Visitors to this upstate New York city are often surprised to discover that one of the most popular restaurants in town is a down-home barbecue joint frequented by bikers and businessmen alike. In fact, the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que was founded in 1988 by three bikers who had finally come home after selling their barbecue at various fairs and festivals all over the United States.
The first Dinosaur offered only takeout, but by 1990 demand had exceeded the available space, and the operation expanded to include a sit-down restaurant. Since good food demands good music, it wasn’t long before local and then national blues acts began performing, and the Dinosaur has become the place to be in the Salt City
The menu offers pulled pork, chicken, ribs, and beef, all done up in a special mesquite-based sauce that adds a unique zing. Side dishes are simple but equally delectable and tasty baked beans in a savory sauce, black beans and rice, tomato/cucumber salad, and Cajun corn. Add an order of corn bread and a pitcher of fresh draft beer or lemonade for a dining experience you will not forget. If you have room, the Dinosaur has a nice assortment of desserts including homemade pies and brownies.
Prices are still easy on the wallet, and if you want a treat for an office party or other occasion, they will bring the food to you. A word of warning, though. If you want to eat in the restaurant, be prepared to wait. Seating is first-come, first-served basis and on weekends especially the wait can be lengthy.
The Dinosaur has two other locations - Rochester, NY and Harlem, NY. Sauces and other items are now available for sale online and are shipped all over the world. There’s even a cookbook in which all the "secrets" are revealed… almost all of them anyway! If you are in Syracuse, make sure not to miss this unique dining experience.
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