We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Eli's BBQ: Restaurant Reviews

3313 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45226-1012
513-533-1957
Website
Update restaurant details
Ranked #6 of 1,055 restaurants in Cincinnati
Cuisines: Barbecue
11 visitor photos
Restaurant details
Write a Review

54 reviews from our community

94% Recommend
    40
    11
    3
    0
    0
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
There are newer reviews for Eli's BBQ
See the most recent reviews
Cincinnati, Ohio
1 review
“Tastebud Entertatinment”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 14, 2013

What a pleasant experience. Taste, quality, simple surroundings, superb flavor, and probably one of Cincinnati's secrets. I'm relatively new, back in town. I missed it, perhaps, it did not exist. It does now.! It is definitely worth the trip "east" of downtown. View the river on the way. When you see the silhouette of the "PIG", get your mouth ready for drowning. Enjoy the Sandwich, mac-n-cheese, and baked beans, southern style. Next trip, a "RACK" of ribs. Price was perfect. Real glass 16oz bottles of Coke. Open yourself, hon. BYOB if you are so inclined. Humble beginnings as I understand it, and humble surroundings yet today, the ambiance is perfect. Remember that old saying what is it that you remember about a good eatery, the quality of the food or the foyer.
Please enjoy!

  • Visited March 2013
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Food
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask Paul B about Eli's BBQ
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
44 helpful votes 44 helpful votes
“Best BBQ/Sides Ever”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 14, 2013

Yum! i dream about this place sometimes at night when the hunger bug hits me! Their food is pure comfort and delish! From the crispy BBQ, to the tangy turkey, ( served on buttery, grilled buns), to their wonderful sides (love the mashed potatoes and grits the best)..it's ALL good. Very low key place off the beaten path, yet still less than 5 minutes from downtown..this place has a lot of character. Love sitting outside in good weather on the picnic tables with beverage of my choice (BYOB). Inside is cool too if it is not too busy. Really enjoy the record player with a great choice of vinyl, but it can get exceedingly loud inside if busy...and it is frequently busy at peak hours. Great value also..sandwiches are big and less than $6, plus since you can bring your own booze, it makes it a very affordable night.

  • Visited March 2013
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Food
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask yayafabs about Eli's BBQ
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cincinnati
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
26 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
“Cash Only, Small place, but worth it”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 14, 2013

This is the best barbeque in Cincinnati - a town that for too long has smothered meat in ketchup with honey (e.g. Montgomery Inn), and confused it with real barbeque. It is about time someone learned how to smoke barbeque for real, and this place has it. Tiny inside, but expansion in a heated tent. Great pork, better turkey all good smoked. I can see this becoming more and more popular because the food is that good. And inside the music is all on a turntable. But bring cash or you will leave hungry.

  • Visited March 2013
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Food
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by jibbyjit for Cincinnati
Ask jibbyjit about Eli's BBQ
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
1 review
“Best q in cinci!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 12, 2013 via mobile

Best bbq around! Great atmosphere and music. Meat smoked daily right out back. Great flavor to everything! The mac n cheese is amazing as well as the beans. Big sandwiches, great value. And easy to get to once you know where it is. Five stars! This place is great!

    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Food
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask Reddhering about Eli's BBQ
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
28 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
“Best BBQ this side of Memphis.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 11, 2013 via mobile

Great everything! Perfectly done meat (even the turkey is awesome) spicy beans, crunchy slaw. Great atmosphere. Not much more to say. Very casual and crowded so plan accordingly.

    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Food
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by stbrigid for Cincinnati
Ask stbrigid about Eli's BBQ
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Travelers who viewed Eli's BBQ also viewed

 

Been to Eli's BBQ? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Eli's BBQ, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing