Dinosaur BBQ

Restaurant was pretty good about gf options and questions. They have a separate gf menu that has a lot more options than I expected, new gf rolls for the sandwiches, and special colored plates to mark the food. At least our waitress knew what she was doing, and walked me through everything and answered all of my questions without hesitation. Super smooth night. I ordered the combo with chicken, brisket, steamed greens, and beans. Took half of it home for left overs. I did not have a reaction after either meal.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I had the 1/4 rack of baby back ribs with the cucumber tomatoes salad and BBQ beans as sides. It was delicious!! I made sure to let Jenn know I was celiac and they verified when the food was delivered it was gf. No reaction to it. I wish I lived nearby because I would be back!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout

Driving through Syracuse so ordered online and specified gluten allergy for both a kids grilled cheese and burger. Both looked too good to be true and they were because when I spoke to the cashier she said they don’t have GF bread or buns. I had the ticket which clearly read “allergy- gluten allergy” under both items which she showed to the cook who seemed like he could care less. She apologized and said they would remake the burger without the bun but I was extremely hesitant to eat it. Was nauseous and eventually vomited after eating some deviled eggs and part of the remade burger 😞 So disappointing especially since I’ve read good reviews on here. Maybe just an off day but Celiacs be very cautious here.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

Let me first say I’ve been to Dinosaur BBQ in Rochester many times and NEVER had an issue. So I was excited to go to the original after we moved my daughter out of her dorm. Everything was handled the way I expected and the food was delicious (wings and cucumber tomato salad). Unfortunately on my drive home I got so nauseous and bloated I had to have my husband take over the driving. Thankfully we only live 1.5 hours from Syracuse so that was a good thing. Given all of the recent negative reviews I suspect there’s someone in the kitchen who doesn’t fully understand and appreciate the importance of following the protocol to keep our food safe. So at this point in time I can’t recommend to anyone who experiences serious reactions to gluten to dine at the Syracuse Dinosaur BBQ.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Ordered off the gluten free menu. Told waitress and spoke with manager about being Celiac. Tested all food on my plate with my NIMA. Everything came up positive for gluten (ribs, pulled pork and beans). Manger got defensive then took items off bill.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

I have been here many times and have good experiences, but today I got glutened. They had chicken soup on the specials menu. I asked if it was gluten free, the waitress asked, and was told it was. Unfortunately, the soup came with noodles in it. They don’t have gluten free noodles here so I did not eat it. The manager removed the side soup from the bill and apologized and brought me some mashed potatoes (no gravy) instead. When I went to eat my side of tomato cucumber salad, I found another noodle in that. I told the manager who apologized and brought me applesauce and took my entire meal off the bill. She said that this was an anomaly and she would speak to the cook. Again, I normally have good experiences here, so I do think this is an anomaly, but it could have been worse if I had not been paying attention.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The staff was extremely gracious and accommodating

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

What an amazing restaurant with so many gluten free options! I went to school at Syracuse and never went because I was vegetarian then so I was excited for my first Dinosaur experience. It did not disappoint! The gluten free menu for Syracuse is right on the website so I could review ahead of time and figure out what I wanted. I got a bowl with smoked mushrooms (the mushrooms were unbelievable) and my fiance was kind enough to also order gluten free by getting a pick three. The great thing is the only difference seemed to be he just did not get cornbread. This was only my second time having barbeque and it was so exciting to try all of the different options and figure out what I actually like (the chicken wings and barbeque chicken were amazing). The server announced gluten allergy when the food was brought to the table. I had an appetizer, my bowl and sampled all three of the bbq meats and the two sides and nothing bothered me so clearly there are measures being taken to prevent cross-contamination. I was also excited to take home some bottles of sauce which I knew would taste great and not bother me!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers online ordering

Food was good and my two sensitive kids had no reaction.we waited a while for a table and the service was so so

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

Great food, very aware of Gluten Free and helpful. The manager was the only one to handle my food, they didn’t want anything contaminated. Excellent atmosphere, very unique and fun. I’ll definitely be back.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Separate Gluten free menu! Food was delicious!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The BBQ was delicious! They have a separate gf menu and the food came out on a red tray to mark it as gf. Will definitely be going back!!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

ETA, many years later (2021), they're still safe, still amazing, and still a local treasure.

