Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

It’s one thing for a genuine Southern barbecue joint to infiltrate Manhattan, but it’s quite another when the barbecue interloper is from up north. Now that’s chutzpah! The popular Syracuse-based barbecue chain that built its reputation with bikers entered the New York City market with a roadhouselike restaurant on the outskirts of west Harlem. What can Syracuse know about barbecue, you ask? Well, they know pulled pork, which is slow-cooked till it's tender. And they know Texas brisket for the same reasons. The ribs I sampled didn’t fare as well, but two out of three ain’t bad—especially for a Yankee. Sides are standard: coleslaw, macaroni salad, collard greens, and standout barbecue beans. The restaurant is loud, but if you’re lucky, you might be able to catch some of the good blues playing over the din. There’s a lively bar and service is as down home as an upstate restaurant can be. Though its location is seemingly remote—close to the West Side Highway—it’s only a 3-block walk from the no. 1 train.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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