The day I went, the wait was only 10 minutes for a table of 4 adults and 3 children. My servers name is Mel. I highly suggest you seek him out. He is very outgoing and always thinks 5 steps ahead on what the customers want. He really tries to make the customers happy. Food is always awesome and portion size is great for what you pay. Love Dinosaur BBQ

+6

I used to order solely through delivery apps and the food was amazing, but I finally decided to dine in and it's sooooo much better! The drinks are good, the food is delicious, service leaves you wanting for nothing, and the place is cool too! Definitely will be back!

+1

Came here for dinner for the first time after a nice walk through Riverside Park. This place is a nice and surprisingly large location which make you feel like you’re not in NYC for a bit. Loved the food - hit the spot! The wings are well smoked and delicious (we got the K-Pow and the Garlic Chipotle flavors). My husband and I also split a combo plate (which was very generous) of St. Louis ribs, brisket and pulled pork. I especially liked the St. Louis ribs but everything was great. I loved the sides too - the Mac and cheese, spicy cucumber salad, and cornbread all pulled their weight. Very reasonable prices and portion sizes for the city. Would recommend coming here!

Had not been here in 6-7 years. Receptionist very nice, as was our detail-0riented waitress. We had some beers, iced tea, ribs and 5 sides(party of 3), followed by split ice-cream sundae. Except for potato salad and slightly limp fries, everything was great & modestly priced. The place could use a bit of refurbishment, especially refinishing the tables…

Me and my wife came here for the 1st time and I will say the food is very unique and tastes amazing. It’s one of a kind and the service is perfect, the manager even came out and made sure we got everything we needed. I will definitely be back!

It has been more than 10 years since our last visit at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que! They have the best chicken wings I ever have and was really looking forward to it again! Was really worried about the quality may have changed since.. but it was awesome! We ordered a few items but they are good but I get similar quality those BBQ items elsewhere. So at the end just decided to go with additional order chicken wings! It's a chicken wings dinner at the end.

+2

I've had their sauces in the bottle and was always a big fan. Didn't even know they had a restaurant in the city until recently and I'm glad I went. Super filling for the price. The wings were delicious. Everything was, really! Not exactly the healthiest or most nutritious meal - maybe hold off on the sodium to compensate for this - but dang tasty. Very good service as well.

We went for restaurant week. Starter, entree consisting of two meat (protein), two sides, cornbread and a non alcoholic drink for $30. Lots of food, the ribs and brisket were tasty. Great value and I love the lemonade which was the right side of tart. Definitely recommend those meaty ribs.

The corn bread was excellent but the ribs were just ok. I have had better like blue smoke

Flavorful and smoky meat! Got the tres nino sampler plate and was shocked at the amount of meat. My favorite has to be the ribs.

Top notch BBQ! I have gone here many times and it’s always amazing. The brisket is the best I’ve had. Chicken wings are smoked and finished on the grill, a must try. The fries are some of the best you can find and consistently perfect. I’ve had about everything on the menu and it’s all delicious. The staff is friendly and attentive.

Amazing BBQ! We had an amazing Wings and Ribs dishes! Great sides and cocktails as well. Value for money is amazing and you get huge portions (they will pack it up for you...). Great service with a very nice atmosphere. If you are coming from mid-town Manhattan, taxi ride will be around $20.

Amazing good and a great atmosphere. I love the decor they have. Would highly recommend the ribs, cornbread, creole potato salad, and fries.

My daughter and I took my closest friend here , because he wanted to go here for his birthday. We very much enjoyed ourselves here. I had salmon, which was wonderful, the macaroni & cheese wasn't nice at all. It was prepared with disappointment. Overall we still had a damn good time. And will probably go again , the smoked wings were fabulous.

OMG… this was such a delicious dinner! The cornbread was yummy… I had ribs that fell off the bone. Mac & cheese was amazing and the collards tasted like the south! Really good food!

+6

Just gorgeous, at Central Park North, they have special gardens, you feel like your in Europe a t times .

We were hungry and wanted something a bit different so we decided to go to Dinosaur Bar-B -Que. Our server was very friendly and enthusiastic, and the drinks came fast! The food also came quite fast and was delicious. The chicken wings had a nice balanced flavor of spice. Again our server was so nice and didn’t rush us with anything. I would 100% recommend this place as you don’t wait long for your food especially if you are hungry. Written Ruby 10 years old

The servers were so nice and really hustled, they were understaffed however and what could have been an hour meal turned into a three hour ordeal waiting long periods in between water fill-ups, being able to order, and paying the bill. The food was good, especially the appetizers, but I thought it made better leftovers.

Very delicious rib. We tried the sweetheart dish, and it was so much food for two! The atmosphere was cool and the people were nice. Totally recommend it! (I recommend not to get the green side though!)

