I ordered takeout from here and the food was good, I ordered the 3 meat special with mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and potato salad. Delivery was quick and all requests were honored. The meats tasted delicious along with the mac and cheese. I was cautiously optimistic about the potato salad because by appearance it looked good, but it was bland, the mashed potatoes were flavorful once paired with the gravy. All in all, definitely worth the price for the three meats and mac and cheese. read more

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Had the pleasure of trying this great bbq spot. The staff from beginning to the end were great. Never had I been to Rochester nor Dinosaur BBQ. Where does a first time visitor receive a complimentary sampler plate? Right here at Dinosaur BBQ! The ribs, brisket and pulled pork were flavorful and very good. I went with the brisket, sausage combo with 2 sides. Mac and cheese and greens which were also very good. Thank you to the staff for the great service ,food and hospitality. read more

Recently put a prior review,my ratings stays the same but I forgot to mention on the previous post that I have been a happy customer of this Franchise for over a quarter of a century,first and foremost the first location is in Syracuse,I never forget the order I had chili with a little spicyness with shredded cheese on top and a nice piece of cornbread, I must say it was delicious ,the service was amazing ,waitress friendly and helpful and the decor inside makes you feel comfy,after that visit I discovered we had a Dinosaur in Rochester as well and it was no different than the Syracuse location and also I had visited the Buffalo a few times and I was ALWAYS satisfied customer as well!! In my opinion I think it's the BEST franchise in Upstate New York!! P.S. So happy to see it was on one of those food shows,gladly they are getting some recognition they deserve !! read more

Sitting just next to the slowly twisting Genesee River in downtown Rochester is one of the flower cities, true bright spots! I am a Rochester native, but I live in Washington state now. So when I visit locally, I make sure to look at places that would really interest me and be worth stopping by. My research this time led me to dinosaur. Given right as you approach the building, the smell of the smokers going makes your appetite go to the next level! I found the building that dinosaurs in to be very charming, definitely feels like it belongs in the city. And I mean that in the most positive of ways. The staff here is phenomenal, everybody doing a job, everybody 100% confidently moving around the space with intention and purpose! The very definition of quality restaurants as we view it locally. Our wait staff was very helpful even offering my sister, a sampling of their unique and equally impressive potato salad! Think of the flavor is something like a deviled egg, rich with a nice paprika flavor, not too much mustard nor too much mayo! One of the best potato salads I've had outside my own home! This should truly means something cause I consider my wifes among the best I've ever had lifetime. I got the beef brisket salad with the side of macaroni and cheese, and of course a Genesee 12 horse to wash it all down with. It always means something to me when I can recommend going to a place, in the majority of my family who still lives in Rochester promises to return here before my next visit! Everyone's food looked phenomenal, and there wasn't a single complaint at our table! Next time, I think I would like to try one of their meat trays to share. Main dishes, sides, and drinks all met or exceeded my expectations. Thinking about it after coming back home to Washington, I kind of hope that I confined a T-shirt for dinosaur online somewhere, maybe a restaurant store on their website? If there isn't, I sure hope they do come up with one! I absolutely look forward to my next visit, and I guarantee there will be a next visit! Also, there is convenient parking right across the river in a lot that's not more than 50 yards away. Prices there were affordable and the lot is staffed as well. If for some unknown reason, you haven't been to dinosaur yet, please get yourself downtown, you don't know what you're missing! Fully recommended local barbecue experience!! bringing quality and flavor to the ROC. read more

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - Brisket Salad with Mac and Cheese side - Barbeque Near Me - Rochester, New York

Good food. Great atmosphere. Portion size is good,even had leftovers. Will definitely return to this establishment.

