Dinosaur Barbeque of Syracuse: Meat, Mac and a Whole 'Lotta "Mmm..."

September 29, 2009 5:13 pm

Dinosaur Barbeque of Syracuse: Meat, Mac and a Whole 'Lotta "Mmm..."

$Behind the Burner: Dinosaur Barbeque of Syracuse: Meat, Mac and a Whole \'Lotta \$

This week I found myself revisiting for only the second time (I know I'm slacking) the famous Dinosaur Bar-B-Que of Syracuse, New York. Sure, the extinct reptiles may seem like ancient news, but for this bikers' joint, the dino is still the hottest piece of meat out there—literally.

It was my friend's birthday and as promised, we took her to the beloved Dinosaur Bar-B-Que of downtown Syracuse. Surrounded by a boring parking lot and some random buildings, you really can't miss the bright red lights not to mention the motorcycles and mix of barbeque and beer scent practically calling anyone who has an appetite.

I must admit the scene was a little intimidating for the average college kid used to the lame old Marshall Street welcome of "waste all your money for some overpriced mediocre food advertised to take advantage of mommy and daddy's wallets." With Dino, the motto basically is "Come Hungry or Don't Come at All," simply because the food is actually GOOD! Shocker right? Soon enough the scene becomes more cozy than scary. Whether you want to chill bar side or in a comfy booth, the atmosphere screams barbeque all over. Maybe it's the red lightening that does it? Go figure.

For a Wednesday night, the place was pretty packed. I felt as if I might have been in a sports bar gone biker chick, surrounded by Yankee fans in leather jackets watching the Toronto Game as juicy ribs and barbeque drool oozed from their mouths—not the most attractive site for the ladies, just for future reference.

By now I was practically starving. We started off with some pulled pork egg rolls. I really do not know how any Happy Wong Garden could have missed this recipe. Fried crisp rolls perfectly stuffed with pork sweetness adorned with lettuce garnish and grilled sliced cabbage, dipped in a sweet, yet tangy red sauce made my mouth orgasm! I think my local Chinese takeout delivery guy just lost a customer. Sorry bud!

Never a big meat fan—I mean, who really likes admitting they're in love with pig?—I decided to be adventurous and milk the barbeque for all it was worth with a traditional platter: 1/4 barbeque chicken leg, 1/4 barbeque chicken thigh, beef brisket and baby back ribs all for just $15 bucks. I was told my meal came with two sides and some corn bread and I thought I would leave Dino looking quite preggers. I chose the cole slaw, a personal favorite of mine, and the Mac & Cheese, which came highly recommended.

Lucky for me, my recommenders had good taste. Sure the meat would have been a succulent paradise for typical meat lovers, slowly roasted to perfection. I was provided with choices of barbeque sauces as well, secret specialties ranging from sweet to spicy. The sauce ignited the tender meats, which also had no fat on them (score!). My favorite of the barbeque dishes was definitely the ribs; rich with juices and meat that suffocated the bone, a carnivore's dream come true! I felt I was in my own backyard on a July night—only with a much better grill and a spice rack my dad could only dream of owning.

But still, what I couldn't understand was why Dinosaur Barbeque wasn't renamed to Dinosaur Macaroni. This Mac & Cheese could probably bring Mr. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que himself back from the grave. Sprinkled with Paprika and stuffed with every cheese imaginable, this cheddar jack garlic and Tabasco infused dish may seem like a not so nutritious nightmare, but for most, it is pure cheese bliss.

If you're a 'Cuse native, and still have not dined with the Dino, consider yourself a fool. You may be experienced with your own grill, but trust me; you're stomach's never been hooked up like this before.