+6

Came here with and at the suggestion of my 14 year old foodie niece and it was a great choice for our dinner date. Food was all delicious. We got chicken wing, ribs, mac n cheese, sweet potatoes (our fave!!), fried rice, bbq beans and fries with chocolate ice box pie for dessert. Service could've been more attentive but I think our server was just spread thin, she was still kind though. I would go again and recommend this restaurant if you are in West Harlem, great family spot!

Me and my siblings took our father out for father day to this restaurant dinosaur BBQ have some great food very chilled and relax here the waiters are very kind, respectful and come to your table to check up on you if you need anything the food so good their BBQ chicken and Mac and cheese delicious their food good I recommend this restaurant.

I’ve been going to dinosaurs when they were at their other location in Harlem. Great atmosphere great food great service. I would highly recommend reserving a table because they tend to stay pretty busy. Never order your burger well done, medium is the way to go. Also, the mac & cheese is delicious, French fries aren’t bad either.

Visited Dino's with some co-workers after work they said, "I had to try the Brisket," so i said cool im down." We arrived wa seated quickly. The order taker was very polite and efficient .food came out pretty fast . ( had a Virgin pina coloda, it was delicious) i ordered double Brisket, the pulled chicken with sweet mash, and mac & cheese on the side . The Brisket was good, but i definitely had better wasn't what it was hyped up to be, but still good the sweet mash was good as well as the Mac. The pulled chicken was a lil salty but ok not .(yea just ok) all in all it was a good time .

+5

Today, December 26, we dined in at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and it was delightful! The food was consistently good. Alexcea was very professional and efficient, she handled the phone with excellent courtesy. Our server, Christina was incredibly warm and personable . She was engaging and very knowledgeable of the menu at Dinosaur BBQ. I had the Big Ass-yum! The portion was big not huge. The spicy cucumber sides were delicious. It had hints of ginger and it was fresh and crunchy. You should try this! The Cuban sandwich was superb! The fried rice was insanely tasty and full of flavor! The lemonade was refreshing, not too sweet! The lunchtime at Dinosaur was so worth it! We thoroughly enjoyed our meals! We just ordered and completely enjoyed food from Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. Everything was succulent and delicious! This restaurant is consistent in price and quality. Customer service is top-tier as well. We will be back. We went back to Dinosaur and they lived up to the expectations . The food was sooo good, I sang! The chicken was succulent and moist, the Mac and cheese was creamy and delicious, the brisket was to die for and the collard greens were tasty and tantalizing. Our palates experienced a real treat and the portions were as expected. The service was impeccable and the food travels well. We plan to return.

+3

Went here 05/2024, the customer service was excellent, the alcoholic beverages were great, and the food was good but did not leave me craving more. The price point is great for the portion size and I believe the taste of the food is tailored to appeal to a wide variety of guests. I would definitely go again for the wings but I’d try the buffalo instead of the jerk which tasted too similar to the bbq.

+1

We ordered our Thanksgiving meal from Dinosaur and I cannot believe I haven’t been doing so every year! The half turkey package + 1lb. of brisket was plenty for our group of 4 (with leftovers to spare) and everything was absolutely delicious. The pickup could not have been easier—everything was ready, they were very thorough in assembling my order to make sure all the pieces were there, and they even had a little station of cookies and hot cocoa set up to enjoy while I waited. All of the instructions and toppings were included and it made the prep on Thanksgiving Day as easy as could be. They even called in the evening after I’d picked everything up to make sure it had all gone smoothly and ask if I had any questions. I was so thoroughly impressed with the whole experience and the quality of the food. Now I know this will be our Thanksgiving go-to, but it was also a good reminder to put the restaurant in our regular dinner rotation. Thank you all for making our holiday so smooth!

I went to school in the city back when my bank account was basically a polite suggestion rather than an actual source of funds. In those days, the Sweetheart Meal wasn’t just the best deal in town—it was my survival strategy, my emotional support entrée, and the closest thing I had to a hobby. It became my all-purpose ritual. Celebration meal? Sweetheart. Consolation meal? Sweetheart. Existential crisis meal? Absolutely Sweetheart. In 30-degree weather, I’d shuffle in with frozen fingers, order a rack of ribs, and let that tangy barbecue sauce perform a full personality reset. For a few glorious minutes, my 80-hour week didn’t exist. It was just me and the ribs. When I broke my leg, Dino BBQ takeout was literally the only thing I was willing to wheel myself downstairs for. Not pain meds. Not fresh air. Ribs. Today I’m visiting the city again, and of course I came back for a bite. Still the best. Somehow exactly as delicious as my memories, which never happens. And the cucumber salad? Honestly, a small miracle. Whoever invented it deserves a medal or, at minimum, my undying gratitude

Just an amazing place! When you walk in, you are taken into an amazing world of BBQ! The smell already welcomes you followed by a nice hello from the staff. The people who work here really care and make sure you're taken care of! Wait till you taste the food! The chefs that are in the back are really doing some next level cooking! There has never been a time where I was disappointed in Dinosaur Bar-B-Que food! The ribs are falling off the bone! The brisket is always divine, pulled pork is always juicy, and the sides are unforgettable!!! Especially the Mac n cheese!!!! Truly a spectacular place! Best time to go is definitely the weekdays, weekends will definitely be busy! So plan ahead and make that reservation!