If I can describe this place in one word, it's be flavor! Dinosaur BBQ is an amazing BBQ spot in a great location downtown that embraces flavor through both its food and aesthetics. The brisket and pulled pork were done to perfection but the thing that impressed me the most were the sides, particularly the corn and mac and cheese. I was not expecting so much flavor in these! It was seasoned beyond belief and every bite had me amazed. Absolutely will be getting these again when I come back! The service was amazing, and I want to shoutout one of the employees who warned us about a parking situation right after we parked and helped us avoid a fine. Definitely went above and beyond for customers! read more

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Rochester, New York

Came in on a busy Friday night. We were originally told it was going to be an hour and a half wait but it ended up only being a 15 minute wait. Our waitress was quick and nice as well. Loved all the different options of BBQ and the combo plates. There is something you're sure to find you love. The cucumber tomato salad was so refreshing, I highly recommend it. Though not the best I had, the brisket was very tender and still delicious. I would probably skip the mac and cheese. Also be careful with the sauces, they can pack quite a kick! Overall pretty great spot in a Rochester for BBQ. My biggest complaint would be the lack of parking, but that comes with being in downtown Rochester. read more

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - Deluxe Brisket Plate Tomato Cucumber Salad Mac & Cheese Cornbread - Barbeque Near Me - Rochester, New York

Food was AMAZING! If ever in the area, please come here. Service was good and ambiance is family friendly. read more

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Gotta love a bbq joint.... Food was great, love the classic bbq dive ambiance, service was great. read more

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - Chimichurri chicken with Mac and cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Rochester, New York

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Well f*%k that was amazing and probably the best bbq I've had outside of Texas, st Lewis or Carolina! Excellent meal! Thank you

All right, so I ordered Dino the other night because I was craving a good macaroni and cheese. And this was after a long contemplation because it's like 20 minutes away from me, whereas sticky lips is five minutes away from me so I had told myself I was going to finally try sticky lips again (after a bad experience a few years ago) and I just can't stray from Dino. I can't do it. I just know you're not gonna find any mac & cheese better than this. World's Best Mac & Cheese according to me, Congratulations!! Insert Will Ferrell in Elf costume with a cup of coffee here. The chicken wings and the fried green tomatoes, as always were very delicious. Yeah this place is just too good and I will never give it less than five stars because they just constantly deliver. read more

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Love it here! The owner recently changed and a lot is different now... I've been coming to this location for 20 years. Now, the inside is cleaner, more open, but the menu is the same. I love ordering the sweet tea, fried green tomatoes, the wings, collard greens, pulled pork, Mac and cheese, whiskey cheese cake, etc. I recommend all of the food here! But, my favorite items off of the menu are the fried green tomatoes and the pulled pork. Enjoy! read more

This place is always awesome. Walking by the smoker on the way in just makes you more hungry. The staff is always amazing. Attentive, helpful, and fun. The restaurant is always kept clean and it's nicely decorated. The food is delicious. I've never had anything bad here. The portions are a good size and very filling. Yum all the way. read more

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Who knew you could get such good bbq in upstate NY! Definitely recommend the brisket, corn and pork belly. Service was friendly and efficient. read more

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Rochester, New York

Work took me to Rochester, New York. Of course, where to eat? The search took us to The Dinosaur Bar. Melt in your mouth brisket, delicious ribs, and Barbecue chicken. Washed down with beers. Wonderful way to end the day. Far away as it is from SoCal, I'd still say it. Socal Weekend Walkarounds definitely recommends The Dinosaur Bar! Try the Brisket!!!! The best barbecue in Rochester Located in the heart of downtown Rochester, Dinosaur BBQ Rochester is situated in the former Lehigh Valley Railroad Station, a picturesque location overlooking the Genesee River and situated near the Blue Cross Arena. https://dinosaurbarbque.com/locations/rochester Check out my Video on the Dinosaur Bar-B-Cue on IG and FB! https://fb.watch/oiGJ2W-ZLV/?mibextid=Nif5oz read more

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Rochester, New York

Not sure how I've never done a review of Dinosaur - Rochester before since it's a "must" when in town for work. First- staff is awesome. They manage to be friendly in a loud, crazy environment. Everyone we came in contact with was fabulous. I've been to other Dinosaur locations and, in my opinion, this one is the best quality-wise. Food is always hot, made to order and top notch in "flavortown". We shared fried green tomatoes and smoked wings. Loved the tomatoes and the wings are perfect. I could go back and just do wings for a meal. But I ordered a bowl-perhaps something new to the menu? A mix of rice, black beans, salad and a choice of protein (or mushroom!). I had the pulled chicken and the portion was just right. Everything tasted great and I loved the chipotle dressing on the side. Others at the table had combination plates, burgers, brisket and a build your own salad. Rave reviews all around. Shared two desserts that are also house made-key lime pie and salted caramel cookie...both off the hook. Fun, festive, loud, delish. Love that there are now choices for non meat eaters, too. read more

