Eli's BBQ - Riverside

We love Eli's BBQ and always will. If they came out this way, they'd retire in a week. We drive 2.5 hours one way just to enjoy this wonderful food. I love smoked meats and bbq. I've had barbecue from Michigan to South Carolina, and nobody compares to Eli's. The dirty mashed potatoes, oh my word. The mac and cheese was so cheesy! And the wings!! The cole slaw!! Not one thing on the menu is bad. Everything is worth every single penny. If I could work there for long enough to learn how to do it myself, I swear I would. Best. Barbecue. Ever. It is like I'm eating love.

Nice setting and courteous staff. The BBQ, however, was only about 4 stars in my opinion. I ordered the ribs, and it appears they cut all the ribs individually after smoking them and then maybe broil them to reheat—they definitely didn't seemed to have been smoked fresh that day... I’m a BBQ fanatic and always try local BBQ when I travel for work, and these just weren’t 5-star ribs. The meat selection was also limited. I would have expected brisket and hot links on the menu, but the closest thing to hot links was hot dogs. The sides were good—the mac and cheese was appropriately cheesy, and the beans were solid.

Oh, my Gawd! This place has great bbq! My brother and I went on a Wednesday on our way to KY and tried the hot dogs. So good we took our other brother the following Friday on our way back to Cleveland. Hot dogs with creamy slaw and pork crackling. Best hit dog ever. Tried the pulled pork sandwich too - excellent. Wouldn't know this place was here unless ypu heard about it or were looking for BBQ. Eli- nice place and great food. Enjoyed our food on the outdoor patio in the sun.

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.

Great vibes, even better RIBS! This palce has outdoor seating, grass, perfect place for kids and dogs and families, or a fun date night. To say the food was DELICIOUS would be an understatement, Mac and cheese, jalapeno corn bread, the whole works was a hit with our family!

Great fall off the bone ribs and bbq sauce. Solid slaw. Pulled pork a little dry but overall great. Will be back

I have been going to this place for more than 10 years. One of the best BBQ places I’ve been to and the best in Cincinnati. They have delicious food and great outdoor seating. They added chicken wings with hot sauce to their menu and that has been my favorite since then. I really like their sides, especially the jalapeño grits and baked beans. No wonder they were ranked one of the best BBQ places in the country a few years ago.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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 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

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.

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

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!!!

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?

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.