I've heard about this place for years because this is the first time I actually went. Usually it's kind of crazy packed but today it was only about half full so I took a chance and went to eat with my husband. He ordered the slider combo and I got the combo plate with the ribs and the beef brisket and the sides of macaroni and cheese and sweet potatoes with cornbread. The ribs were amazing and so was the brisket but what really stood out to me was the macaroni and cheese, surprisingly; it was really great. The wait staff were friendly and attentive and the atmosphere was very fun and charismatic with tons of little trinkets and pictures up on the wall to look at. We went for lunch and it was perfect. I would definitely recommend coming here to anyone who likes BBQ. Oh and the prices were very reasonable for the portion size; between my husband and I, we had so much food left over it made almost a plates worth to take home because we couldn't even eat it all and it was like under $30 a plate.

+1

So prior to my first review, the management reached out for me to come back and retry their food. When I tell you that this time, to come and dine in was a completely different experience. IT WAS AMAZINGGGGGG. From the staff, the manager Samatha , to the food and accompanying my mom due to her disability. EVERYONE LOVED IT. NOW THIS IS THE DINOSAURS I REMEMBER. We will be back . My favorite is the briskets and chicken. The deviled eggs was better this time and you can tell they took their time with the food as well. KUDOS to the whole restaurant, they did their big one on this . Mark my words : I WILL BE BACK LOL

Feels like portions got smaller, service a little slower and prove a little higher... but great taste is still there. ok, above was posted 5 years ago with 4 stars. I had to upgrade to 5 stars. The food is delicious and though you might not like all the dishes that's just preference not bad food. Price and value is worth the visit. Keep up the good work owners. Great staff makes it worth it.

+4

Staff here is great. Went for a surprise celebration and seating was ample and the food choices were good. The food was delicious and everyone in our group enjoyed our food and drinks.

Food is excellent, haven’t been there in years I forgot how amazing it is. Meat is juicy yet crispy, you can tell they cook with love and care. Wish I could give it 10 stars. Thanks guys!

I went some time ago, so this review is long overdue. The decor is super country style/rugged- very cool. The food is delicious. You can’t go wrong with anything you order. If you’re in the area and want good barbecue, I highly recommend it.

Love this spot! My family and I have been coming here for years! It’s always a hit, never fails! The ribs, wings, chicken! Everything is sooo delicious! Donkey punch is our favorite drink, my mom loves it. There is live music some nights, I done karaoke once too a few years ago. I’m in North Carolina now but whenever I go to NYC , I have to visit Dinosaurs :) The servers are always so friendly and kind!

dinosaur barbecue is an extremely good place to go if you want solid quality, good portion sizes, and not ridiculously expensive for New York City. I always get the wings. Garlic chipotle is my favorite flavor, although holy smokes it is extremely hot. If you come to dinosaur barbecue, do not overestimate your spicy tolerance! Overall, I highly highly recommend.

The food is great and the prices are reasonable for NYC. I highly recommend everything on the menu. I agree with their statement that everything is tasted twice a day and cooked to perfection. Everytime I come, the food gets better and better! I would highly recommend the food and drinks to my family and friends!

+1

While I have enjoyed numerous meals at Dinosaur, and think they have some of the best barbecue around, this review is specifically for their Thanksgiving offering. I have been taking out my Thanksgiving meal from Dinosaur for several years now and they somehow manage to improve each and every year, which is amazing given that they started with an excellent product to begin with. The turkey is moist and delicious, the sides are perfect, and the pies are out of this world. While their pumpkin pie measures up to the best of them, the chocolate icebox pie is so good, it should probably be illegal. Their catering team works like a well oiled machine and includes very specific easy to follow reheating instructions as well as an emergency contact number which is even available on Thanksgiving day. All in all, a really complete and perfect offering.

I enjoyed the vibe an atmosphere of this place so much I’m gonna make this a weekly thing. 🕺🏾 My waitress Johnee was AMAZING!!! She gave honest recommendations and was also super helping with letting us sample sides we wasn’t to sure about ordering. The last time I’ve had Fried Green Tomatoes that good was in Louisiana I highly recommend ordering them. DONT ORDER THE JERK SALMON!!! Everything else is good tho the drinks the baked beans the Mac & Cheese. Looking forward to exploring more of the menu in my future visits.

