Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Syracuse is the original Dinosaur location, a legendary Syracuse institution that opened in 1988 and helped put both the restaurant and live blues music on the Upstate NY map. Located at 246 West Willow Street, Dinosaur features live blues and roots music on its stage several nights a week alongside its world-famous barbecue.
Most shows are free and walk-in, making Dinosaur an accessible entry point for live music in Syracuse. The blues booking is authentic and consistent — you’re likely to catch a real working band here any night you walk in. The food alone is worth the trip; the music makes it essential.