From Brisket, to Cornbread, to Ribs: Dinosaur Bar-b-que Roars into Stamford – Exclusive First Tastes

Update:  see our complete review here.

Good things come to those who wait.  That’s the BBQ creed, you know?  Time is your friend when it comes to smoking up some ribs, bringing out that smoke ring, and making things delicate.    Well, we kind of feel the same way about Dinosaur Bar-b-que here in Stamford.  When we heard rumblings of Dinosaur opening in Stamford, we got the news straight from the Dino’s mouth and were the first to share it.  We also gave you an interview with owner and pitmaster, John Stage, breaking down his BBQ, his style, and what to eat in the middle of a zombie apocalypse.  Well, lucky OmNomCT was invited to a special sneak peek a day before the opening and we even had a chance to chat with John Stage himself.  What a really nice guy!  So, if this is the first time you’re hearing about Dinosaur Bar-b-que, here’s a crash course:

• John Stage started Dinosaur Bar-b-que as a mobile BBQ truck that followed biker rallies and events.
• He opened up Dinosaur in Syracuse in 1988  because people couldn’t get enough Dino.
• Dinosaur Syracuse quickly became a rite of passage for BBQ lovers and a place of pilgrimage for bikers across the country.
• Dinosaur Bar-b-que became a cult, a legend.
• Dinosaur Bar-b-que sauces are sold in stores now for your slathering, BBQ, and grilling needs.
• Dinosaur Bar-b-que has taken over Harlem, Newark, Rochester, Stamford, Syracuse, and Troy.  Dinosaur Buffalo is on the way.

Now, dear friends, we’re pleased to share with you…the first BBQ slathered, rib-sauce all over your face, hands sticky beyond all recognition because of brisket juice review of Dinosaur Bar-b-que Stamford.

The Interior

Think old-fashioned saloon or watering hole.  Beautiful wooden benches, beautiful expansive bar.  Folks, there’s plenty of room here to stretch out, kick back, and relax.  I mean, look, you’re going to need the room after you gorge on some killer BBQ and sides.  Perhaps one of the coolest features are the metal cut outs of various figures such as a dinosaur and cowboy that wait in the windows when you look up above the kitchen area.  You’ll also be able to take advantage of a quick pickup window for your food.  Place the order, pick it up, take it home, nom away.  While you’re waiting, you can salivate as you watch the rotisserie spin and see the open pit BBQ smoke up some serious meat.

The Food

Chicken wings:  you know when you get some wings and they are soggy?  Well, these aren’t even close.  They were crisp, full of smoky flavor, and were moist.  This will be a definite starter when you stop by…or sit down at the huge bar, drink some brewskis and chomp on some wings.

Brisket:  can you see that smoke ring in the picture?  That beautiful pink color translates directly into smoky delicious flavor.  The brisket would have been good enough by itself, but they served it with a bun.  We added a fresh and vibrant jalapeno relish that took the brisket to the next freaking level.

Ribs:  just a gentle tug and the meat fell right off the bone.  Not overly sauced either, the ribs were excellent.  Just like the brisket, a nice smokiness came through.  Loved these bad boys.

Pulled pork:  the pork was literally being pulled from a giant hunk at the carving station.  The meat was delicate, juicy, yet full of flavor.  They served it on a bun for you so we loaded ours up with some pickles that they provided.  That’s really one of the best combos in the world, you know?  Peanut butter and jelly, be shamed.

Mac & cheese with Cajun Foreplay:  um, wow.  Dan’s not usually a big fan of mac & cheese, but this time he couldn’t help himself.  The cheese itself was stringy, it was baked nicely, too, forming a nice thick layer of cheese on the top.  The finishing touch?  A few dashes of Cajun Foreplay, a spice blend that Dinosaur created that adds a nice kick and spiciness.  You’ll be addicted, trust us.

Just ONE of Dan’s dinner plates. Yeah…there was a second. The hand in the picture is James Gribbon’s.

Coleslaw:  Kristien loved the coleslaw, especially the peppery-ness that came through.

Macaroni Salad:  Dan doesn’t go near macaroni salad, but Kristien loves the stuff.  This one, for her, wasn’t her favorite side.  This one had tuna in it and she’s never been a big fan of that fish (unless in sushi.)  But, she did mention that it wasn’t bad and people would really like it if they enjoyed tuna.

Pork fried rice:  yes, we know we were at Dinosaur Bar-b-que, but they were offering pork fried rice up.  We had to try it.  Let’s just say we were pleasantly surprised.

Cornbread:  light and fluffy, buttery.  Oh holy Moses.  We love you.  We want to move to Utah and bring this cornbread with us so that we can marry it together and have cornbread children together.  If you want to see all the sides and dishes, plus their prices check out the menu.

The Beer

There is a nice list of beer from the Syracuse area (including a Dinosaur original), other craft beer, your normal domestics, and (hallelujah) Connecticut beer!  Yes, on tap was some Hooker and both the Half Full Bright Ale and Half Full Chocolate Coffee Brown Ale made with espresso NEAT Ethiopian coffee.  We give four thumbs up to the variety.

Dinosaur Bar-b-que Stamford

Noms: 4 (we’ve been back a few times and had some inconsistently cooked meats, making us lower it from 4.25)

Cost: $$$ (though there’s lots of value here, so could be $$ depending on how you play your cards)

Address: 845 Canal Street

Stamford, CT 06902

Phone:  203-517-3272