+5

Restaurant was a whole vibe. The service was excellent, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was great. You have to try the Dirty South Bowl at the Harlem location. I’m from the south so it was nice to try their take on southern food!

WOW AND WOW. It all began with the host who greeted us so warmly. Then our server Dixie(sorry if i misspelled) WOW. She truly was AMAZING. The food and drinks are 100% WOW. I had the BEST CHICKEN SANDWICH AND WHIPPED SWEET POTATOES....im going back with a very large party. Im telling everyone about this gem. WOW. I was truly amazed at how much love they put into the food. We ordered other stuff and everything was amazing. This is a must go to place. I will also be ordering delivery food from here. Sorry not many pictures because i was too busy eating such amazing food

Came in from Pennsylvania to visit family, and was looking for a quick spot to eat before heading back. My son used to work in the area and suggested this location. OMG! I’m so happy he did because this will always be my comfort spot! Our server Luis was on point with accommodating our family! The food was so so delicious! I usually don’t do bbq places but that’ll never be an issue again!

The food never disappoints whenever I come here. I usually get the combo plate and they give you a lot of food for a good deal! The drinks are incredibly strong and great. Sometimes they don’t serve everything on the drink menu so just ask. The location is also great by the water for a post food walk!

Possibly the best barbeque in the city. The mains and the sides are insanely good. Its nice it's a big place so you typically don't have to wait to get a seat. The staff are very warm and fun. If this is what Dinosaurs taste like send me back to the Triassic!

William Adams

Over the past couple of months, I’ve been on the hunt to satisfy my craving for perfectly fried catfish—little did I know, it was right here on the menu at Dinosaur BBQ all along! While my usual favorites are the fried green tomatoes, Brisket sliders and the BBQ Rib Sweetheart Deal (which never disappoints), I decided to switch things up, and I’m so glad I did. The catfish dinner was nothing short of fantastic. The fish was fried to a flawless golden crisp, boasting a well-seasoned crust that delivered just the right amount of crunch with every bite. The accompanying sides complemented the dish perfectly, rounding out a truly satisfying Southern-style meal. If you’re a fan of authentic, well-executed fried catfish, I highly recommend giving this dish a try!

+3

What a great place! The staff are insanely nice. The food was better than I expected, since I don’t usually like BBQ (I went for someone else’s birthday dinner). I would definitely dine there again.

I was working here as a service vendor and couldn't resist the great smell of BBQ. It first caught me a block away! The restaurant is very clean, well managed and has friendly staff that is passionate about their food. They encouraged me to try it. I decided to take the family for lunch. We tried the half rack of ribs, beef short ribs and and chimichurri chicken. We were all very satisfied with the taste of the food and the service. It was a hike from Staten Island but we all agreed it was worth the trip. Will definitely return.

Ax H

Everything was delicious especially The Korean style short ribs and Mac & Cheese, Personally I loved the potato salad so much but kids are not big fan because of the gherkins inside! Our waitress was very helpful ( went through the trouble to get me some hot water) and knowledgeable about the food! We went on a Sunday 3pm ish so not that busy got served straight away! I would definitely recommend everyone to try this place!

Nereo Kajmak

Our go-to spot for wings!! Great atmosphere, great service, and great food! We also can’t get enough of the Mac and cheese and St. Louis ribs. Definitely a must try for anyone around who loves delicious BBQ!

Greg Harris

The Dinosaur Bar-B-Que restaurant is an absolute amazing barbecue based chain that offers guest delicious Southern style cuisine ranging from brisket, ribs, pulled pork and wings. In February of 2019, I brought and treated my wife and myself for dinner at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, specifically the branch based in Harlem, New York to celebrate our Happy One Year Wedding Anniversary!!! We both very much enjoyed our dining experience!!! The staff warmly greeted us when we arrived at the restaurant and quickly provided us with a very large and comfortable dining table. Our server, Joel was very kind, superbly professional and made us feel right at home. He did a great job on explaining the menu options, the specials for the day and offered great tips on the dishes that we were likely to favor and enjoy. In addition, he perfectly noted our orders, and routinely checked in on us to make sure we were having a good time and that our needs were met. We thank Joel for his hospitality and wonderful service. Ultimately my wife and I decided to order the “Family Stylin Bar-B-Que” entree which consists of 6 pieces of whole chicken, full rack of ribs, an order of pork or brisket, cornbread and 3 homemade sides. We were both in awe of the sheer quantity of food that was provided and we found every dish to be well cooked, perfectly seasoned and fabulously delicious. Everything was flawlessly made and a delight to eat!!! If you enjoy Southern style cuisine coupled with great hospitality, you’ll definitely enjoy visiting and dining at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. My wife and I would love to thank this great restaurant for providing us an exceptional dining experience, one that we’ll cherish forever!!!

