"A halal barbecue spot in Irving run by pitmaster Salahodeen Abdul-Kafi, who transitioned from a job as a tech engineer at Google to smoking meats. The dino ribs are a highlight — "best when doused in more of the house barbecue sauce than seems proper" — and the smoky brisket features a perfect bark. Housed in a non-descript strip mall that’s easy to overlook, it offers a killer patio with bespoke cushions described as among the most comfortable in DFW, making it a place diners want to linger and work through the menu. Don’t skip the cardamom banana pudding at the end; it "offers the flavor evolution that this classic Southern dish needs." - Courtney E. Smith