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.
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
do you know where they source their meat from? is any of it grass fed??
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You know Steph, we don’t know. We even did some Google searching and can’t figure it out. We’ll ask their FB page and see what they say. :)
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thanks!!!
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We haven’t heard back yet. Hopefully soon :)
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Great Review!!! My girlfriend Paige and I ended up there randomly (I nudged us there) last night. The place was packed…which is awesome…looks like they have a pretty big outdoor patio which is great too.
LOVED the look of the place. The places was soo gigantic, which I also loved…got me thinking that there aren’t really any other places like this in stamford…just in terms of size. The decorations were great and you are right, those cut-outs in the windows really do add something extra. The bar area was awesome and large as well. Love their beer breakdown…some from their neck of the woods, some from ours and then a bunch of other great selections.
The Food was awesomeee as expected. Paige and I got great value as well. For $20 we split a 3-meat combo plate…Had the smoked turkey, pulled pork and brisket which were all amazing. We also had the fries and mac & cheese…both more than solid. The cornbread was okay. Overall the food experience was great…came out quick but not too quick and everything was hot.
I think and hope this place is packed for years to come. I think it will do great. The food, the look, the beer all amazing. This could be a local destination/event type place. Calm and pleasant enough for families and rugged enough for the biker crowd as well.
So glad this place is here.
Sidenote…did you see that “aristocrat” area…they had a name for it “The Place for Aristocrats” or something like that? It looked cool with the low tables and the couches. I wonder if you have to reserve that area…since it was small…meant to ask but forgot. Also, I know they sell products online…I wonder if there is a little store type area….didn’t see one but didnt really look to hard either.
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Thanks :) So, you were there last night? So were we! What time? We actually ate around 10ish and it was still PACKED! Really insane!
So, we ate in the Aristrocrat’s area! :) We would have had to wait half an hour (even at 10), and we walked up to the bar. Danielle, a person in charge of the area, walked up to us and asked if we’d like to sit right away. Well, DUH! We sat down at a nice little table and ate away! We have to admit, we ate nice for not too much money. :) We’re glad you had a great time and loved the food, too. One of the things that made us very happy was that $22 we paid for an entire PITCHER of Ommegang Witte! Sweet deal, really. :) You wrote this comment so well, you should put it up on your site. Seriously. :)
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Hi there! Just recently found your blog and am so happy I did!
I live in Norwalk and my significant other is all about food (cooking and eating). He LOVES BBQ so of course I told him about Dinosaur opening. I showed him this post and he said “we are definitely going there once I’ve earned it” (meaning he’s trying to be healthy and shed a few pounds and this won’t help).
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Hey Jessica. We’re sorry to add to your bellies! :) hehe Dinosaur is some very good BBQ. Plus, check out Bobby Q’s in Westport, some good stuff at Bar Q in Stamford, and Q in Port Chester, NY. :)
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Been to all of the above except Q. Also Wilson’s in Fairfield :D
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Wilson’s was pretty good when we went years ago, but we haven’t been back in a while. The problem with lots of the BBQ places is that they are soooo expensive. So, it’s good to see BBQ that won’t break the bank, you know? :)
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Definitely! It seems like an oxymoron: Expensive BBQ
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FIY, the silhouettes in the windows above the kitchen are actually painted by the Dinosaur’s artists. They have done all the signage and decoration for the Dinosaur location in Stamford.
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Well, those are some talented artists. What we like most about them is that there is a fun side, almost a tongue in cheek manner to them. You get that?
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Having lived in KC I am hesitant to drop my money on BBQ in CT. I have been disappointed too many times. Tell me this is worthy of a road trip and I’ll give it a shot.
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Oh Rob, lived in KC, huh? :) It’s got to be hard to live up to that kind of BBQ. What we can say, though, is that each region has its own kind of style and rules to it. Some people love Northeast BBQ but don’t like KC. Maybe it’s like pizza…people have so many views about what is good and what sucks. Or maybe KC just rules? :)
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I will be heading to the city in a few weeks. I will make a stop and check it out.
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Hey Rob. If you do come, hit us up. We’ll have dinner together and maybe we’ll get you a drink. Maybe. :P
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I wish I lived near Stamford so I could check this place out! The brisket, ribs, and pulled pork look to die for. Unfortunately I will always prefer Southern crispy corn bread over that fluffy stuff, but I could make a meal of all these meats anyway.
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Yeah Cait, we wish you had one closer to you, also. But, we have two words for you: ROAD TRIP!!!! :) You’d definitely love the meats, Cait. We hear you about the cornbread, but you’d have to taste it for yourself. Maybe you would consider converting over to our side??? :P
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Dan that is one large plate.Everything looks lip smaking good and I can’t wait to try it.
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Thanks Mike. I take great pride in my eating abilities, especially when it comes to shoveling things down BBQ related. :) Let us know what you think when you hit up Dino.
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