Eli's BBQ - Riverside
A beloved Cincinnati barbecue joint renowned for its perfectly smoked ribs and tender pulled pork. Casual atmosphere with great outdoor seating.
Highlights
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Eli's BBQ - Riverside
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Cincinnati barbecue joint renowned for its perfectly smoked ribs and tender pulled pork. Casual atmosphere with great outdoor seating.
"This place is absolutely worth going out of your way for. The food is phenomenal!"
Consider Off-Peak Hours
Lines can form during peak times; visiting off-hours may save you a wait.
Bring Your Own Drink
Canned drinks are priced higher; consider bringing your own to save costs.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Barbecue
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(513) 533-1957 ext. 1
Address
3313 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
Website
elisbarbeque.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Legendary Ribs
Fall-off-the-bone, tender ribs with a unique, crispy, dry-rubbed exterior. A true BBQ masterpiece.
Mouthwatering Pulled Pork
Tender, juicy pulled pork sandwiches that are a local favorite and melt in your mouth.
Charming Outdoor Seating
Enjoy your BBQ feast in a charming backyard seating area or covered pavilion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Consider Off-Peak Hours
Lines can form during peak times; visiting off-hours may save you a wait.
Bring Your Own Drink
Canned drinks are priced higher; consider bringing your own to save costs.
Check Allergy Chart
Eli's offers an allergy and dietary chart for gluten-free, vegetarian, and other needs.
Ribs May Have Less Fat
If you prefer less fat, be aware of how ribs are prepared at Eli's.
Tips
from all over the internet
Consider Off-Peak Hours
Lines can form during peak times; visiting off-hours may save you a wait.
Bring Your Own Drink
Canned drinks are priced higher; consider bringing your own to save costs.
Check Allergy Chart
Eli's offers an allergy and dietary chart for gluten-free, vegetarian, and other needs.
Ribs May Have Less Fat
If you prefer less fat, be aware of how ribs are prepared at Eli's.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Eli's BBQ - Riverside is celebrated for its legendary ribs and mouthwatering pulled pork, with many praising the tender meat and flavorful sides. While the atmosphere and friendly service are often highlighted, some reviewers find the pricing a bit high and the mac and cheese disappointing, describing it as tasting processed.
"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!!"
Myra Dempsey
"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."
Will Pearce
"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."
Dorothy Kowalsky
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The most popular dishes are the legendary ribs and the mouthwatering pulled pork sandwiches. Many also rave about the mac and cheese and jalapeno cornbread.
Yes, Eli's BBQ offers a charming outdoor seating area, including a covered pavilion with picnic tables, perfect for enjoying your meal.
Yes, Eli's BBQ provides an allergy and dietary chart to accommodate those who are gluten-free, vegetarian, or have other common food allergies.
Many customers find the food, especially the ribs and pulled pork, to be phenomenal and absolutely worth the wait, even though lines can form.
The ribs are described as having a unique dry rub, cooked until tender with a crispy sear, giving them a texture akin to very tender bacon.
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Cincinnati's Top 10 Barbecue Spots, According to CityBeat Readers
133 W Elder St., Findlay Market; 3313 Riverside Drive, East EndWith a total of five locations (including brick-and-mortars and hubs inside of Kroger), Eli’s BBQ can be found across Greater Cincinnati. While Eli's is well known for hickory-smoked barbecue and signature barbecue sauce, the restaurant offers an allergy and dietary chart for those who are gluten-free, vegetarian or have common food allergies. Anyone is able to find something they can eat at Eli’s, making their experience one-of-a-kind.
Best Quirky Seafood Restaurant in Ohio: Eadie's Fish House
Ohio's barbecue game is strong, and there's one restaurant that's earned national acclaim for its fall-off-the-bone, sticky-sweet meat. Eli's BBQ in Cincinnati pretty much *always* has a line, but it's absolutely worth the wait as it's one of the best places to eat in Cincinnati. The pulled pork and rib tips here are legendary, as is Eli's signature BBQ sauce.
Must-Visit Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Restaurants for Foodies
Eli’s has gone from a stall in Findlay Market to two full-service locations, grocery partnerships with Kroger, and an impressive catering business. It’s not an exaggeration to say that almost all local barbecue is measured against Eli’s at this point. From the pulled pork to the grits, to the ribs, Eli’s delivers one of the best barbecue experiences around.
Family Friendly Restaurants in Cincinnati Ohio
Eli’s BBQ is a family friendly restaurant right in downtown Cincinnati. This family-friendly joint has a mouth-watering pulled pork sandwiches that will make your taste buds do cartwheels for more. If you are looking to indulge on some great barbecue fare with your family then Eli’s should be at the top of your list!
Top 25 Cincinnati Attractions & Things To Do You Shouldn't Miss
For anyone looking for some delicious barbeque, Ely’s is one of the major Cincinnati attractions. Ely began his pork empire by selling smoked pork sandwiches in Fountain Square. After a successful season, he and a partner opened a real shop in Findlay Market, encompassing their dream of a restaurant for everyone.
27 Best Restaurants in Cincinnati in 2025
No visit to Cincinnati is complete without a heaping plate of barbecue from Eli’s BBQ. Since there are locations all over Cincinnati, there’s bound to be an Eli’s BBQ near you. Eli’s BBQ is one of the best restaurants in Cincinnati if you want good, homestyle comfort food and all of your favorites.
25 Fun Things To Do In Cincinnati (Ohio)
Eli’s BBQ is one of the most famous restaurants in Cincinnati. Despite its fame, however, it doesn’t try to impress you. It’s a low-key barbecue joint where people can pull apart chicken wings while listening to the strumming guitar of a live band, and that’s exactly why everyone loves it.
Cincinnati Area Restaurants That Offer Family Sized Take Out Meals
Eli’s BBQ (Findlay Market and Riverside Dr.) sells their amazing BBQ and sides by the pound. Choose from BBQ pork or turkey, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw, jalapeno cheddar grits – all by the pound. You can even buy their BBQ sauce by the bottle (news to me!).
6 Popular Restaurants in Cincinnati That Can Cater Your Next Event
Eli’s offers buffet-style catering, which is perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, and casual corporate lunches. All of the food is sold by the pound and is ready to serve when you come pick it up. Delivery is also available for both staffed and non-staffed events.
The Perfect Three-day Weekend in Cincinnati
For a more substantial meal, head to the diminutive and delicious Eli’s BBQ, where the hickory-smoked ribs are the star attraction. Then pick up souvenirs at the bean to bar Maverick Chocolate Company — its Prohibition bar mixes milk chocolate with Kentucky Bourbon.
Highest-rated Cheap Eats in Cincinnati, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (773 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, American- Address: 3313 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45226-1012- Read more on Tripadvisor
Where to get the best mac and cheese in Cincy
Eli’s BBQ: What is a barbecue place without mac and cheese?. Order some from Eli’s. It's rich and creamy stovetop-style -- and don’t forget the pork crispins on top for a little bit of salty crunch.
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