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Bark Barbecue
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Bark Barbecue
8.8
Bark Barbecue runs a stall on the rooftop level of Time Out Market, serving peppery, Texas-style brisket with subtle Dominican touches alongside ribs and sausage. Diners come here for smoked meats that justify the trip to DUMBO and a casual setup where you can pair a tray of barbecue with bridge and skyline views.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fatty brisket by the pound, Smoked pork ribs, Longaniza sausage links
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Smoked brisket and ribs served with skyline views atop Time Out Market.
Who should go: BBQ fans who prioritize meat quality and views.
When to visit: Late afternoon or early evening before peak crowds.
What to order: Fatty brisket, smoked pork ribs, longaniza sausage links.
Insider tip: Grab a table facing the bridges before you pick up your tray.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is limited and competitive, especially near the waterfront; the closest reliable option is the parking garage at 85 Adams Street or the Pearl Street Garage.
Dress code: Casual and flexible; guests come in everything from sightseeing outfits to slightly dressy evening wear for rooftop drinks.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially at peak hours; conversations are possible but expect ambient crowd noise from the food hall and rooftop.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes depending on crowd flow at Time Out Market; lines move steadily but can spike around sunset.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, though tourist surges near the Brooklyn Bridge can create brief lines.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extremely limited; sides may offer the only vegetarian-friendly items.
Vegan options: Very limited; most menu items are meat-centric with no dedicated vegan substitutes.
Gluten-free options: Several smoked meats are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible in a shared prep environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates—especially if you pair it with rooftop seating and skyline views—but the food hall setup is informal, so it’s better for low-pressure outings rather than refined, romantic dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes; Time Out Market seating is first-come, first-served. Arrive a bit before sunset to secure an outdoor table with bridge views.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy barbecue; the rooftop has open seating, but peak crowd density and limited stroller space may be challenging for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: High-quality Texas-style brisket with a subtle Dominican twist and unbeatable rooftop views—ideal for groups who want smoked meats plus a scenic setting.
Skip if: You prefer a quieter, sit-down BBQ experience or need extensive vegetarian or vegan options; consider a full-service barbecue restaurant instead.
Bark Barbecue
8.5
Bark Barbecue runs a rooftop stall inside Time Out Market where Texas-style smoked meats meet Dominican touches, including maduros alongside the usual sides. Ribs, brisket, and sausage come with a pronounced smoke ring and peppery bark, served cafeteria-style with panoramic views of the East River and both bridges.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Spare Ribs, Brisket & Ribs Combo Plate, Chicharrón Pork with Sides
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Rooftop Texas-style barbecue with Dominican-influenced sides and bridge views.
Who should go: BBQ fans wanting serious smoked meats with skyline views.
When to visit: Evenings for sunset views or weekend afternoons with friends.
What to order: Smoked spare ribs, brisket and ribs combo, maduros.
Insider tip: Head straight to the Bark counter first; seating fills quickly on sunny days.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Time Out Market sits in a high-demand DUMBO zone; limited metered street parking is available but fills early. Nearby garages on Front St. and Pearl St. usually have paid spots.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual; rooftop crowds skew stylish but comfortable. Jeans and sneakers are fully acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate to lively depending on time of day; rooftop energy and market foot traffic mean conversations are possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes at the counter; lines grow around sunset due to the views.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though brief lunchtime surges happen around 12:30–1:00pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited; sides like maduros and slaw are available but mains are meat-focused.
Vegan options: Minimal options; expect only a couple of sides to qualify.
Gluten-free options: Ribs and brisket are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible in a shared prep environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if the vibe you want is casual, scenic, and fun; rooftop views add atmosphere, but communal seating and noise make it less suited for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Seating is first-come, first-served throughout Time Out Market; arrive slightly early during peak hours for the best rooftop spots.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes. The market setup accommodates families and offers high visibility and easy seating, though rooftop crowds can feel hectic for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Sweeping rooftop views, Texas-style smoked meats with Dominican accents, and a quick-service format ideal for groups exploring DUMBO.
Skip if: You want a quiet, sit-down BBQ dinner or extensive dietary accommodations; consider alternatives with dedicated seating and broader menu breadth.