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Texas style BBQ in Rochester, New York, that doesn't quite live upto authentic Texas BBQ. The goods: excellent, friendly service, well run staff even during hectic rush, delicious house bbq sauce, good variety of beverages, lively atmosphere, rustic country western theme interior. The bads: good luck with street parking, very loud, impossible to hear conversations, mac-n-cheese wasn't prepared well, some shells hard, brisket was very thinly sliced and lacked body, chicken was dry/overcooked, St. Louis style ribs were small/on the dry side. The restaurant is located in downtown Rochester with a nice view of the river; large dining areas with many tables & booths, outdoor seating available weather permitting, a separate takeout order area, small waiting area, very popular for locals & tourists, food was average but service was excellent, well run establishment. Worth a first visit but would not return. read more

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Rochester, New York

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Bbq dinosaur is a hometown favorite!! They never disappoint, the food always exceeds my standards they smoke all of the meats there everyday I get the brisket or the plate with three meats on it every time! Their bbq sauce is also amazing, a little tangy but really good The staff is very nice and quick to the point, the bartenders seem to try to avoid you if your just trying to get a drink (went two days in a row) the wait times can get up to over an hour so come early! The inside is cozy and I love all of the wood in the restaurant, you can see the falls from some of the seats inside! Overall this place has exceptional bbq for the price. I would recommend any bbq lover to try this place out! read more

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get the smoked brisket plate with a side of apple sauce and frys it was amazing I like the linterior

Wait 45min to wait 1hr for food that was smoked in a freezer, no service on drinks,-just to go to the bar, bartender too busy vaping In the corner looking at Tik Tok. Place is trash! read more

Our large group was accommodated at this casual restaurant in Rochester. They not only have a nice selection for meat lovers, they also have vegetarian choices as well. I had the Impossible Barbecue Burger with mashed potatoes and a side salad $18.50. It was very flavorful and delicious. Our server was very friendly and efficient. read more

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This is probably going to be an unfair review. They say you should never meet your heroes. That concept springs out of the impossibly that comes with living up to any hype you've earned. I was really looking forward to eating here, but I'm sad to say the experience was a total meh. The decor has a distinct Texas Roadhouse "we got meat" chain vibe. The coolest thing though was the view of the river that comes with the location. The place was packed and would turn that up to 11 before I left. They needed more servers, I think, because I barely speak my server during the visit. The food arrived and looked great, but took a turn from there. I love me some BBQ, so I was highly bummed once the fork hit my mouth: the pork was bland and tasted reheated, the brisket was phenomenal in flavor but very fatty cuts, and the ribs were burnt and inedible (I literally pitched half of what I got). On top of this, the cornbread was dried out and falling apart and the dressing on the salad overdosed on vinegar. I know, I know! I'm totally bummed about this. All that said though, it might just be the price of fame and the desperation to keep up with expectations while feeding a ton of people because of that fame and those expectations. While I understand that, you're still asking folks to pay inflated prices because of the old f and e, so you still need to deliver. So, my rating is a disappointing meh. Should have been worse, but I really wanted to enjoy this meal. Bummer. ...and give folks a wet nap when they're eating ribs! Ugh! read more

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - Looks pretty good, doesn't it? - Barbeque Near Me - Rochester, New York

Fantastic ambience, delicious food and great service. I highly recommend this local gem. read more

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Came here with my crew for some dinner. Very expensive so I went with the fried chicken sandwich with mashed potatoes and coleslaw which I think was around $15 if I remember correctly. The sandwich was good. I got it with bbq sauce which was good but not the best I'd ever had. Mashed potatoes were good. I like that they actually make them and it's not from a box. The coleslaw on the other hand.....NASTY!!!!!!!! Took one bite and wanted to vomit. I think they make it with oil and vinegar or something. YUCK!!! Wish I could have gotten a nice platter but there was NO WAY I was gonna spend that much. Lower your d*mn prices!! read more

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - Fried chicken sandwich with mashed potatoes and coleslaw - Barbeque Near Me - Rochester, New York

