Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

I recently went to Dino on the advice of a friend. when I got there everything was beyond what I expected. We did have to wait for about an hour, but, it seemed really slammed and it was a saturday night. despite that opur waitress came over to us right away. Right away she was smiling and laughing with us,. which is rare to find in a place that is so busy. when our food came out, she brought a bucket for the bones and wet naps( which i found out later are very important). Our wings were amazing, my friends ribs were great, and my chicken steak was to die for.( Side note: order the salt potatoes and mac and cheese, soooo good). You get a tons of food, so careful not to over order. We both ordered the donkey drink like our waitress suggested. It was a little strong for me, but nonetheless food. Our food came before the beers though. Strange. anyway. I would tell every one to eat at dino, it's just the top of the line in everything, food, service and managment( he actually came and asked how everything was!!! a first). Pros: Service, food, managment Cons: long wait, parking, lighting more

My girlfriend & buddy arrived at 9:10pm Sunday night for dinner. We were told no further seatings unless we reserved. The reason, ""We got slammed today."" Supposed to be open til 10pm. The host suggested ordering takeout...but that would be 45mins--What?!!. It wasn't even busy when we arrived, neither at the bar or the restaurant. I was puzzled, but not to be dissuaded we placed a takeout order and went to the bar to wait. More problems... 4 bartenders ""working"", it took 15 mins for anyone to notice us sitting at the bar stools. I'm sure it was busy earlier, because they were out of ribs (a tragedy) but definitely not busy now. My buddy, a bartender himself, said it was the same terrible bar service a few months ago when he was here. Anyway, seeing as how the place was still half-full of diners we asked a waitress if we could sit in the bar area and eat...""no problem"" she said. The night appeared salvageable; we're eating in the restaurant despite their efforts. But then the food arrives, 2 sides missing which took 20 minutes to correct. However, while I waited at the takeout counter, every other order was walking up with missing items. Every seasoned customer took an inventory to make sure his or her orders were correct. Girls at the front counter were complaining alongside the patrons at the kitchens' ineptitude. It was a total disaster as I watched for 20 -30 mins while waiting, paying, correcting errors, etc...it really wasn't that busy either.\r This debacle may have been a one off situation but I talked to others who had similar stories to tell. The BBQ is very good, but the operations were mismanaged and it definitely took away from the food experience. They need to clean house and get organized. Pros: Good food, cool place Cons: inept kitchen more

New York City diners are finding out what we Upstaters have known for along time. That the Dinosaur is simply on of the best rib joints around -anywhere.Founded in Syracuse about 20 years ago the original \r Dinosaur rib joint is unlike the others and worth a trip Upstate.Great food- great atmosphere-and great bikes all within 25 feet of each other.Take the 4 hour trip from NYC and you wont be disapointed .It is worth the adventure. A 5 star all the way\r DReilley more

My sister and I went there just to check it out due to the reviews and the Food Network profile. The food there will have you wanting to lick your fingers. The portions are outrageous and the service is impeccable. Word of caution, make sure you make a reservation before going. The place tends to get very crowded. The only thing I was disappointed with was the boiled shrimp, however the fried green tomatoes, deviled eggs, Wings, BRISKET, RIBS and the beans (you can tell we ate to our hearts were content) was fabulous. Pros: Food and Service Cons: location more

It's an okay experience. Probably fun for families or friends from out of town. The atmosphere is bordering on Disney. I found myself pining for Virgil's BBQ while eating what I found to be okay ribs and brisket. The beans could have been out of a can. The cornbread out of a box. And my draft beer was lukewarm. Out waitress was very good. The busboys were kind of surly. The prices are kind of reasonable, but all in all, I fail to see what the fuss is about. Pros: Service, Ambience Cons: Distance, Average Food more

I brought a friend from out of town for lunch here. It was the best decision- the ribs were smoky and spicy. Try the mac n cheese- it is fantastic! And what to drink with Dinosaur's food? Beer, of course! We ordered a pitcher and it came cold and fast. The service was excellent. Our server was friendly and attentive. Overall, a great place to go when you're looking for something low key, but high quality. more

This place has some of the best ribs I have had in NY and I love the potatoe salad. The chicken is petty good too. I would recommend making reseverations in advance for parties larger than 2. Try going in the afternoon on the weekend to avoid a very long wait. The service is good, the manager actually makes the rounds to make sure the guests are happy. Pros: good bbq and service Cons: long wait more

There is always room for improvement ALTHOUGH... this is a GREAT spot. Packed at peak-times and parking anytime before 7 can be tough. Walk-ins are do-able if you're willing to get a beer at the bar while you wait. Summer time go earlier and eat at the tables by the bar.\r \r Tab's don't transfer. Pros: Good Uptown BBQ, never failing Cons: Peak Hours, healthy wait time. more

This place is awesome! Although it is a bit of a pain to get to it is well worth the treck. This place consistently puts out great quality food and the environment is fun and lively. Definitely call ahead otherwise you'll be waiting for a while simply because it's some of the best BBQ in the city! Pros: Quality of the food is great more

If you're looking for middling cue and are sick of Dallas BBQ, Dinosaur is the restaurant for you. Bad deviled eggs, eh ribs, so so pulled pork, tasteless sides. \r The only redeeming dish is the chicken wings though those are real real good.\r If you want good bbq go to RUB or Blue Smoke and stay out of Dinosaur.\r Also, they charged my friend an extra $2.50 for his bourbon on the rocks without telling us prior. Pros: Decent beer selection, chicken wings Cons: almost everything else more

