Upstate New York loves its comfort food, but in Syracuse, barbecue is a community passion—fed by Southern-rooted families, Southern transplants, and a growing population of young pitmasters eager to put their stamp on the city’s smoky scene.
Expect hickory smoke and Carolina-style sauces, but also some jazzed-up, regional Upstate twists (apple wood, maple glaze, etc.).
1. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
A true Syracuse legend, Dinosaur started as a biker bar and grew into an icon.
People travel hours for their ribs (rubbed, smoked, sauced, and always tender), pork shoulder sandwiches, and sticky, crispy wings.
Their house “Sensuous Slathering” sauce is tangy and spicy, and their sides—mac & cheese, simmered collards, cayenne-spiced fried green tomatoes—are as good as the meats.
2. Limp Lizard Bar & Grill
Laid-back and biker-friendly, Limp Lizard specializes in slow-cooked brisket, thick-cut pork belly burnt ends, and a rib special that draws lines on weekends.
Try the “Lizard Stix”—sweet-spicy riblets doused in a chipotle sauce—and don’t miss the coconut cornbread or fried pickles.
3. Barado’s on the Water
Set on Onondaga Creek, this popular joint is part sports bar, part roadhouse barbeque—with incredible lakefront sunsets.
Their baby backs are fall-off-the-bone, their pulled chicken is super moist, and the black pepper vinegar sauce (a nod to Carolina) is a winner.
Bonus: beer specials and live music in the summer.
4. Bull & Bear Roadhouse
With two locations (East Syracuse and Liverpool), Bull & Bear is famous for its generous BBQ platters stacked with ribs, smoked turkey, or pulled pork, plus cheesy fried pickles and garlic mashed potatoes.
The “Roadhouse Fries” (smothered in pulled pork, cheese, and barbecue sauce) are legendary, and they do a mean brisket taco for something different.
5. Big Mikes BBQ
Launched from a food truck, Big Mike has a following for his bold, Southern-style brisket and signature “Upstate Blues” sauce—a tangy, blueberry-infused glaze great with pulled pork.
Sides lean Southern: collards, baked beans, cornbread with honey butter.
Expect big portions and even bigger hospitality—it’s the kind of place where the pitmaster might stop by your table to check on your meal.
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