Barbecue restaurant

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Morningside HeightsManhattan

4.4· 7,373 reviewsOpen until 11PM
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que — barbecue restaurant — in Morningside Heights — Manhattan — NYC
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que interior — Morningside Heights

Morningside Heights

Manhattan

The brief

About Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

4.4-star Morningside Heights barbecue restaurant with 7,373 reviews, serving Southern-style smoked meats and draft beer in a retro space with live music.

Community Rating

4.4

out of 5

7,373 community reviews

Rating aggregated from community reviews across platforms. Read full reviews on Google or Yelp for detailed diner experiences.

Community-sourced rating

Reviews

What diners say about Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

15 verified Google reviews · 12 with owner responses

4.9

15 reviews

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Luna MahaLocal guide
2 months ago

Hands down the best BBQ in all of New York! This has become our family’s go-to spot, and we keep coming back again and again. Every single visit is a hit. If you’re looking for authentic, mouth-watering BBQ, this is the place to be. We absolutely love it here!

Response from the owner

Hey Luna, <br>Holy smokes! Your review has us doin' a happy BBQ dance. We're grateful for your recognition of our Southern Style Bar-B-Que and our commitment to genuine hospitality. Can't wait to have you back at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que!

TobyLocal guide
2 months ago

Dino is a loud, brick-lined Harlem institution. Great BBQ.<br><br>Three of us walked in early evening. No booking. Seated without fuss.<br><br>We shared plates of ribs. They arrived dark and lacquered, the meat soft but holding to the bone. Smoke came through. The bark had bite. Fries were crisp. Cornbread warm and slightly sweet. Slaw cut the fat.<br><br>Busy. Wood stacked by the door. An open kitchen running at pace. Service steady.<br><br>Enough said.

Response from the owner

Toby, <br>We're absolutely thrilled to receive your outstanding review! Your kind words make all our hard work worthwhile. We're committed to delivering excellence, and it's wonderful to know that we succeeded in making your experience a memorable one. Thank you for choosing us!

Taneisha LennonLocal guide
3 months ago

This is my third time at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. The place is always packed. There was people alot of people waiting to be seated, because of how good this place is. The food is always fresh, hot and delicious. My whole family enjoyed their dinner tonight. Our server was Javi and he did an awesome job.<br>They have bar seat, booths, tables and outside seating. However outside seating was closed because of the cold weather. They do offer take out service. The atmosphere is great and is a whole vibes. I will definitely be back.<br><br>Btw there is a parking lot next door, that you can pay $12.99 per hour or $20 for 2 hours if you drive.

Response from the owner

Taneisha, <br>We're absolutely thrilled to receive your outstanding review! Your kind words make all our hard work worthwhile. We're committed to delivering excellence, and it's wonderful to know that we succeeded in making your experience a memorable one. Thank you for choosing us!

Jackie WellenerLocal guide
3 months ago

The best BBQ on the East Coast! Everything here is amazing, but the short ribs are an absolute must-try—easily the highlight of the meal. And don’t leave without getting the cookie bar for dessert. The only downside was that the service could’ve been a bit more attentive, but the food more than made up for it. Definitely worth the visit! 🍖🍪

Response from the owner

Hey Jackie, <br><br>Thank you so much for the kind words! We’re glad everything hit the mark, especially the ribs and cookie bar. We appreciate the note on service as well and will share that with the team. Hope to have you back again soon!<br><br>Thanks,<br>The Dino BBQ Team

Sheryl LoveLocal guide
4 months ago

I went again last night for Kariokee with Dj Jesse!! I always participate in kariokee because I love to sing.Also the best bartender is Chami, she always takes care of me.The other cool servers are Ronaldo, Dixie, and Adam! I love going to Dino saur because the food is always good and the crowd is laidback. The place also has gamenight every other wednesday. Kariokee is every other tuesday and its always a fine time. Follow Dj Jesse at mc_jesselee!

g2rizoLocal guide
5 months ago

It was supreme all staff was very friendly the place was very clean the bathrooms had a graffiti look the sitting area is huge and they have a outside sitting area also they have a huge long bar really nice they made the food fast and it was well cooked plenty of of food as well very excellent great place I highly recommend for family and dates or friends getting together. That day they had these really cool medal motorcycle art peices.

Response from the owner

Hi there, thanks for the review. We’re all about great food but making sure you feel welcome and have a killer time is just as important. We’re glad the vibe and service hit the mark! Can’t wait to have you back for more good times and great BBQ.

