Dinosaur Bar-B-Que has been a downtown Rochester favorite since 1998, serving slow-smoked barbecue inside the historic Lehigh Valley Railroad Station. Located along Court Street overlooking the Genesee River, it’s an easy stop during a day in downtown Rochester. The aroma of wood smoke greets you before you even step inside.
Welcome to Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Rochester
The menu centers on slow-smoked meats prepared with signature spice rubs and house-made sauces. Barbecue classics include ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and smoked chicken. You’ll also find sandwiches, burgers, salads, seafood, vegetarian options, and an extensive selection of appetizers and sides. My personal favorites are the fried green tomatoes and mashed potatoes.
Our Visit
During our hosted visit in July 2026, my husband and I sampled a mix of longtime favorites and seasonal specialties. Our meal included crispy fried green tomatoes, a spicy shrimp boil, slow-smoked brisket, ribs, wings, sweet tea, and several sides. Before heading home, we got a peek inside the smoker room to see the slow-smoking process up close.
Dining Inside & Out
Large windows inside the dining room overlook the Genesee River and Court Street Dam, while the seasonal patio offers outdoor seating during warmer months. Whether you’re meeting friends after work or taking a break from exploring downtown Rochester, you’ll have the option of dining indoors or out.
Founded in 1983 as a mobile concession serving motorcycle events and festivals, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que has grown into one of New York’s best-known barbecue restaurants. The Rochester location opened in 1998 inside the former Lehigh Valley Railroad Station, a 1905 passenger depot listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Passenger rail service ended in the 1950s, and the building later served as a bus terminal before becoming the nightclub Carpe Diem in the 1990s. Today, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que gives new life to one of downtown Rochester’s most recognizable historic buildings.
Plan Your Visit to Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
99 Court Street
Rochester, NY 14604
Website: dinosaurbarbque.com/rochester
Phone: (585) 325-7099
Hours: See the website for current hours.
More to Explore
Before or after your meal, take a few minutes to explore behind the restaurant. The boardwalk at the Promenade at Erie Harbor wraps around the historic railroad station and connects to the Genesee Riverway Trail, making it a worthwhile extension of your visit. From here, you’ll find views of the Genesee River, the Johnson-Seymour Mill Race, and downtown Rochester.
Pair Dinosaur Bar-B-Que with a Rochester Day Trip
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que fits easily into a day exploring downtown Rochester. Spend the morning at the Strong National Museum of Play, the George Eastman Museum, or the Memorial Art Gallery. Stroll the Genesee Riverway Trail or browse the Central Library before stopping at Dinosaur for lunch or dinner. Finish the day with a Rochester Red Wings game or an event at Blue Cross Arena.
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Disclosure: Dinosaur Bar-B-Que hosted our meal during our July 2026 visit. As always, opinions expressed here are my own.