French fries! BBQ! It's a local treasure, and totally GF friendly. Love it! Never had a bad meal there. Wait staff all know their stuff too. Another restaurant with a celiac employee, and that always makes me feel more comfortable.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good with other allergies
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

Not dedicated gf facility BUT all staff is very knowledgeable of food allergies and take your request seriously. Very good protocols, gf clearly labelled and food comes out on different-colored allergen dedicated plates.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good with other allergies
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering

They have a separate fryer and took the proper steps to make sure everything was gluten free. Their wings are amazing.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I was really impressed with their knowledge and care to avoid cc.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Great food and excellent server. Despite being busy staff was knowledgeable and attentive and they usually have a separate server/manager bring out GF orders. Cornbread is NOT safe so make sure tell them to leave it out. Edit: Went back and received phenomenal service and careful attention. Probably my best experience eating out with celiac to date. Also incredible food and many options I should add.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Good food and experience. Daughter had chicken wings. Quite a few other options. The gluten eaters ate good too.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Yes. Just YES! Gf celiac safe.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Separate Gluten free menu with a lot of options. I had the chicken wings and rice and beans. Very good.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Decent selection. Pulled pork was spectacular. No buns or cornbread though.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Great food! Probably the best BBQ I have ever had. Super busy on Saturday so go early. They have a great gluten free menu with tons of options.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Had takeout part of a large work function. Enjoyed the Pulled BBQ Pork along with Tomato and Cucumber salad both delicious and no issues with any cross contamination.

eat in I had no issues. had issues on one takeout order.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

SO GOOD! Most of the meats and sides are gluten free, waitress was very knowledgeable and accommodating. Everyone was so nice and food was delicious. Had wings and plater of brisket, ribs and pulled pork with mashed potatoes and baked beans. All delicious and my non celiac family had sandwiches they loved. Could not recommend more. Great atmosphere, great food!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Great food and fun atmosphere.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Wow. Amazing gluten free options. Knowledgeable wait staff. Delicious!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Very impressed! Sauce is GF, soy-free. Fries are so popular they have their own frier; peanut-free. My waiter was easy to talk to and wasn't caught off guard by my allergies and Celiac Disease. He came back with an allergy chart and walked me through my order. Said the back changes gloves and food comes on a red plate. Manager served me to make sure it was okay.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I'm gluten and soy free. They have a dedicated allergen menu but it didn't contain soy. We emailed and they added that column to it. Great experience and food was wonderful!

best BBQ I've ever had.

Edited-March 20 2016- they no longer have a dedicated gluten free fryer.

Thought I would get sick just by the look of the place (I'm very sensitive). Ended up being great food and I felt great after. Couldn't ask for anything more!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

they had two sided gf menu :) And the first place I've ever been too that brought my food out separately knowing I had an "allergy". Also didn't have to explain my Celiac's at all, just said gluten free and they understood

Celiac friendly?

Yes

So delicious and had a lot of options. Manager brought out my gf plate and I felt great the rest of the even.

Excellent GF food with a 2 sided menu of choices.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Awesome food, great atmosphere.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I had the BBS today. While it tasted great I was only about 1/2 way thru my meal before it made me ill. This is a disappointment.

They are awesome. They have a wonderful gluten free menu and the gluten free food comes out on deprecate plates. I definitely recommend the pulled pork!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Great BBQ and the Syracuse location is the best. I'm glad my daughter is going to SU...

Great food and so gluten free friendly! Fun atmosphere. My whole family was happy and we will go back! I never had such great bbq😀

Don't be turned off by appearances. It is loud, our kids were a bit unnerved by the seediness of the location and bar atmosphere, but all agreed it was the juiciest BBQ we ever had. Great gf French fries and awesome cole slaw, served by a somewhat surly beer wench who was nonetheless well trained in what gf means. Owner Dino presiding over all from a stool near the bar was another touch of character! We will be back!!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Waiter was really helpful. I split an entree with my partner who does eat gluten and the waiter made sure that the sides that my partner got with out meal were separate from our sharing food. The food is amazing and there are so many options to choose from on their gluten free menu.

Bring your dish out gluten free on a red plate. Highly recommend bbq chicken and mashed potatoes (no gravy though because of gluten). Have been here multiple times and kitchen and staff are knowledgeable

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Great gf Celiac safe smoked wings!! Staff were great, knowledge, and answered all my questions. They have a separate gf menu, just ask. Gf buns would be great, didn't seem like they were an option based on the menu, but the wings were huge and left me wanting for nothing else. Definitely worth a visit. Gluten eaters appreciated it here too.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Amazing food, loved everything we shared. They are careful with allergies and have special trays do designate. Definitely récit!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

This place was great! They have a separate GF menu, wait staff is very knowledgeable about GF and allergy prep. Many items are naturally GF and GF plates I was told are prepped separately. My meal came out on a different plate that they keep separate for GF meals and brought to the table separately by the manager. The only problem was that the food looked so delicious I immediately began to consume it before taking a photo.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for keto
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good vegetarian options
• Offers outdoor seating

I attended an event catered by this restaurant that was supposed to have several gluten free options. Unfortunately they immediately cross contaminated several of the options and even in sides I found gluten noodles. It seems like their catering is not up to snuff and as a result I got very sick.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average