Eli's BBQ - Riverside

This place is absolutely worth going out of your way for. The staff is welcoming, there was hardly any wait, and most importantly the food is phenomenal! The pulled pork was tender and juicy. The ribs are really unique. I've never had anything quite like this. They seem like they are made with a dry rub, cooked until perfectly tender, cut into single ribs, and then the sides are seared. It has a crisp almost like a very tender bacon. All the sides we tried were delicious. I've had a lot of disappointing mac and cheese from other restaurants. This was wonderfully gooey and cheesy. The jalapeno cornbread and jalapeno grits are amazing too. The place has a fantastic atmosphere with a pavilion next door with picnic table seating. This is the perfect place to enjoy dinner on a warm evening.

We LOVED Eli’s BBQ. We were visiting from out of town and wanted something like local, hidden gem. Eli’s did not disappoint! The pulled pork and wings were delicious, and the hostess was knowledgeable and friendly! She recommended the smoked hot dog which we tried and loved! Highly recommend!!

Really nice experience. Was great mashed potatoes. Coleslaw was really good on the pulled pork sandwich. The outdoor seating area was really nice. Not my favorite bbq sauce but was decent.

Great food, best bbq meat I have had in a long time.

Great atmosphere, outdoor tent is a genius idea. I was a little disappointed with the ribs. They were dry and hard on top and cold. My fiance's pulled pork sandwich was very good. The coleslaw is not sweet, which is alright with me.

This is easily one of my favorite spots. The pulled pork is my go to since it is super tender and melts in your mouth. I heard a lot of people talk about the mac and cheese before I tried it, and on my second visit I finally gave it a shot. It was amazing. Super rich, creamy, and definitely worth the hype. If I had to mention one downside, it would be the limited seating inside, but they do a good job making up for it with outdoor seating. Definitely a place worth visiting. It is popular for a reason.

Tasty BBQ - staff was a little awkward. We were obviously out of town, first time guests. I did not feel like the young lady behind the counter was friendly or patience as we tried to figure out the menu and ordering. The air conditioner could not keep up. We could “move chairs, but you can’t move tables” as we tried to figure out how to get our party to be able to be seated together. The BBQ itself was delicious.

Great place to take the family for a dinner or lunch outing. The views or amazing when siting outside. Great food would be a understatement I always go to Eli's the meat is cooked to perfection great texture and nice smoke flavor on everything. The staff is amazing nice friendly and informative. ALWAYS COME HERE FOR BBQ

Great food and affordable pricing. The staff were all very pleasant. Parking was available.

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

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!

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

Not impressed. If & when you have to reheat bbq, please double wrap in foil & add chicken broth. I must have picked the wrong day to go twice. NGNSMFs

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Rib tips and baked beans are always a winner!!!!!! Awesome service and staff. Customer for life.

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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

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!

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.

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?

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.

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!!!

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.

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.

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...

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

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.

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.

I don't know what their food is like, they have no obvious wheelchair access to their main building. There is a heated tent that is wheelchair accessible, but their establishment's building has literally one or two steps. We shouldn't have to only sit by ourselves outside In a tent because we couldn't access their inside dining room. It would be incredibly easy to find or make a ramp that could allow such access. I'm sure this business does plenty fine, but they lost our business tonight.

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.

Best ribs in the Midwest. The bbq sauce is worth buying to take home. The rib tips are worth every penny if you want to deal with a cartilage.

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.

Cause Damn. The Smoked Wings are the best wings you will ever have, service was exceptional and fast, we ordered 3 entree's and 3 sides and it came out in less than 10 minutes. Lots of outdoor seating and great music playing. And damn, those wings and mashed potatoes will knock your socks off.

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

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.