+6

Janiqua Morris

2/21/25 – 7 PM Went here with my boyfriend at 7 PM and boy, it was packed! The place was bustling and since we didn’t have a reservation, we ended up waiting about 45 minutes for a table. Note to self (and to anyone else thinking of going): make a reservation. Even people with reservations still had to wait a bit, so that says a lot about how busy it gets. Once we finally sat down, it took about 30 minutes for our food to come out. We started with chicken wings (3 pc for $6.50 or 6 pc for 12.50) — I had the honey BBQ and he had the jerk glaze. For mains, my boyfriend ordered the jerk salmon with mac and cheese and Syracuse-style potatoes ($23.50). I went for the combo plate—¼ chicken and prime brisket—with whipped sweet potatoes and French fries ($26). We also had their strawberry lemonade, which was super sweet but really refreshing. Overall, the food was worth the wait. Everything was flavorful and satisfying, and I’d definitely come back—but this time with a reservation, lol.

Jeff T. Critic

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que 700 W. 125th. St. New York, NY 10027 Wango Habanero Wings 1/4 Rack Ribs Cajun Fried Catfish This is with no exaggeration one of the best barbecue establishments I ever explored. Wango Habanero Wings: This is the perfect combination of sweet and spice. 1/4 Rack Ribs: The tender wings fell right off the bone. The sauce was so amazing I wish I could have drank the sauce by the bottle! Cajun Fried Catfish: Even the non-barbecue items are a hit! The catfish was covered with crispy cornmeal and my favorite topping is the black-eyed pea relish. Aside from unbelievably fast service, my server was was friendly and he even recognized me from previous visits. My only regret is that I wish I had ordered larger portions, but there will always be a next time. #dinosaurbarbecue #harlemny #rackifribs #dinosaurbarbecueharlem #wangohabanerowings #cajunfriedcatfish #nycfoodie

Renee M Ford

There staff was amazing. They were extremely attentive and accommodating. They continously checked on us to ensure our meals and drinks were to our standards. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was friendly.

Matt

The food was absolutely phenomenal. The trio platter, which included two sides, was a perfect choice. The 1/4 chicken, pulled chicken, and brisket were all incredibly delicious. The spicy cucumber salad was also a standout dish. The service was excellent, and the staff was accommodating and attentive, even with our large group.

Samara Luong

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que – Harlem, NY If you’re craving real, smoky, fall-off-the-bone BBQ in New York, this spot hits the mark! The brisket was unbelievably tender — juicy, perfectly smoked, and drenched in their tangy house sauce. Every bite melts in your mouth with that deep, slow-cooked flavor you can only get from real pit barbecue. The whipped sweet potatoes were a surprise standout — buttery, creamy, and just the right touch of orange flavor sweetness to balance the smoky meats. Service was impressively quick and friendly, even though the place was packed. Food came out hot and fresh in no time, which made the whole experience even better. The vibe is classic Harlem — rustic wood, buzzing energy, and that smoky aroma drifting from the open kitchen. A great spot for hearty comfort food with zero pretense.

+2

S. A.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Harlem (right off 125th Street by the Hudson River) is a fantastic spot for classic southern barbecue in a great location. The restaurant is super clean, with a lively yet comfortable atmosphere, and the staff are always friendly and welcoming. The space is versatile — you can grab a seat at the bar, sit at tall tables, or settle in at regular tables. It works equally well for big groups, small gatherings, or even solo meals. As for the food, it’s exactly what you’d hope for: smoky brisket, tender baby back ribs, pulled pork, and all the classic southern sides like coleslaw, potatoes, and fries. Portions are generous, flavors are bold, and everything is served hot and fresh. The location is a real plus too — right next to a park by the river, making it perfect to stroll before or after your meal. If you’re looking for authentic BBQ in NYC with great service and a prime setting, this place is hard to beat.

+2

Virginia Berndt

I really enjoyed my meal at Dinosaur Bar-B-Q! We went on karaoke night, and even the host and servers were humming along to the music, creating a warm atmosphere. I really appreciated the gluten-free menu! I ordered a salad with pulled pork, a deviled egg, and their house dressing (barbecue sauce mixed with blue cheese!). Everything tasted amazing! Our sever, Nikki, was a delight!

g2rizo

It was supreme all staff was very friendly the place was very clean the bathrooms had a graffiti look the sitting area is huge and they have a outside sitting area also they have a huge long bar really nice they made the food fast and it was well cooked plenty of of food as well very excellent great place I highly recommend for family and dates or friends getting together. That day they had these really cool medal motorcycle art peices.

+6

Eric Bradley

The service was exceptional that the server provided. She was patient, helpful, friendly & recommend what was economical on the menu for a party of four. Everything we order was delicious & filling. The restaurant has a nice ambiance & location which is near the Hudson River. Highly recommend when in Harlem. Also It was good to be home again & see all the new changes in Harlem after 40 yrs.