Ribs are tender & flavorful - smoked just right - real pit bbq\r Chicken & chicken wings - moist & tasty - the wings are not fried but smoked & grilled - kinda healthy\r pulled pork is delicious\r fried green tomatoes w/home made ranch - it will make you smile\r brisket - tender when hot, but this is true with all brisket when cold - notice the great smoke ring.\r banana pudding that Elvis would eat with a ""Thank you very much.."" It's the cookie that come with it that makes it perfect!\r \r The beers on draft are enough to take you home &\r \r that trans fat fight - no prblem here because they use no trans fats for those fries or the other great sides -- have the collards & slaw. more

Simply the best NYC BBQ joint - the protions are huge, the prices are exceptionally reasonable, and everything is made to order your way, with a number of different sauce options! A great place to chill out over the weekend, you'll forget youre even in the city! Pros: Great food, lots of beer, options. Cons: The wait....But still so worth it... A bit loud.... more

If you enjoy finger-licking, delicious, savory BBQ--this place is for you! You will not leave hungry. The best chicken wings we've ever had. Good service. CROWDED. You MUST make a reservation and BE ON TIME or you lose your table. Trust me, you don't wanna wait 2 hours to eat. BUT if you do wait--it's worth every minute of it. Pros: Friendly staff, reservations accepted Cons: might need to make a reservation to avoid waiting on line more

I had the pleasure of dining at Dinosaurs one RAINY Thursday and I got there dripping wet. The wait wasn't that long and the waiter was very cheerful and courteous. We ordered some cornbread (VERY GOOD) while we waited for our food. It was my first time eating the fried green tomatoes and they were quite delicious BUT I really fell in love with the lettuce and grated cheese that they rested on. THAT WAS SO GOOD TO ME!! The fried green toms were well seasoned. THE RIBS WERE EXCELLENT!! Meaty!! Juicy!! Falling off the bones!! Well spiced!!\r \r My parents are from the neck of the south and WE KNOW ribs and these were some quick runnerups!\r \r I didn't like the collard greens; they were too sweet or something. Didn't taste like down south style. The macaroni and cheese wasn't authentic southern style; it seemed a little pastey to me, but i notice that others liked it on this site. \r \r I plan to go back AGAIN AND AGAIN and will try different sides. please take a friend. .. plenty of food! more

Made a reservation on a Sunday night for 9:30 arrived and waited 15 minutes to be seated. Waited another 10 minutes for a waitress to show. When she did arrive, she informed us that they were out of ribs and the kitchen was closing in 30 minutes. The service and the ribs were extinct at this place. It is a neighborhood place and I like to support the neighborhood but it will be quite awhile before I return more

Everytime I go to Syracuse, I make a bee-line to original Dinosaur BBQ, with the line of Harley's parked out front. When I heard they were opening in NYC, I counted down the months. Their ribs fall off the bone, sides are the best. I normally don't love pulled pork, but I make an exception here. Tender, juicy, tasty. The fried green tomatoes are crunchy slices of heaven. Yes, the wait is long. It's just as long in Syracuse. That's because you don't get harassed into gobbling your food and being shown the door before you're ready to leave. It's down home comfort food with kickin' drinks. It's blues, booze, and 'cue. What more can anyone want out of life? Pros: Food, drinks, atmosphere Cons: OK, long waiting time more

As the other reviewers have stated, the wait is long, even with a reservation. We waited an hour. But they make the most fantastic peach long island iced teas that made the wait go by quickly. For an appetizer, my table split the sampler - fried green tomatoes, bbq chicken, shrimp. They were wonderful. It was truly the best fried green tomatoes i have ever eaten. I ordered the Ode to Elgin, but substituted the brisket for pulled pork, got 1/4 rackof ribs and sausage. IT WAS DIVINE. Definitely the best bbq in town. The portions are huge and I get to enjoy some leftovers. Even their side dishes are AMAZING. I had the mac and cheese (def the best i've had, even better than schillers and blue smoke) and the salted potatoes. Pure yummyness. This is definitely the best I've had!! If you are a lover of all things bbq, this is a must do!! Pros: The food, cocktails and extensive beer list Cons: The LONG WAIT more

This is the BEST barbecue in New York City. Forget Blue Smoke - we had a group of 5 and with one sampler, five entrees, and 1 pitcher of beer, the total was just over $100. Yes, the wait is long, but go with friends and get some drinks - you won't regret the wait. Our waitress was adorable; no attitude here, just good food, good beer and a good time. Pros: Food, Price, Service more

I'll start with the cons - the wait is ridiculous and the wait staff is not always the most pleasant. With a reservation, I waited one hour and twenty minutes. I'm SOOOOOO glad I waited. This food is unbelievable. Their wings are out-of-this-world. I ate with a couple of friends and not one person could speak for fear of allowing the food to escape. Everyone ordered different things and were more than satisfied. Pros: food - sides and entrees Cons: wait time for a table more

Love it! As a connoiseur of barbecue -- I've eaten at the best places in the South -- this is the best it can possibly get in New York City. The wait staff is decent at worst, but 9 out of 10 times they're quick, polite and eager to please. The hostesses are on top of their game, making sure folks are seated quickly and in order and even letting you glance at a menu as you wait.\r NOW ONTO THE BARBECUE! Simply put: It's awesome. From the pulled pork sandwiches to the baby back ribs smothered in tangy sauce, you'll have a hard time deciding what to stuff in your mouth. They make the most delicious fried green tomatoes. And, if you're watching your waist, have the iceberg wedge with blue cheese as a side. Wash it down with a cheap flight of draft beer or their yummy sweet tea.\r \r NOTE: If you like BLT's, try their ultimate, which has a thick stack of bacon layered under two huge, golden fried tomatoes. Pros: Best barbecue for your buck Cons: You'll want more and more more