. $19 including tip and it was a filling meal. I have money left on the card so I will order again. read more

This was a bbq joint that I've been hearing about for a very long time and finally got to try it. This particular location was off of Kellogg Avenue down by the river. It's a very small location that was only offering outside seating due to coronovirus restrictions. That's ok though because they have a very large and beautiful outside eating area that really added to our enjoyment of lunch. I tried out their Smoked Wings that had a really good rub on them. There was also a side of a mustard based bbq sauce that while good in its right I thought that the wings were better off without it. I also got a side of mac and cheese that was slightly above average. My wife got their turkey which we both loved the flavour of and she got some beans which she spoke very highly of. All in all a delicious bbq lunch tgat was very affordable so I will definitely be back. Full marks from me. read more

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DELICIOUS BBQ! My mouth is watering as I type and look at these pictures. The sides were great, the protein was great, the atmosphere was great...Everything was great. read more

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I had ribs here on my last business trip in February. Cool atmosphere and great smell. The ribs were smoky but needed seasoning or rub. They were tender and cooked just right. If they would use a good dry rub, they would be fantastic but based my experience, I can only give 3 stars read more

Eight years later and they are still cranking out knock dead BBQ - Keep it smokin'! It gets not better than this.

This place is so delicious!! I had never even heard of it but I am so glad we stopped in. Service is awesome and we will be returning!!! read more

Eli's BBQ - Riverside - 4 Bones, Best Baked Beans, Creamy Southern Coleslaw Pork Sandwich, Jalapeno Cornbread, Macaroni and Cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

We live in the neighborhood and enjoy the convenience of Eli's being in walking distance often. Time and time again and it never disappoints. I'm sure there's not a bad thing on the menu but our go to is hands down the loaded hot dogs... I know you may think why get hot dogs at a bbq place but it comes loaded with pork crispens and coleslaw and topped with bbq sauce. We accompanied that with jalapeño cheddar grits and mashed potatoes but all there sides are amazing. Service was fast as always and we enjoyed the heated outdoor eating area. We will continue to go here and look forward to the weather getting nicer to enjoy it even more. Give it a shot and try the loaded all beef hot dogs, you won't be disappointed. read more

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

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