After 15 years of smoke, sauce and packed tables on Union Street, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que's Gowanus outpost is preparing to close later this spring, wrapping up a long run as one of the strip's most recognizable dining anchors. The shutdown pulls another familiar name from a stretch of Union Street already marked by steady redevelopment and a noticeable wave of restaurant closures in recent years. Staff and regulars are still waiting on an official last day as management finishes out service.
Owners Point to Lease Running Out
The company says the move comes down to its lease ending and will take effect later this season, according to BK Reader. In a statement shared with the outlet, CEO Mike Nugent thanked both customers and employees, saying, "It has been an absolute honor to be welcomed into the Brooklyn community for 15 years," while confirming that the Gowanus run is nearly over.
Where Dino Is Still Firing Up The Grill
Dinosaur's own site lists the Brooklyn location at 604 Union St and notes that the restaurant opened in 2013 in a former tool-and-die warehouse; the chain also continues to operate in Harlem and several upstate cities, according to Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. The Brooklyn page still includes hours and contact information for the Union Street outpost while it remains open.
Rezoning Heat And Neighborhood Turnover
Local reporting has tracked a broader pattern of closures and rent pressure across Park Slope, Prospect Heights and Gowanus that predates Dinosaur's decision and points to rising operating costs and sharp rent hikes. As Park Slope Pulse has detailed, business owners say weaker weekday foot traffic combined with higher rents has made many storefronts tough to sustain. Brownstoner has also traced how the Gowanus rezoning helped spur other long-running spots to close or relocate, underscoring the larger forces reshaping Union Street and its restaurant mix.
What Diners Can Expect Before The Last Call
BK Reader reports that gift cards will be accepted at the Brooklyn restaurant through its final day, and that the official closing date will be announced on Dinosaur's social media channels. Until then, the Union Street spot is still listed with its regular hours and reservation details on Dinosaur Bar-B-Que.
