Elliott's BBQ Lounge — Restaurant in Florence

Was on the road today, but wanted to try out the new place. Heard a lot about it on some of the barbecue groups on Facebook.

Ordered the rib and whole hog barbecue plate to go with fries and baked beans. It also came with a little container of coleslaw and pickles. The hostess/server was very friendly.

Now, I don’t say this lightly, as I have been all around the Carolinas and beyond for barbecue. But I can safely say that this is the best barbecue in Florence by far. Perhaps the region itself!

The pulled pork had that vinegar and pepper twang you’re looking for. The ribs were cooked perfectly. Both meats had ample smoke flavor to them. You can smell the smoke in the parking lot so you know this place is the real deal!

Even the sides were fantastic with both the fries and the baked beans standing out. Not a coleslaw fan in general but this coleslaw wasn’t too mayonnaise-y.

Perhaps what I appreciate the most is this place preserves the regional heritage for barbecue while adding some new things to the mix without perverting it. Other new barbecue places try and offer everything (like brisket) but lose whatever identity they might have had in the process.

Kudos to Elliott for staying authentic with real wood pits and whole hog barbecue!

Would love to see y’all’s take on some hash and rice in the...

Let me start with what a wonderful experience and the man himself, Elliot, was there as well. The staff are super knowledgeable and attentive. The beers were delicious! And my dad had the Pinot Gris & tried the Prosecco on tap, both were good. We always share so that was we can try lots of different things. We got the Trinity (ribs, pulled pork, and cheddar jalapeño sausage) and lots of sides. We also got a half smoked chicken and the chicken tenders (yes, we have lots of left overs). Everything came out hot and delicious but the star was not the pork but the chicken. The 1/2 chicken and the chicken tenders were so juicy and full of flavor my mouth waters just remembering. The pulled pork was good, ribs had great flavor but not fall off the bone, and the sausage was by far the tastiest burst of flavor of all the dishes. We tried so many different sides but the ones that stood out were the French fries (for flavor), the coleslaw was fresh made, the baked beans, and the mixed beans. We loved them all. It’s a family friendly cool place to go to. So many arcade games, pool tables, big cumfy chairs, and a beer garden (that needs some updates) has the potential to be a hot spot for bands and parties. Definitely will be back! Side note: the bathrooms were super clean and reminded me of my...

First time visiting Elliots: Haley was our server. She was delightful and gave recommendations after asking about our taste preferences, she let us taste a couple beers before deciding on a glass and she whipped up the Memphis Blues cocktail for me which is one of the best cocktails I've ever had. Note to restaurant, you have more IPA's than anything else in beer and I'd like to see more blonde pales or wheat's but husband loved the Lunar Haze and the stout. Husband's favorite food item was the cheddar sausage appetizer. Unlike anything we've had before in sausage and in house made! We both had the pulled bbq and he got the ribs. Ribs were meaty, tender and you could taste a whiff of smoke which was delicious. Same for the pork and they give you a large portion. Sides were collards (some of the best I've ever had but (note to chef) a tad salty, however, I couldn't stop eating them! Potato salad has a "zing" to it, sweet potato fries were great, baked beans tasted like the best family reunion type beans, the kind you always look forward to enjoying. Go to Elliot's, ask for Haley and definitely get the sausage appetizer, enjoy the cool adult beverage selections and feast on the best bbq and sides you've...