Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que occupies a striking piece of Rochester history at 99 Court St in downtown Rochester, NY. The restaurant opened in 1998 as the second location in the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que chain, setting up inside the former Lehigh Valley Railroad Station — a building designed by architect F.D. Hyde and constructed in 1905. The station, which features elements of French Renaissance and Gothic Revival architecture, served railroad passengers until the 1950s before cycling through uses as a bus terminal and later a nightclub. The building earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 as part of the Inner Loop Multiple Resource Area, and Dinosaur Bar-B-Que's renovation preserved much of its historic character.

The menu centers on pit-smoked barbecue with a Southern influence. Core offerings include:

• St. Louis-style ribs, dry-rubbed and slow-smoked
• Hand-pulled Duroc pork shoulder
• Prime beef brisket
• Smoked chicken and smoked wings

Homemade sides such as mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread round out the plates. The kitchen also accommodates gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan dietary needs, and a kids' menu is available. The full bar pours local, regional, and seasonal craft beers alongside specialty cocktails. Beyond dine-in service, the Rochester location offers offsite catering with pickup, delivery, and staffed drop-off options. A private upstairs event space holds 40 to 50 guests with its own bar.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Rochester is known for its combination of serious pit-smoked barbecue and a historic railroad-station setting directly on the Genesee River. The restaurant hosts live music and events in the evenings, typically from 9 PM onward, continuing a tradition that ties back to the building's earlier life as an entertainment venue. It has received multiple "Best of Rochester" honors for its barbecue, and the location draws both locals and visitors to its downtown riverfront spot.

The restaurant sits at 99 Court St in downtown Rochester, NY 14604, directly overlooking the Genesee River. It neighbors the Blue Cross Arena, making it a frequent pre-event and post-event dining stop. The building's position along the river and its distinctive early-1900s architecture make it easy to spot. Outdoor seating is available seasonally and is dog-friendly. Reservations can be made through Resy. The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday and Sunday from 11 AM to 9 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM.