“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 marks the end of an era for the popular restaurant, which has served the Gowanus community for 15 years.
The Brooklyn location, situated on Union Street, will close due to the expiration of its lease. The building will be demolished to make way for new apartments. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que thanked the community for their support over the years, stating, “Brooklyn, thank you for 15 unforgettable years.”
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que traces its roots back to 1983. Founder John Stage started with a mobile concession stand at biker rallies and festivals. The first physical location opened in Syracuse in 1988. Over the years, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que expanded to include locations in Harlem and several upstate cities: Syracuse, Rochester, Troy, and Buffalo.
At its peak, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que operated ten locations across multiple states including Connecticut, New Jersey, Chicago, and Baltimore. However, all out-of-state locations have since closed. Now, after this closure, only five locations remain.
The Brooklyn restaurant was more than just a place to eat. It served as a gathering spot for friends and families—“It’s been a place for friends, families, first dates, celebrations, and plenty of unforgettable nights in Gowanus,” said the restaurant in its statement. Yet what truly made it special was the people who frequented it.
The official final service date for the Brooklyn location has not yet been announced. Gift cards will be honored at this location through its final day of service and at all remaining locations thereafter.
This closure reflects broader changes in urban landscapes as new developments replace longstanding establishments. Details remain unconfirmed regarding future plans for the site where Dinosaur Bar-B-Que once thrived.
