“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of our beloved Brooklyn store later this spring.” This statement from Dinosaur Bar-B-Que encapsulates the sentiment surrounding the impending closure of its Brooklyn location, which has served as a notable gathering place for the community over the past 15 years.
The decision to close the restaurant, located on Union Street in Gowanus, stems from the expiration of its lease and plans for the building’s demolition to make way for new apartments. According to documents, this closure is part of a broader trend affecting many local businesses as real estate developments reshape neighborhoods across New York City.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que traces its origins 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, and since then, the brand expanded significantly, eventually operating ten locations across various states. However, as of now, only five remain following the closures of all out-of-state establishments.
The Brooklyn restaurant has been described not just as a dining establishment but as an integral part of many lives—“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,” the restaurant noted in their announcement. This sentiment reflects how deeply intertwined the venue has become with local culture.
Indeed, it is noteworthy that while Dinosaur Bar-B-Que once boasted locations in Connecticut, New Jersey, Chicago, and Baltimore among others, it now solely operates within New York City—specifically in Harlem and four upstate cities: Syracuse, Rochester, Troy, and Buffalo. The Rochester location even earned recognition as number 96 in Yelp’s Top 100 Barbecue Spots for 2024.
The official final service date at the Brooklyn location has yet to be announced; however, customers can be assured that gift cards will be honored through its last day and at all remaining locations thereafter. This measure may serve as some consolation to loyal patrons who have supported the restaurant throughout its tenure.
As Dinosaur Bar-B-Que prepares to close this chapter in its history, they expressed gratitude towards their patrons: “Brooklyn, thank you for 15 unforgettable years.” The emotional weight of this farewell resonates deeply within the community that has cherished this establishment.
Yet, amidst these changes lies uncertainty regarding what will follow. As developments continue in Gowanus and beyond—especially with regards to local dining options—the impact of such closures on community cohesion remains to be seen.