+1

The best BBQ on the East Coast! Everything here is amazing, but the short ribs are an absolute must-try—easily the highlight of the meal. And don’t leave without getting the cookie bar for dessert. The only downside was that the service could’ve been a bit more attentive, but the food more than made up for it. Definitely worth the visit! 🍖🍪

+2

I went again last night for Kariokee with Dj Jesse!! I always participate in kariokee because I love to sing.Also the best bartender is Chami, she always takes care of me.The other cool servers are Ronaldo, Dixie, and Adam! I love going to Dino saur because the food is always good and the crowd is laidback. The place also has gamenight every other wednesday. Kariokee is every other tuesday and its always a fine time. Follow Dj Jesse at mc_jesselee!

Emir Akins

One of the best places for real smoked food. The vegetarian style collards are delicious. The Mac and cheese was spot on and the fried green tomatoes definitely are a must.

+1

Delicious food, hefty portions, and great vibe. Service was kinda slow and he forgot some things we ordered, but besides that a great experience overall.

Good experience overall. Food was as expected. Memphis style sandwich with sweet potatoes good. The deviled eggs were not good. Service was fine Atmosphere was fun and lively.

A "down to earth" menu featuring burgers, smoked meat, ribs, homemade sides, and more. The ribs stand out, with a single recipe but the choice of a full rack or smaller portions. We opted for the two-person option with full rack and four garnishes of our choice. Fries and mac&cheese on the side were great. Quick and friendly service; ribs arrived within 15 minutes after ordering. However, minus for cleanliness of cutlery and sauce bottles on the table. Btw, this place has a unique history behind its creation, as it was founded by a motorbike rider last century when they weren't welcomed in other diners. At least that's what they say :)

The only reason I gave a 4 and not a 5 stars because of the parking. However the food is delicious. And the price is reasonable. 3 meats and 2 sides for $23/$28... the portion size is worth it. I recommend the Brisket and Ribs. The Bartender Carlos was very entertaining and hooked up the drinks.

Been to this place more than a few times I usually love the ribs, but they felt tougher than normal. I also got the brisket which was very good. The spicy cucumber salad was very spicy; great for me but not everyone at the table. Wings are also a family favorite here

I’m in Syracuse native so I’ve had dinosaur barbecue many times the last time I went I went with a huge group of my family that was here from Florida and from Georgia. It was pretty tasty, but we had to wait a really long time and it was very hard to hear in the restaurant, but that is clearly the atmosphere. I would have to say my favorite is the cornbread and the shrimp.

Decent food. Sat in a booth that was a little tight for and average size person. Service was quick and friendly. Food was good, I had a half rack of ribs that were very tender that I could pull the meat off the bones using a fork. My kid had a steak that was ok (remember it's a BBQ spot not a steakhouse). Parking was difficult, no legal street parking. if you are driving here there is a parking garage around the corner but they're only cash.

+2

We are visiting from SC for the week. We ordered the sampler platters. The pulled pork and ribs were delicious! I’m not a fan of brisket, but my husband loved it. He also said the bbq fried rice was good. I want a fan of it because it had cabbage in it and no taste for me. The sweet tea was great. The Cajun potato salad was good, but I just wish that it was a little colder. Service was fantastic, but it did take our food a while to come.

Very cozy restaurant with great southern cuisine. The service staff here were super friendly! I'm normally not a fan of green tomatoes but I gave it a shot over here and they were easily my favorite appetizer. The ribs fell off the bone with no effort, brisket had a bold BBQ flavor which is better accompanied with the habanero BBQ sauce. The only issue is that Dinosaur BBQ is a bit out there and you might have to go out of your way to get here. I would come by here again for special occasions.

MrsChristina Keith

Visiting from out of town was nice and it was a nice atmosphere, good vibes and was able to accommodate a party of 15. There were a lot of provocative wall art for young children to see, that would be my only complaint of the atmosphere. Our waitress was a little slow at first getting to us but altogether she was good. She was knowledgeable of the menu and tried to accommodate us as best she could. Some of the drinks and food items we asked for were not available which was a little disappointing but overall the food and drinks that we were able to get were good. My husband had the beef ribs, Mac and cheese and creole potato salad. He says the ribs and Mac and cheese were AMAZING but there was nothing Creole about the potato salad, it was just regular potato salad, so he feels like he could’ve picked something better. I had the make your own salad with jerk salmon. The salad was a pretty big serving, however there was no jerk on the salmon and the portion of salmon was small for the amount of salad. And I needed to ask for more dressing. The DEVILD EGGS were soooo delicious.

