Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Situated in the old Lehigh Valley Railroad station right on the Genesee River, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is a Rochester institution serving up nationally acclaimed, southern-style barbecue. The atmosphere is loud, energetic, and perfectly divey, leaning heavily into a biker-bar aesthetic with vintage signs and blues music blaring.

The menu is legendary, featuring slow-smoked pulled pork, massive St. Louis cut ribs, and tender beef brisket. Sides are just as important here, with the Mac & Cheese, BBQ beans, and cornbread being absolute staples. It's an ideal spot for large groups, celebrations, or a heavy dinner before catching a show downtown.

Expect a wait on weekends, but grabbing a local craft beer at the massive wooden bar makes the time fly by. In the summer, their outdoor patio offers some of the best riverfront dining views in the city.