The Dinosaur in Syracuse, New York

“Since I left NY I always make sure when I come back first spot I go to is dinosaur. To me they have the best bbq I ever had and I am a foodie. I have not found a Mac and cheese that can compare to dinosaur Mac and cheese. Their food to me never disappoints. During the week is the best time to go as they aren't as packed as the weekend. No wait time. Seated fairly quickly.”

— Zuly Rodriguez · ★★★★★ · 2026-3-10

“I've been to restaurant in Rochester, NY. This was my first time at this location. It was much better than the Rochester location. I had the ribs (6), mac-n-cheese, and baked beans. The sides were delicious. Being from ATL we are real particular about our mac-n-cheese., minus the red pepper on top. The beans were tasty, bell pepper and meat are added to the beans. The ribs were good. HOWEVER, they came out cold. As well as the other people at my table. We did not send them back. Should have but didn't. When ordering make sure to tell them you want your meat hot. Would I return to this locati”

— Emelda Jordan · ★★★★☆ · 2026-1-10

“Amazing food! We had brisket, Dino pouting, BBQ beans. Absolutely 💯 all of ut was spot on. The Brisket was tender and moist beautiful bark and smokey! I like my meat smokey. I don't want to guess if it is smoked. Certainly not acrid at all. Wonderfully smoked. The Dino Poutine is covered with pulled pork which is also tender and smokey. The baked beans were awesome. The fantastic finish was the peanut butter pie. Absolutely one of the best I have ever had. I am a fat guy that loves peanut butter everything! Itwas $7! what an awesome value. The atmosphere is cool and the smokey goodness hits ”

— roboshort72 · ★★★★★ · 2026-1-28

“Although we've enjoyed eating at this restaurant many times in the past, this is the first time I've submitted a review. We decided to take advantage of the Syracuse Dining Weeks prix fixe dinner menu. It turned out to be a delicious feast. My wife and I began our meals by sharing two appetizers, creole deviled eggs and a pulled pork slider with the requested addition of a topping of coleslaw. The eggs were very tasty being well seasoned with cajun spices and chives. The slider was simply outstanding and resembled the Carolina pulled pork sandwich which is on the regular menu. Our mains were ”

— N N · ★★★★★ · 2025-3-14

“Busy place but great food! If you’re in Syracuse, stop by the original Dino! Brisket was excellent, as was the pork and wings. We had fried green tomatoes and the charcuterie plate for apps and were delish!”

— Jessie Atchie · ★★★★★ · 2025-9-23

“My sisters and I went today on a busy Friday evening! Wait time est. 40-1hr but was more like 35 mins which worked out perfectly to catch our 7:30 show at the Landmark on time. We had time to browse the menu while waiting and got to order right when we sat. Food was amazing!! My sisters dont usually go for barbecue food but this place definitely left them with a great impression. We got the Tres Niños plate which was a perfect plate to try little bit of everything. The atmosphere was fun and our waiter was great too!”

— Katherin Chuni · ★★★★★ · 2025-11-8

“Always love coming to this historic honky tonk bbq joint. Live Music, colorful eclectic atmosphere, friendly nonstop service even on 2026 New Year’s Day! Busy and full of energy. Thank you for my takeout! Happy all these years later you are still alive and packed. Great food ! Love the smell inside.”

— Sarah record yr Arena · ★★★★★ · 2026-1-1

“An absolute must if you find yourself in Syracuse. We ordered the brisket and wings with mac and cheese and coleslaw for sides. Everything has a lots of flavour including the size. Portion size is very generous and the food comes out quick even when the place is packed. Could not recommend Dino BBQ more, one of my favourite restaurants.”

— Jonathan Myers · ★★★★★ · 2025-8-24

“Atmosphere is definitely BBQ ambiance. Old Western style in Syracuse is NOT what you would expect coming from Cali. As for the food....Holy Cow & Chix!!! Our server could have been more attentive, but all else made it 4stars. CORNBREAD!!!! Great”

— Jaime Quintero · ★★★★★ · 2025-9-26

“Amazing and consistent! Quality is always there, large portions and great value! We left with a smile and look forward to the next trip to Syracuse for more great BBQ”

— Kelly Heenan · ★★★★★ · 2025-8-18