I recently had the opportunity to visit Rochester, New York on a business trip. I have to admit the training was good, but having a chance to visit Dinosaur BBQ was what really made the trip something I wanted to do.
Anticipation is not something I normally experience when trying out a new BBQ restaurant. Usually I’m only eating there because someone else wants to or because I just want to see what kind of mess I can get served. However, I knew I was in for a treat with Dinosaur BBQ. I had been flying their colors with my Dinosaur BBQ hat and using their rubs for almost two years.
Just walking up to the place made me feel at home. You immediately can see they take their low and slow serious with numerous pits right out front for the world to see.
You could smell the smoke. My biggest disappointment with most BBQ restaurants is that they are void of any resemblence of a smoke smell. Smelling the smoke is part of the atmosphere. If you don’t smell the smoke, chances are you aren’t going taste it either.
Upon entering the place you just knew you were in a “honky tonk rib joint.” I loved the place immediately. I was greeted by Johnny and showed my table. I explained that I had flown in from Sacramento, California pretty much just to eat there. The wait staff is fantastic, friendly and stopped by just to chat a couple of times.
I ordered the wing appetizer.
When the wings arrived I tasted them. The sauce was hot, real hot, yet it didn’t mask the smoke flavor of the wings. The wings are smoked and then grilled. That combination gives them a great texture and provides for a nice “bite through” skin.
When I started taking pictures of my plate Johnny wanted to know what I was doing and I explained about my blog. I asked if I could see the pits and while I was waiting for my main course he ushered me outside where I got a tour of the pit area.
What a treat. Lot’s of apple wood along with hickory.
I ordered the combination plate so I could taste everything.
It was all so amazing. The brisket may have been the best I have ever eaten. The pulled pork was divine. The ribs were pretty much like I can get anywhere. But after the brisket and pork anything would have been a little less tasty. The cole slaw and beans were first rate too.
I finished my meal off with a slice of Sweet Potato Pecan Pie. I can’t believe I forgot to take a picture. I guess it was that good.
Is Dinosaur BBQ the best restaurant BBQ there is? I don’t know, but I would defy anyone to produce anything better. I can’t wait for another chance to head to Rochester “on business.”
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