TLDR; ordered take out and it was delicious. Ordered the family style package which was definitely a hefty portion but so satisfying. Definitely add the cheddar jalapeno sausage (not included in the family style package). I was looking for some good American barbeque and I was surprised that there was a Dinosaur BBQ here cause I've only seen it around NYC. Now I know that they have a few locations upstate NY as well! Since it was a Friday night and we were a big group looking for dinner, I decided to opt for take out incase we couldn't get seats. Good thing I did cause when I came to pick up, the place was packed both indoors and outdoors, with several parties waiting for a table. I ordered online and it estimated ~30 mins for the food to be ready. It was pretty accurate cause I received a text just a little over 30 mins that my order was ready. The pick up was smooth and the staff was very kind, making sure that I had everything and that I would be able to carry it back to the car myself. Like I mentioned, we were a big group so I decided to order the family style package which comes with a whole chicken, full rack of ribs, one pound brisket or pork (we chose brisket), 3 sides, and cornbread. We also decided to add another 2 meat platter on top of that with brisket and cheddar jalapeno sausage. I wished they gave at least two sausage links rather than just one but it was definitely a lot of food and we devoured it all! The meats were great quality, so tender and plenty of flavor but it also came with a whole jar of Dinosaur BBQ's own sauce which we had to add over the meats too. For sides, we got to try almost all of them - collard greens, mac & cheese, tomato cucumber salad, mac salad, and baked beans. Loved every bite. The only thing I didn't really expect was for the tomato cucumber salad to be a little sour, almost pickled but it helped to contrast the heavy BBQ flavors. The corn bread was also nice and fluffy, definitely would be best warmed up but still deliciously sweet (but not too sweet). read more

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Absolutely amazing! Best BBQ we have ever had and we are from the South! Talk about fall of the bone meat and so tender! If you want great legit BBQ, stop here! Service was great and the amount of options are endless!! We definitely will be back next time in town!! read more

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First time trying this place when I was visiting my boyfriend in Rochester. Had heard many good reviews from many University of Rochester students and the food did not disappoint. We ordered the 1/2 family style and it literally came with so much food. So much so that my boyfriend and I ate it for dinner as well! We got the brisket with the 2 sides of Mac and cheese and pulled pork with beans. At first, I was hesitant in the pulled pork with beans, but it turned out so good!! It was slightly sweet with a creamier texture. The Mac and cheese had so much flavor to it. But I think the best part was the cornbread. Oh my gosh, the cornbread was AMAZING. You could tell that they really put effort into making the cornbread fresh and buttery. The corn flavor itself wasn't too overpowering and the texture wasn't too crumbly. OVERALL, it was just really good. I also ordered the Shirley Temple drink which was really good. However, it came in a glass bottle which I was not expecting. The price was pretty reasonable for the portion size, 10/10 would come back again :) read more

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - Shirley Temple - Barbeque Near Me - Rochester, New York

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This spot was one of my fav dine out experiences during my short trip to Rochester. We ordered the SweetHeart Deal for 2, which includes a full rack of ribs and 4 sides for $47 usd. I don't remember too much about the sides but hey had a lot to choose from but I remember liking the fries, corn and the collard greens. Everything I had was pretty good. This was one of the few spots that's bustling with customers Downtown. They also have various BBQ sauces for you to try on the side and you can also make a purchase of a bottle too. If you sit next to the window you can get a view of the outside waterway. Definitely a great spot to eat when in Rochester. I just wished I had more people at our table so we can try more. read more

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I woke up craving it all over again, I'm sad. I didn't take leftovers home. This Meal is fantastic -- on top of that. We got a seat by the river, & our waitress well; She was delightful and a joy to have she deserves all the tips so make sure you tip right and go enjoy this wonderful food. read more

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Rochester, New York

I always appreciate a venue with a great connection to local history and I loved hearing about how Dinosaur BBQ used to be an old train station. Our waitress, Casey, told us all about the fun ghost stories people had from working and dining in the restaurant. We got a great table with a view of the river and the little ducks fishing for their lunch. I had the ribs and a side of the corn and cucumber salad. All of it was delicious! Casey was a fantastic server who gave great recommendations and was very personal. Definitely highly recommend Dinosaur BBQ as a wonderful and delicious local restaurant in Rochester! read more

