Eli's Barbecue in Dunedin, Florida

We are traveling in Florida on business. Earlier today, while tooling around Dunedin, Florida, planning to swing by the fish market, we saw a shack by the side of a road with a substantial crowd sitting outside on picnic tables. Of course, we had to stop--any place with that ratio of diners to restaurant size was worth investigating. It turned out to be Eli's Barbecue, which is apparently a local institution, as explained to us by one of the locals who had been waiting 40 minutes for a batch of brisket to be ready. We were in a hurry, and opted for the food that the cashier said was ready right away--pulled pork and ribs.

It was fantastic. The ribs were dry-rubbed and tender without being the slightest bit mushy, while the pulled pork was super tender and flavorful, even before adding either their hot or sweet sauce (neither of which were too much of either, both of which were excellent). The portions were excellent, given the price, which was reasonable. The customers were all locals and all friendly. Has to be in the top 3 barbecue restaurants I've ever eaten at.

The place is extremely basic. The menu has only a few things, all barbecue staple meats except for baked beans and coleslaw. There is one tiny building which seems to handle the plating and ordering, and a smoke shed a few feet away, plus a bunch of picnic tables to eat at. A condiment bar with two sauces, a jar of pickled jalapenos, plus salt, pepper, and extra of their dry rub. Nothing more, nothing more needed.

Eli's Barbecue
360 Skinner Blvd
Dunedin, FL 34698