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Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
8.4
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Sports Bar Central
Birthday & Celebration Central
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que’s Gowanus roadhouse has been smoking prime brisket, St. Louis ribs, and pulled pork out of a cavernous former industrial space since 2013, drawing families, beer drinkers, and big groups. With thousands of multi-platform reviews, a full bar, and consistent praise for its platters and sides, it functions as Brooklyn’s most crowd-proof, destination-style barbecue hall in 11215.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime brisket plate with two homemade sides, St. Louis rib rack with cornbread, Smoked wings with mac & cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Large roadhouse-style barbecue hall with long-smoked meats and serious sides.
Who should go: Groups and families wanting classic, reliable roadhouse barbecue.
When to visit: Evenings and weekends for big-group feasts and cold beer.
What to order: Prime brisket plate, St. Louis ribs, smoked wings.
Insider tip: Reserve ahead for peak nights and ask for a platter that mixes ribs, brisket, and pulled pork to sample the pit’s range.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but limited on busy Gowanus blocks, especially after 6pm; allow extra time or use nearby paid garages along 3rd Ave.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and game-day attire all fit the roadhouse vibe.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours with bar energy and big groups; conversation requires raised voices.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups of 4+.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; ample seating and faster table turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—salads, sides, and the veggie patty can form a meal.
Vegan options: Very limited—some sides qualify, but mains are minimal; not ideal for strict vegans.
Gluten-free options: Decent options—many smoked meats and several sides are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide choices.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want a casual, high-energy setting. The loud roadhouse vibe and messy barbecue can be fun but aren’t ideal for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but waits vary. Weeknights are easy, while weekends often require a 30–60 minute wait. The bar area can serve as a holding zone if you're flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—high chairs, kid-friendly food, and large tables make it welcoming for families. Early evenings are best before the bar crowd builds.
Best For
Better for: Large-group barbecue feasts, consistent smoked meats, reliable service pacing, and a lively sports-bar environment.
Skip if: You want boutique, chef-driven barbecue, quieter dining, or substantial vegan options—other spots may suit those needs better.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
8.6
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Sports Bar Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que’s Gowanus outpost is a sprawling roadhouse where pit-smoked St. Louis–style ribs anchor a menu of classic Southern barbecue and beer. Open since 2013, this high-volume spot from founder John Stage is a citywide destination for sauce-slicked ribs, big portions, and a lively, family- and group-friendly scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
St. Louis pork ribs, Dino Poutine with pulled pork, Mac and cheese
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A cavernous Brooklyn roadhouse turning out high-volume, competition-level smoked ribs and classic sides.
Who should go: Groups, families, and rib-obsessed barbecue fans.
When to visit: Early evenings or late nights to avoid peak wait times.
What to order: St. Louis pork ribs, Dino Poutine, mac and cheese.
Insider tip: Ask for extra barky rib end pieces and sit near the bar for the most energetic atmosphere.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available along Union St. and the surrounding warehouse blocks, but it fills up quickly during dinner hours; paid garages are within a 5–10 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and game-day attire all fit the roadhouse vibe.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours with bar traffic and live energy; expect to raise your voice in larger groups.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes, especially before big games or during prime rib rushes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating even for groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but present—salads, sides like mac and cheese, and a few non-meat starters.
Vegan options: Very limited—most dishes rely on smoked meats or dairy-heavy sides; vegans may need to build a meal from sides.
Gluten-free options: Several proteins and sides can be made gluten-free; servers are familiar with modifications, but cross-contact is possible in a high-volume kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want a casual, high-energy setting—great for fun and messy rib-eating, but not ideal for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, but expect substantial waits on weekends. The bar area often has faster turnover for smaller parties.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families with kids of all ages come here. High chairs, large booths, and a forgiving noise level make it easy for young children.
Best For
Better for: Big-group BBQ outings, lively sports-watching atmosphere, and consistent, crowd-pleasing smoked ribs.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, refined barbecue plating, or extensive vegetarian/vegan choices.