“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of our beloved Brooklyn store later this spring,” said Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in an official statement.
As of early Tuesday, the restaurant confirmed it will close its Brooklyn location on Union Street after 15 years in business. The closure is attributed to the expiration of the restaurant’s lease and plans for the building to be demolished for new apartments.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que has been a staple in the Gowanus neighborhood, described as a gathering place for friends, families, and celebrations. “Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Brooklyn has been more than just a restaurant. It’s been a place for friends, families, first dates, celebrations, and plenty of unforgettable nights in Gowanus,” they added.
The restaurant traces its roots back to 1983 when founder John Stage began serving food from a mobile concession stand at biker rallies and festivals. The first physical location opened in Syracuse in 1988. Over the years, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que expanded to multiple locations, peaking at ten before recent closures.
Currently, there are five remaining Dinosaur Bar-B-Que locations: one in Harlem and four upstate cities—Syracuse, Rochester, Troy, and Buffalo. The Rochester location was recently ranked 96th in Yelp’s Top 100 Barbecue Spots for 2024.
All gift cards will be honored at the Brooklyn location through its final day of service and at all remaining locations thereafter. However, the official final service date has not yet been announced.
“But what really made this place special wasn’t just the building. It was the people,” Dinosaur Bar-B-Que stated. They expressed gratitude to the Brooklyn community: “Brooklyn, thank you for 15 unforgettable years.” Details remain unconfirmed regarding further developments or additional closures.