+5

Upon entering we were seated right away, it was extremely busy around 1pm so the food took a while to come out. Our server was very apologetic but this wasn’t his fault, he was very kind. The food was good but there’s room for improvement. The collard greens was very sour and it didn’t seem fresh, however the brisket, pulled pork and the cornbread were amazing. They were juicy extremely flavorful, the bbq pork beans were okay, could’ve been smokier.

Sasha Raj Lawrence

ribs are great! I got the tree chicos ($20) and the ribs were the best. great seasoning and flavour, meat was tender. the brisket was quite salty and the pulled pork was tasty but the texture was unusual, felt a bit like tuna. id recommend getting just the ribs . the side dishes were nice- I had the spicy cucumber and the fried rice.

I don't like their BBQ sauce. I had the ribs very tender .my waiter was very nice. There were 2 ladies sitting behind me, and their waiter continuously kept coming over to them asking" is everything ok" . They keep saying everything is fine. I wanted to tell her go somewhere until they call you. So happy my waiter wasn't that persistent

This restaurant has gotten worse after the pandemic. I feel the original chefs were fired and replaced with individuals whom know how to make BBQ styled cuisine but without "southern soul"-which is what made this restaurant popular in the first place. The chicken wings have no balance between flavor and crispy-ness. The skin is "gummy" especially if you order take out. Last time I visited the waiter offered truly amazing service given the customer density and live music (which is why I gave 4 stars) but I feel his service was hindered by a slow kitchen and a soda machine that clearly another employee was too lazy to change the soda syrup for. Beware: if you order a burger they will not cook it how you like. The server asked for the temperature and I requested medium rare. However the kitchen seemed so overwhelmed with orders (and more so because the staff are individuals whom become disgruntled fast and do not work as a team because they've hired individuals-most of them young and in college or a part of the new generation of those whom believe they're owed everything without working for it) that they cooked the burger meat well done. It wasn't worth complaining because I knew they'd just send another with the wrong temperature and that it'd take a long time to be sent out. The owners are two very overweight women with attitudes. Not a good look for representing a brand designed to represent southern black and brown culture through food. The live music they have are "artists" from the community with some talent but don't expect semi-popular or celebrity-status live music. Not saying there isn't good talent out there that isn't well known but I believe the restaurant is saving $ by providing a space for talents to try and portray the skills they believe they have. If you come on a day with live music, be prepared to spin the roulette. Overall I would only come back if I have friends or family who could deal with this restaurant. Or if I'm REALLY hungry.

First time visiting Dinosaur BBQ. The place is very nice on the inside. They have a bar area for those that might go by themselves. The food was average, being from the South I might be a little tough of NYC BBQ. The prices are very reasonable and the menu offers something for everyone.

+6

They mean it when they say spicy on some dishes. The food is ok. The brisket is tender and tasty. Not a fan of the sides. Peanut butter pie for dessert is a no brainer. The service is outstanding and will cure a lot of ills.

+1

I recently dined at your restaurant and wanted to share some detailed feedback — because the potential here is huge. Areas for Improvement: • Coleslaw – Unfortunately, this felt like a low-effort side. The flavor profile was very flat, almost as if it were just mayo and a touch of black pepper. A bit of acidity, crunch variety, or seasoning could make this pop. • Potato Salad – Bland overall; it didn’t stand out in any way. A little more seasoning or texture variation could go a long way. • Sweet Potatoes – I appreciated the citrus note, but it didn’t quite come together. The nuts that accompanied them lacked depth of flavor and didn’t enhance the dish the way they could have. • Mac and Cheese – This was the biggest disappointment. It lacked the rich, indulgent flavor and creaminess I was expecting. This dish could be a showstopper with a more robust cheese blend or seasoning. What Worked Well: • Brisket – Outstanding. I’d recommend this without hesitation. • Wings – Bursting with flavor; really enjoyable. • Pork Belly – Decent flavor, but I’d love to see this transformed into something more exciting, like a sandwich or slider. I probably wouldn’t order it again as is. Other Notes: There’s a wide range of drink options, but our server didn’t highlight or recommend any, it felt rushed, which felt like a missed opportunity. A quick rundown of popular or unique drinks could really elevate the dining experience. Overall, you’ve got some great proteins and a solid foundation. With more attention to seasoning, balance, and presentation for the sides - plus a little more proactive service - this could easily be one of my go-to spots.

