Tampa Bay isn’t exactly known for its barbeque, Cuban food yes, barbeque not so much. Usually when people think of barbeque they think St.Louis, Carolina, or Texas. Usually when people in Tampa Bay think barbeque they think chains like Sonny’s, Pitt Boss, or Fred Flemings. It’s sad that these chains dominate the landscape and overshadow the ‘real’ gems of barbeque which cater to small groups of loyal devotees of the art of slow smoking ribs and other delicacies. One of the best of this group of mom & pop neighborhood barbeque joints is Eli’s in Dunedin.

The Restaurant

Eli’s Bar-B-Que is located at 360 Skinner Blvd in Dunedin just before Skinner ends at Alt. 19. It isn’t really a restaurant in the sense that you can go inside and sit down for table service. Eli’s is a converted ice cream stand which serves as the take out counter and behind which sits an enormous screened-in smoker on a large concrete slab. A large sign out front lets passers by know what delights are sold at the little white and red building. Several picnic tables sit under shade trees to provide those customers who can’t wait to get their barbeque home a place to dine al fresco.

Most times when I go the small dirt parking lot to the right of the building is packed full of cars and the line at the counter is at least five or six deep. This is due in large part to the fact that Eli’s is only open three days a week. The fact that they serve some of the best barbeque in Central Florida doesn’t hurt either.

The restaurant is run by Elijah Crawford or Eli, hence the name of the place, and his family. Eli has a regular day job the rest of the week, but on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays he takes his place as master of all things smoked. He should know barbeque having been born in Valdosta in the heart of Georgia’s barbeque belt. In his late teens he worked as a butcher and acquired a knowledge of meats and how to prepare them that few of his competitors possess. And after over 30 years of perfecting his craft few can compete with the treasures that his smoker produces. His barbeque is so popular that it is fairly common for them to run out of certain items before the day is done. It is always a very good idea to call ahead to make sure they still have what you want, especially later in the day.

The Food

The only way to describe it is outstanding. I’ve tried a number of the other barbeque places in the area and Eli’s is by far the best. There used to be one guy who traveled around the area and parked his mobile barbeque wagon one weekend a month in Holiday and one weekend a month in Safety Harbor and he had ribs that beat Eli’s but only by a hair. He’s gone now and Eli seems to have a safe hold on the top of the barbeque food chain in Tampa Bay.

The menu is pretty simple, full and half racks of pork ribs, pulled pork, chicken, beef, and sausage are the staples and are available either individually or as a meal with sides such as barbequed beans, coleslaw, and corn bread. The barbeque comes with a choice of mild or hot sauce which is homemade and very tasty. Both sauces are very well balanced and not too sweet like many of the chain restaurant sauces. The hot sauce is not blazing but has just enough heat to keep chiliheads happy. I know many people believe putting sauce on barbeque is sacrilegious but Eli’s leaves the sauce on the side and it is so good that I use it almost every time.

By the time they open at 11AM the meat on the grill has been cooking for more than three hours. The ribs are melt-in-your-mouth, falling-off-the-bone tender and full of delicious flavor from the oak wood smoke and the special blend of seasonings rubbed in before cooking. They are wonderful with or without sauce. Pulled pork is juicy and just as flavorful as the ribs. The beef brisket is moist and tender with a more mild flavor than the pork. Chicken is big and juicy with so much flavor on the skin that it should be illegal for the diet conscious to remove it. Of all the items Eli’s sells the one that is likely to be sold out first is the sausage. They are so good that Eli’s has a limit of no more than two pounds per person to try and give more people an opportunity to sample this delicious treat. The sausage is hand made by Eli using excellent cuts of pork and a special blend of seasonings and is juicy and absolutely wonderful.

Service

As this is a take-out place service is counter style and friendly. You are welcome to chat with Eli or whichever family member is tending to the smoker while your food is prepared. Everything is cut to order so your meal will be at its peak when served.

Prices

The ribs are the most expensive item on the menu with a full rack running about $20 and a half rack at about $11. Sausage, pulled pork, and beef are sold by the pound for about $10 each. All items are available as sandwiches for around $4 or $5 or as a meal for about $1 more. I’m not sure on the chicken price as it has been a long time since I’ve ordered that, no knock on the chicken I just like pork more. If I remember correctly it is around $6 for a half and $10 or $11 for a whole chicken.

Hours

Eli’s is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays from 11AM to 6PM but it is always a good idea to call ahead later in the day to check if they have run out of your favorites.


Recommended: Yes

Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: No
Best Suited For: Friends