Virginia BerndtLocal guide
5 months ago

I really enjoyed my meal at Dinosaur Bar-B-Q! We went on karaoke night, and even the host and servers were humming along to the music, creating a warm atmosphere. I really appreciated the gluten-free menu! I ordered a salad with pulled pork, a deviled egg, and their house dressing (barbecue sauce mixed with blue cheese!). Everything tasted amazing! Our sever, Nikki, was a delight!

Response from the owner

Hi Virginia, thanks for the review. We’re all about great food but making sure you feel welcome and have a killer time is just as important. We’re glad the vibe and service hit the mark! Can’t wait to have you back for more good times and great BBQ.

Samara LuongLocal guide
8 months ago

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que – Harlem, NY<br><br>If you’re craving real, smoky, fall-off-the-bone BBQ in New York, this spot hits the mark! The brisket was unbelievably tender — juicy, perfectly smoked, and drenched in their tangy house sauce. Every bite melts in your mouth with that deep, slow-cooked flavor you can only get from real pit barbecue.<br><br>The whipped sweet potatoes were a surprise standout — buttery, creamy, and just the right touch of orange flavor sweetness to balance the smoky meats.<br>Service was impressively quick and friendly, even though the place was packed. Food came out hot and fresh in no time, which made the whole experience even better.<br><br>The vibe is classic Harlem — rustic wood, buzzing energy, and that smoky aroma drifting from the open kitchen. A great spot for hearty comfort food with zero pretense.

Response from the owner

Hey Samara, <br>Holy smokes! Your review has us doin' a happy BBQ dance. We're grateful for your recognition of our Southern Style Bar-B-Que and our commitment to genuine hospitality. Can't wait to have you back at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que!

Eric BradleyLocal guide
Edited 8 months ago

The service was exceptional that the server provided. She was patient, helpful, friendly & recommend what was economical on the menu for a party of four. Everything we order was delicious & filling. The restaurant has a nice ambiance & location which is near the Hudson River. Highly recommend when in Harlem. Also It was good to be home again & see all the new changes in Harlem after 40 yrs.

Response from the owner

Hi Eric, thanks for the review. We’re all about great food but making sure you feel welcome and have a killer time is just as important. We’re glad the vibe and service hit the mark! Can’t wait to have you back for more good times and great BBQ.

S. A.Local guide
Edited 9 months ago

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Harlem (right off 125th Street by the Hudson River) is a fantastic spot for classic southern barbecue in a great location. The restaurant is super clean, with a lively yet comfortable atmosphere, and the staff are always friendly and welcoming.<br><br>The space is versatile — you can grab a seat at the bar, sit at tall tables, or settle in at regular tables. It works equally well for big groups, small gatherings, or even solo meals.<br><br>As for the food, it’s exactly what you’d hope for: smoky brisket, tender baby back ribs, pulled pork, and all the classic southern sides like coleslaw, potatoes, and fries. Portions are generous, flavors are bold, and everything is served hot and fresh.<br><br>The location is a real plus too — right next to a park by the river, making it perfect to stroll before or after your meal.<br><br>If you’re looking for authentic BBQ in NYC with great service and a prime setting, this place is hard to beat.

Response from the owner

Hi there,<br>Thanks so much for your kind words. We’re happy the food hit the spot and we can't wait to have you back for more!<br>Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Jeff T. CriticLocal guide
9 months ago

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que<br>700 W. 125th. St.<br>New York, NY 10027<br><br>Wango Habanero Wings<br>1/4 Rack Ribs<br>Cajun Fried Catfish<br><br>This is with no exaggeration one of the best barbecue establishments I ever explored.<br><br>Wango Habanero Wings:<br>This is the perfect combination of sweet and spice.<br><br>1/4 Rack Ribs:<br>The tender wings fell right off the bone. The sauce was so amazing I wish I could have drank the sauce by the bottle!<br><br>Cajun Fried Catfish:<br>Even the non-barbecue items are a hit! The catfish was covered with crispy cornmeal and my favorite topping is the black-eyed pea relish.<br><br>Aside from unbelievably fast service, my server was was friendly and he even recognized me from previous visits.<br><br>My only regret is that I wish I had ordered larger portions, but there will always be a next time.<br><br>#dinosaurbarbecue #harlemny #rackifribs #dinosaurbarbecueharlem #wangohabanerowings #cajunfriedcatfish #nycfoodie

Response from the owner

Hi there,<br>Thanks so much for your kind words. We’re happy the food hit the spot and we can't wait to have you back for more!<br>Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Greg HarrisLocal guide
10 months ago

The Dinosaur Bar-B-Que restaurant is an absolute amazing barbecue based chain that offers guest delicious Southern style cuisine ranging from brisket, ribs, pulled pork and wings.<br><br>In February of 2019, I brought and treated my wife and myself for dinner at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, specifically the branch based in Harlem, New York to celebrate our Happy One Year Wedding Anniversary!!! We both very much enjoyed our dining experience!!!<br><br>The staff warmly greeted us when we arrived at the restaurant and quickly provided us with a very large and comfortable dining table. Our server, Joel was very kind, superbly professional and made us feel right at home. He did a great job on explaining the menu options, the specials for the day and offered great tips on the dishes that we were likely to favor and enjoy. In addition, he perfectly noted our orders, and routinely checked in on us to make sure we were having a good time and that our needs were met. We thank Joel for his hospitality and wonderful service.<br><br>Ultimately my wife and I decided to order the “Family Stylin Bar-B-Que” entree which consists of 6 pieces of whole chicken, full rack of ribs, an order of pork or brisket, cornbread and 3 homemade sides. We were both in awe of the sheer quantity of food that was provided and we found every dish to be well cooked, perfectly seasoned and fabulously delicious. Everything was flawlessly made and a delight to eat!!!<br><br>If you enjoy Southern style cuisine coupled with great hospitality, you’ll definitely enjoy visiting and dining at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. My wife and I would love to thank this great restaurant for providing us an exceptional dining experience, one that we’ll cherish forever!!!

MrsChristina KeithLocal guide
10 months ago

Visiting from out of town was nice and it was a nice atmosphere, good vibes and was able to accommodate a party of 15. There were a lot of provocative wall art for young children to see, that would be my only complaint of the atmosphere.<br><br>Our waitress was a little slow at first getting to us but altogether she was good. She was knowledgeable of the menu and tried to accommodate us as best she could. Some of the drinks and food items we asked for were not available which was a little disappointing but overall the food and drinks that we were able to get were good.<br><br>My husband had the beef ribs, Mac and cheese and creole potato salad. He says the ribs and Mac and cheese were AMAZING but there was nothing Creole about the potato salad, it was just regular potato salad, so he feels like he could’ve picked something better.<br><br>I had the make your own salad with jerk salmon. The salad was a pretty big serving, however there was no jerk on the salmon and the portion of salmon was small for the amount of salad. And I needed to ask for more dressing. The DEVILD EGGS were soooo delicious.

William AdamsLocal guide
a year ago

Over the past couple of months, I’ve been on the hunt to satisfy my craving for perfectly fried catfish—little did I know, it was right here on the menu at Dinosaur BBQ all along! While my usual favorites are the fried green tomatoes, Brisket sliders and the BBQ Rib Sweetheart Deal (which never disappoints), I decided to switch things up, and I’m so glad I did.<br><br>The catfish dinner was nothing short of fantastic. The fish was fried to a flawless golden crisp, boasting a well-seasoned crust that delivered just the right amount of crunch with every bite. The accompanying sides complemented the dish perfectly, rounding out a truly satisfying Southern-style meal. If you’re a fan of authentic, well-executed fried catfish, I highly recommend giving this dish a try!

Response from the owner

Hi William, thanks for taking the time to write us a review. We're so glad you enjoyed your time with us! We love that you took a chance on the catfish dinner and found a new favorite. Our pitmasters take pride in serving up that perfect golden crisp, and we’re thrilled it hit the spot for you. We hope to see you back soon for some more great BBQ!

Dashiel FlorezLocal guide
a year ago

WOW AND WOW. It all began with the host who greeted us so warmly. Then our server Dixie(sorry if i misspelled) WOW. She truly was AMAZING. The food and drinks are 100% WOW. I had the BEST CHICKEN SANDWICH AND WHIPPED SWEET POTATOES....im going back with a very large party. Im telling everyone about this gem. WOW. I was truly amazed at how much love they put into the food. We ordered other stuff and everything was amazing. This is a must go to place. I will also be ordering delivery food from here. Sorry not many pictures because i was too busy eating such amazing food

Response from the owner

Hi Dashiel, your review just made our day! We put our heart into every rack of ribs and every slab of brisket, so knowing it hit the spot for you means a lot to us. Thanks for the feedback, hope to see you back at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que soon!

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