Brooklyn’s Beloved Dinosaur Bar-B-Que to Close

A cherished spot in Brooklyn, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, is set to shut down its Union Street location this spring, ending a 15-year run.

The announcement came with a heavy heart, as the restaurant stated, “It is with great sadness that we announce that we will be closing our beloved Brooklyn location later this spring.”

According to the restaurant, their lease has expired, and the building will be torn down to make way for new housing.

“Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Brooklyn is more than just a restaurant. It’s a place for friends, family, first dates, celebrations, and many unforgettable nights in Gowanus,” the message continued.

The statement emphasized that what made the restaurant special was not just its physical space but also the community aspect. “It’s never easy to say goodbye to a place like this,” they said, expressing gratitude to all the guests and team members over the years.

No specific closing date has been announced yet, but the establishment promised to keep patrons informed via social media. They encouraged everyone to visit before the final day, reassuring customers that they will still be present at their locations in Harlem and upstate New York.

Gift cards can still be used at the Brooklyn location until its last day, and then at other locations afterward.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que still operates a restaurant in Harlem and four others in Syracuse, Rochester, Troy, and Buffalo. Once, they had several locations across other states, but those have since closed.

The brand began in the early ’80s as a mobile kiosk for bikers, eventually opening a physical location in Syracuse in 1988.

Many locals took to social media to voice their sadness over the news. One expressed concern that the replacement building would be a “soulless box.” Another lamented the loss of unique businesses, questioning what would attract people to the area if it turns into high-end condos.

Several others shared memories of special occasions celebrated at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. One patron recalled enjoying a meal there with their uncle during a difficult time, while another talked about family dinners marking the end of school. Heartfelt reactions highlighted just how integral the restaurant was to many lives.

“My heart is broken. Family takeout meals got my husband and I through the coronavirus lockdown,” added one more. The outpouring of reminiscences showcases the deep emotional connection the community has had with Dinosaur Bar-B-Que over the years.