Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Troy, New York is a nationally acclaimed “Honky Tonk Rib Joint” known for its vibrant atmosphere, scratch-made food, and commitment to Southern barbecue traditions with its own distinctive twist.1
Uniqueness and Ambiance
The Troy location, which opened in the Historic Downtown District in 2010, is unique for its setting and atmosphere.2
- Riverside Location: It overlooks the Hudson River, offering picturesque views, especially from its outdoor seating areas and the private seasonal deck attached to the Hudson Room.3
- Atmosphere: It’s described as a “genuine Honky Tonk Rib Joint” with a fun, relaxed, and lively setting.4
- Live Music: A key feature of the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que experience is its dedication to live entertainment, often featuring live blues music every night at the bar.
- Scratch Kitchen: The restaurant prides itself on being a 100% Scratch Kitchen, using only fresh, high-quality ingredients for all its slow-cooked meats, sauces, and sides.5
History of the Brand
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que’s story begins on the road:
- 1983: Born on the Road: Founder John Stage and his partners started a mobile concession stand named “Dinosaur” to serve high-quality food to bikers at the Harley Rendezvous near Albany, NY. They spent five years traveling the Northeast, serving their barbecue at motorcycle shows and festivals.6
- 1988: Syracuse Landmark:7 The traveling eventually stopped, and they established their first brick-and-mortar, quick-service lunch and dinner joint in downtown Syracuse, N.Y.8
- 1990s and Beyond: The Syracuse location expanded to include a full bar, full-service dining, and live music, creating the model for future locations. The brand has gained national recognition, winning honors in various publications and being featured on shows like the Food Network, Travel Channel, and ABC World News.9 In 2009, it was voted America’s best barbecue in a Good Morning America poll.10
- 2010: Troy Opening: The Troy location opened, converting a building (formerly Fresno’s restaurant) in the historic district into the Capital District’s first Dinosaur Bar-B-Que.11
Highlight Menu Items
Dinosaur’s menu is rooted in Southern barbecue traditions but infused with its own distinctive flavors.12 Their meats are dry-rubbed with a special blend of spices, slow-smoked to perfection, and lightly glazed with their signature Original BBQ Sauce.13
- Signature Meats:
- St. Louis Ribs
- Prime Brisket14
- Pulled Pork
- Smoked Wings15
- Must-Try Sides: Diners often praise their sides, including the mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread.16
- Appetizers: The Fried Green Tomatoes with shrimp is a standout appetizer that customers highly recommend.
- Sauces & Rubs: The brand is famous for its line of award-winning, handcrafted BBQ sauces and rubs, which are all gluten-free and all-natural.17
Customer Feedback
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que garners a loyal following and generally very positive reviews, often praised for its consistency and quality:
- Quality and Flavor: Many consider it “consistently the best barbecue in New York State.” Patrons frequently compliment the meats for being “tender and flavorful.”
- Wedding and Event Catering: Their catering service is a popular choice for large events like weddings and corporate parties, with customers calling it “affordable, tasty,” and a great option for large groups.
- Customer Service: The staff, particularly the bartenders, are frequently mentioned as being friendly and providing great hospitality.18
- Dietary Accommodations: The restaurant is noted for its dedication to accommodating various dietary needs, offering dedicated Gluten-Free, Vegan, and Vegetarian menu options.19
Significant Events & Features
While the restaurant hosts frequent local live music events, a few significant features and events stand out:
- Grand Opening (2010): The official opening of the Troy restaurant marked a major expansion into the Capital District, quickly establishing itself as a popular gathering spot.20
- Event Space: The restaurant features a dedicated private event space called the Hudson Room, which can accommodate up to 45 guests, making it a popular venue for rehearsal dinners and parties.21
- Media Recognition: The entire brand’s widespread television appearances and the Good Morning America “Best BBQ” poll win have significantly contributed to the Troy location’s status.22
Contact Information and Links
| Category | Details |
| Address | 377 River St., Troy, NY 12180 |
| Phone Number | (518) 308-0400 |
| Website | Dinosaur Bar-B-Que |
| Troy Menu | Troy Menu |
