Dinosaur Bar-B-Que — Restaurant in Troy

What I look for in barbecue is slow cooked, dry rubbed, sauce on the side, smoke ring, and tender meats. What I received was sweet wet barbecue.

The pulled pork was tender, but served dripping in a sweet sauce. The plan was to try the three sauces at our table, but when it comes drowning in the sweet sauce, then I guess we're only trying one sauce.

The ribs were basted in the same sweet sauce, and slow cooked so that the sugars formed a glaze. It was tasty, but a bit too sweet. I added their Garlic Chipotle sauce to add some heat and try to offset the sweet, but it's also vinegar based so it almost became a spicy Carolina barbecue at that point.

The chili was good, but missing anything that would identify it as a chili at a barbecue joint, like burnt ends, pulled pork, or any smoke whatsoever. Still a good chili.

The greens were okay, pretty much on par with Glory greens, so they weren't offensive. I'd enjoyed bits of brisket and pulled pork in it, but none to be found.

The cornbread was delicious. I'd be willing to order a pan of it, to go, next time passing through Troy.

The cold shrimp were tasty, but made no sense why they're at a barbecue joint so far inland. It made less sense why someone at my table ordered them, when she doesn't like shrimp, but oh well, more for me to try.

With the meats arriving wet, I ended up trying the sauces on their own. The habañero sauce surprisingly wasn't as spicy as I was expecting. It was good. The garlic chipotle sauce was hot but very strong with vinegar. So if you're a Tabasco fan, it's right up your alley. And their sweet barbecue sauce apparently comes on everything, and it's pretty standard for a sweet sauce.

We weren't there late enough to see a live band, but looking at the website they have live acts booked.

If you're expecting wet and sweet BBQ, then they do it well. But if you like a dry rubbed BBQ, where the meat has to stand on it's own, this isn't the place. It's not bad, I'd try them again, but only when I'm craving sweet BBQ, or just a tray of cornbread. They also have a nice location on the river, great for viewing a tug push a barge while you...

Here’s a roundup of reviews, strengths, and caveats for Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Troy, NY:

📊 Ratings & Overview • On many occasions, my friends generally speak highly of it, calling it “one of the best BBQ places in the Capital Region.”  • On my reviews, my dining experience is totally: “food is delicious, service is fast … chicken wings are terrific.”  • Noted many beer offerings

Our official visit also highlights some positives: • They offer gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.  • Outdoor seating by the river or on the back porch is available.  • You can reserve ahead (via Resy) to skip wait times. 

✅ What Customers Like Great BBQ & Meats • Ribs are frequently singled out as a high point. Though we have not tried • Some diners praise brisket, pulled pork, and other smoked meats. we liked the chicken wings wish they were more warm Portions & Value • Many say the servings are generous and filling.  • Good variety across menu options (meats + sides).  Atmosphere & Location • Scenic riverside location is a plus for ambiance.  • Rustic, lively BBQ-joint feel appeals to many. • Outdoor seating options are appreciated, especially in nice weather. 

⚠️ Common Complaints & Caveats • Inconsistency Some nights, kitchens might have off nights. From my understanding: “The kitchen has its off nights but 9/10 they’re spot on.”  On another visit, a diner got undercooked sausage and raised concern.  • Price Some find it a little on the expensive side, especially for BBQ.  • Service & Wait Times While many praise fast and friendly service, in high traffic times (weekends, peak dinner hours) waits and crowding are mentioned. 

🎯 Tips If You Go • Try to reserve ahead (via Resy) to avoid long waits. • If the weather is good, ask for an outside/riverside seat for ambiance. • Focus on meats (ribs, brisket, pulled pork) — they tend to receive the most praise. • Be a little forgiving on sides or occasional kitchen “off nights.” • Visit during non-peak times if possible to get better service and...

We went to Dinosaur BBQ in Troy tonight for dinner and enjoyed every moment. There was a 30 minute wait for a table as it was such a beautiful night on the waterfront. We were seated in a booth and promptly greeted by our server. Two of us ordered beer and one a Diet Coke. Working in the yard all day made the beer taste even better. Started with fried green tomatoes to share and they were delicious, light breaded, lightly breaded with a nice crunch, and juicy. They were served with a nice aioli sauce. We all ordered platters and they come with two sides. I had brisket, St Louis Ribs, and Jalapeño Cheddar Smoked Sausage. One had pulled pork on her platter as well. The brisket had a great bark, so juicy, and tender. So so good. The ribs were seasoned well, fall off the bone with some excellent texture. The sausage was cooked perfectly, slight heat, and not dry. The pulled pork I was told was delicious as it disappeared very quickly. I had the Harlam Potato Salad and it was outstanding, basically a good homemade potato salad with eggs, little celery and onion, mustard and mayonnaise; just like it was made at home. The sweet potatoes were served with candied pecans and so good. My wife enjoyed her macaroni and cheese. The only disappointment was the coleslaw as it was over dressed, soaking in a mayonnaise based dressing. The coleslaw was still crispy/fresh but we had to drain every forkful. It did have a great taste. A pleasant surprise was the cornbread. It was served with a little glaze on one side like it was cooked in a cast iron pan; so fresh and flavorful. No room for dessert tonight....