Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

(two locations) through Sun. Sept. 26: 646 W. 131st St., New York (Harlem)   , beginning Thurs. Sept. 30: 777 W. 125th St., New York (Battery Park)  

You must take the 1 train if you want to get to Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Harlem (or the A train, if you don’t mind a multiblock schlep). However you arrive, though, you’ll find the best barbecue in town, or at least you’ll encounter the most fun you can have while eating barbecue anywhere in town. Find a seat at one of the picnic tables and create some space amid the bottles of house-made hot sauces and stacks of paper napkins. (Did we mention the place isn’t fancy?) Then go to town on pulled pork, chicken, and all kinds of sides—a mini iceberg wedge with “Bar-B-Blues” dressing, Creole potato salad, or Syracuse salt potatoes (named for the home of the original Dinosaur; a third is in Rochester). How about a Cuban sandwich, Dinosaur’s own version of the Miami classic, or a Bar-B-Que Reuben sandwich or platter? As the sign says, “If you leave hungry, it’s your fault.”

menu musts

Ribs (duh!)
Traditional sampler (chicken ribs, Texas brisket)
Pork Bar-B-Que sandwich or platter; add cheese for $1
Cajun mac and cheese
Syracuse salt potatoes view full menu here

sweet seats

Grab a seat anywhere, but if the weather holds, try for something near the open windows. Your palate might be on fire, but the rest of you should be nice and cool.

chew on this

Forget barbecue for a moment and think music. On Friday and Saturday, Dinosaur is a red-hot venue for local NYC talent, with country singer Jessica Star appearing tonight (Sept. 24) and blues favorite Nicole Hart & the NRG Band on Saturday (Sept. 25). Get there early; lines form most nights to get into Dinosaur, with or without the music.

hours*

Mon.–Thurs. 11:30 AM–11 PM;
Fri.–Sat. 11:30 AM–12 midnight; Sun. 12 noon–10 PM
*Dinosaur will be closed Mon. Sept. 27–Wed. Sept. 29.

price range

$12.95 (half barbecue chicken) to $24.95 (full rack of ribs)