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Got the 3 meat combo and I was glad I did! Ribs were a highlight but all meats were great. I love the collard greens as well. The restaurant was built out of an old train station which was near to see. Get there early because it can get busy on the weekend--but the wait is worth it! read more

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Rochester, New York

A to go place for nice BBQ dine in. Parking is very limited. Most is parking on street in front of the restaurant. When I got there and parked, it was a parking officer going around giving people tickets because they park where there is sign No parking. So be sure to check. My family came here Friday around 6:45pm and was on waiting list for half hour. There was few benches for siting near front door, may fit 10 people for waiting. The restaurant was very busy. We got a round table in the middle of the room and next to door to go the 2nd room. Table was not enough room to fit out food and drinks. And people walked pass our table a lots due to near door, which I wasn't happy. We ordered crispy chicken and family meal, and it sure way enough to fill our bellies and some left over. Food was good. The baked beans got little spicy seasoning. The corn bread a bit dry. We didn't like the BBQ brisket, the rest was good. Staffs are friendly read more

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I really did enjoy this place. I felt like it had a nice atmosphere and our service wasn't bad. I'm a big brisket guy, and it didn't disappoint here. They were exceptionally made and one of the best I'd had from a restaurant. The ribs, however, didn't stand out to me, and neither did the sides. Certainly not bad by any means - just not much to them. Overall, it was a pretty good experience! I don't get to go to Rochester very often, but if I have the opportunity, I think there's a decent shot that I'd come back here. read more

I consider myself an expert on bbq brisket and I have to say this place is amazing. Upon walking up you are greeted with the savory smell of their smokers. Inside the atmosphere is perfect for a bbq restaurant. I ordered a 1/2 pound of their lean brisket. It had a nice smoke ring, lean but very juicy and I was able to cut it with a plastic fork. They put a small amount of sauce in the kitchen so one could actually taste the meat itself. It was perfect! Quite a find, you won't be disappointed! read more

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Rochester, New York

First of all, meats were really good as were the baked beans and I enjoyed the cornbread. Something about the Mac n cheese wasn't great to me but I believe it's one of the more popular sides so to each their own. Secondly, they serve southern style sweet tea which was a nice treat for a girl that's been in the south almost 2 decades now. Although, I asked for a to go drink and it came out in the smallest cup so I am not sure if that's because the bar filled it or if that is just the size of the to go drinks overall. I thought the prices were really reasonable for the quality and amount of food you get. The only downside was the server and bartender trash talking patrons right beside me as I ate... not a good look for business but overall the food was great and I would recommend you try it. read more

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - Sampler Plate - Barbeque Near Me - Rochester, New York

Coming from Houston I don't know what I expected. I ordered the brisket, ribs, and the pulled pork with a side of mac & cheese and whipped sweet potatoes. The only good thing I can say about this restaurant was that their sides were good. The brisket was decent but felt sacrilegious with the additional bbq sauce on top, the pulled pork didn't have enough fat so was a little dry, and the ribs were DRY. Service was fast and the ambiance felt like I was back in Texas for a bit, but I really do wish the meats were better. read more

Been there numerous times and I have yet to have a bad meal. Ribs were tender every time. :)

This was my first time here and it won't be my last. They have an area for takeout and lots of table and booths to accommodate most parties. They told us the wait would be 25-30minutes; I think we waited only about 10-15 minutes. Adrienne is the best server ever!! She gave great, honest recommendations about the menu. The food was simply delicious. They give you a side of cornbread, just enough to kill that sweet craving. I will have to try the key lime pie though; it sounded yummy. The mango margarita was good - had a spicy salt rim. The collards are cooked in smoked turkey and had great flavor. Let's talk about those ribs, St. Louis style, were excellent!! The chicken was good too. I will deod I'll go back the next time I'm in the ROC. read more

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I've come to Rochester many times and always said BBQ could never taste good in NY I stand corrected. That 2 meat combo with baked beans, tomato cucumber salad was SO good. read more

Restaurant almost feels like a bike bar when you enter and has a unique ambience. Service was good, food was delicious - pulled pork and Cajun corn were spot on. The cornbread and chicken wings were mediocre, especially for a bar joint. read more