This is a great spot to visit with a group of friends. The space is large and has outdoor seating, making it a really nice spot for a casual meet-up. Just a heads-up: if you are coming on a weekend night, the place gets packed, and you will have to wait for a seat. Before I go any further, if you are from a well-known BBQ city, you may be disappointed. I'm not saying the food is not good--just setting the expectation. On my last visit, I came with friends for a birthday dinner. We ordered the Family Stylin' BBQ. For mains, we had pulled pork, a rack of ribs, and asked to have brisket instead of the chicken. For sides, we had mac and cheese, Syracuse-style salt potatoes, and BBQ fried rice. The rack of ribs was a hit. They had good seasoning and a noticeable smoke ring. The pulled pork was also good; it was juicy and tender. However, the brisket was not good. Right off the bat, I was turned off by the sauce that was smothered on top. The sauce was too overpowering and tangy, working overtime to mask how dry and chewy the brisket was. I encourage you to skip the brisket. The mac and cheese were very run-of-the-mill, but the potatoes were good

+1

The food wasn’t as seasoned as I expected. The Mac and cheese was very bland. The bbq was dry rub with not much flavor. The steak was ok but the chimichurri was actually very good. The cornbread tasted like it came from a box and was not edible. The nachos came very late so we didn’t get to enjoy it. The veggies were overcooked. The dessert was very good though, the cookie was very soft and very chocolaty. I also took off a star because the toilet is facing the crack in the door. Someone standing waiting to use it, can see you sitting on the toilet. The bathroom was also very dirty. The staff were amazing though and very friendly. I give them 5 stars !

My husband came here a few years ago and had not stopped talking about it! This was all he wanted to do in NY. What a disappointment. I will say that the only thing that was good was the ribs. The only thing. I donno what was in the mac & and cheese, but it was gross. The chicken in my salad wasn't good either, sadly. Also, this wasn't even the salad I had ordered. I didn't even eat it. I just boxed it up. Another thing was our waiter never checked on us! It wasn't even busy. We had to ask him to refill our drinks, and I never got my water. I honestly didn't want to tip him, but he never brought back our change. This whole experience was just bad, and I felt bad for my husband. I will never go back.

Jason Ortiz

BEER: My draft beer was poured with no head: at a 45° angle, with the nozzle IN the beer. I noted this, and stirred it a bit, and then it SPILLED EVERYWHERE. The proper pour is about half at 45°, and then the rest at 90° and you want a head on it. My experience is the result of improper staff training or just pure laziness. If you properly release the carbonation on a beer, it will have a proper head. The head delivers the aroma and flavor. Also, with the carbonation properly released, customers are less likely to feel bloated, and are more likely to order more drinks. At least it was cold. The same way it spilled all over the place, is the same way it makes people feel bloated when drinking beer without a release of the CO2. FOOD: The pulled pork was dry. The brisket and St. Louis Style ribs were well seasoned. The meat had sauce on it (which I didn’t ask for). The sauce was terrible and tastes like pure tomato and sugar. I had to wipe it off of everything. I’d rather be asked if I want sauce on my food, considering it’s also at the table. The beans were overly sweet.

I ordered online 3 meats plate, they sent me a burnt pork belly and a fried rice with a very weird flavor..never again.. I asked for my money back

There was no music playing in the place, only the conversation of the people at the next table. But the food was delicious 🥰

The food is very salty. There is no flavor or any seasoning. Everything is either overcooked and undercooked. The mac & cheese has absolutely no flavor. The chicken tastes old, the french fries are burnt with no flavor. This is honestly the worst food I’ve eaten in a long time and we ordered a lot of food for a large family. I definitely won’t be coming back here.

If I could give it zero stars, I would when I tell you, my own daughter didn’t even want this. I wouldn’t even feed it to my dog. I ordered on DoorDash the flavors the barbecue sauce down to the acidic vinegary Collard greens The potato salad, horrible the baked beans horrible the mac & cheese is the only edible thing. I was so mad that I spent all that money. I would never go here again and will not 10 out of 10 recommend I don’t see how this place has five star star Reviews That’s completely insane. It goes to show you that New York knows nothing about barbecue.

Alejandra Villanueva

I’m extremely disappointed with my order. I paid a lot for an order and received a burnt piece of what appeared to be brisket skin rather than actual brisket. The chicken was cold,and tasted terrible and the mac and cheese and BBQ beans were cold as well. Also, instead of the usual cornbread, I was sent a plain burger bun , ???. If an item is unavailable, just don't sell it. Sending burnt skin in place of brisket is just terrible

Blessing

The 1/2 ribs was very pink, not cooked properly at all (had to throw away the rest). The portion sides were very small for the amount of money you’re paying. I’m just totally disappointed in the whole meal since it was my 1st time trying their food.

Wolied Saleh

I haven’t been here in 5 years and decided to come because I remember it being good but I wouldn’t recommend visiting after this time. We had brisket with two sides and the fried chicken bowl. We waited 35 min for the food so we expected it to at least be hot and both plates were cold. The brisket was gray and fatty, and the sides weren’t even the one I ordered. The chicken bowl was swimming in water from the greens. It was honestly nasty. I was shocked. The only redeeming part of dinner was the drink (because it was strong) and the corn bread, which was tasty. I know that the team is working hard but you guys have to do better.