Kafi BBQ

Barbecue restaurant · Irving

Kafi BBQ

Barbecue restaurant · Irving

4

8140 N MacArthur Blvd #100, Irving, TX 75063

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Kafi BBQ by Kafi BBQ
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null
Kafi BBQ by null

Highlights

Wagyu brisket, Iraqi spices, cardamom banana pudding, tallow fries  

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8140 N MacArthur Blvd #100, Irving, TX 75063 Get directions

kafibbq.com
@kafibbq

$30–50 · Menu

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8140 N MacArthur Blvd #100, Irving, TX 75063 Get directions

+1 469 844 7669
kafibbq.com
@kafibbq

$30–50 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 26, 2025

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@eater

Best New Restaurants in Dallas July 2025 | Eater Dallas

"This barbecue spot, which opened at the end of December, is only open on Friday through Sunday, and then only until it sells out. Owner and pitmaster Salahodeen Abdul-Kafi is smoking halal meats along with Texas wagyu and New Zealand ribs. There’s also a dino rib that looks like a challenge worth taking on. His family ties to Iraq have influenced his rubs, so expect sumac and the dark bark on brisket that comes with it." - Courtney E. Smith

https://dallas.eater.com/maps/dallas-best-new-restaurants-heatmap
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Best Barbecue in Dallas-Fort Worth | Eater Dallas

"Owner Salahodeen Abdul-Kafi got into barbecue the old-fashioned way: after becoming obsessed with it. He quit his job as an engineer at Google in order to study barbecue and teach himself to become a pitmaster. The results tell the whole story. He’s created a halal barbecue spot that serves wagyu beef imported from New Zealand, which he determined to be the best, and sides infused with spices and recipes from his family in Iraq (seriously, don’t skip the cardamom banana pudding). Abdul-Kafi also built one of the most comfortable patios in DFW, which is covered for the summer with AC and heat, fans to keep the flies away, and the perfect embroidered cushions. It’s a family-friendly spot, with booths inside." - Courtney E. Smith

https://dallas.eater.com/maps/dallas-fort-worth-best-barbecue-bbq-brisket-ribs-sausage
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Tom Cruise Is Coming to Dallas to Eat Barbecue | Eater Dallas

"An Irving spot celebrated for standout dishes like large 'dino' ribs and a cardamom banana pudding, offering memorable flavors that reviewers say would exhilarate any barbecue-loving visitor." - Courtney E. Smith

https://dallas.eater.com/2025/5/8/24426247/tom-cruise-dallas-texas-mission-impossible-the-final-reckoning
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Halal, Spicy, and Smoked to Perfection: Kafi BBQ Brings Something New to Irving - Eater Dallas

"Kafi BBQ is a halal-certified barbecue joint in Irving, Texas, founded by Salahodeen Abdul-Kafi, a former tech engineer from Silicon Valley. Known for its high-quality wagyu beef, the restaurant combines traditional barbecue with flavors inspired by Abdul-Kafi's Iraqi heritage. The restaurant features a unique blend of spices and ingredients, including sumac and a specific variety of citrus, along with a focus on homemade sides and premium ingredients." - Diana Spechler

https://dallas.eater.com/2025/1/28/24353169/kafi-bbq-irving-opening-menu-photos-food
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Hailey Jones

Google
FANTASTIC!!! Please support Kafi BBQ. The food is amazing, made fresh, and you can tell the employees and owner are very passionate. They don't cut corners here, they are very focused on quality and flavor. The brisket empanadas and sauce were extremely delicious, and the tallow fries were shockingly amazing. The meats are served by the pound on a tray, perfect for sharing with your family/friends at your table. The owner even stopped by our table to check on us and happily explained the process they take to make their fresh fries taste the way they do. Their fountain drinks are also quality; sweet tea, lemonade, and quality soft drink options - all look to be made from cane sugar, no high fructose corn syrup. I will happily come back next time I am in Texas. Truly a restaurant gem

Tony BigFatTires

Google
This is the only place I know that serves Wagyu Beef BBQ. As if the richness of the beef isn't enough, the pitmaster mixes over 10 spices to bring about an incredible bark that's very unique. I've been here a few times and tried about everything on the menu. The pomegranate juice dipped burnt ends have an addictive sweetness and flavor. Recently tried their weekend special Wagyu NY strip. Let the pictures speak for themselves. I don't care much for sides but will always get banana pudding. Again, theirs is unique and has cardamom powder to bring about flavor explosions. I've been to all the top BBQ places which require many hours of waiting in line at odd hours and several 100s of miles of driving. This has to be the best quality of beef I've ever had.

Halima Kamani

Google
Okay, so, let's talk about Kafi BBQ in Irving. I went, and honestly, the brisket? Amazing. Like, seriously, melt-in-your-mouth, smoky, flavorful perfection. You know how sometimes brisket can be dry? Not here. It was so tender. And the sides were just as good! I had their mac and cheese, which was super creamy, and their coleslaw, which was really fresh and crunchy. You can tell they really care about their food. The quality of the brisket was incredible, and you could taste the time they put into cooking it. Plus, the staff was so nice and welcoming. If you're looking for some fantastic brisket in Irving, you absolutely need to try Kafi BBQ. I'm already craving it again!

Skeeb Khan

Google
Absolutely blown away by our experience at Kaif BBQ in Dallas — this place isn’t just a meal, it’s a full-blown culinary event. From the moment we walked in, the vibe was warm and inviting, a perfect fusion of modern design and traditional smokehouse soul. But let’s get to the main reason you come here: the food. We started with the Wagyu brisket, and right away, we knew we were in for something special. It was rich, buttery, and unbelievably tender — practically melted in our mouths with every bite. Then came the Wagyu back rib, a true showstopper: smoky, juicy, and fall-off-the-bone perfect, with a depth of flavor that only comes from expert slow smoking. Just when we thought it couldn’t get better, out came the Wagyu pomegranate-glazed burnt ends. Sweet, tangy, sticky, and crisp on the edges — they struck that magical balance between indulgent and refined. The Wagyu Dino rib? Absolutely massive and perfectly executed. Smoky crust, juicy interior, and bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of dish you plan your whole trip around. For sides, we had the smoked Gouda mac & cheese, which was next-level creamy with that perfect smoky twist, and Elote corn, which brought a fun, spicy-sweet contrast to the richness of the meats. Every bite felt intentional and elevated. And just when we thought we couldn’t fit anything else, we were convinced to try the cardamom banana pudding — and thank God we did. It was fragrant, silky, and comforting, like your childhood favorite grew up, went to culinary school, and came back to impress the whole table. To top it all off, Kaif BBQ also offers an amazing selection of Main Root drinks, which are organic, craft sodas with flavors that actually pair well with the smoky dishes. The Root Beer and Mexi-Cola in particular were standouts — refreshing, not overly sweet, and the perfect palate cleansers between bites. All in all, Kaif BBQ isn’t just one of the best barbecue spots in Dallas — it’s one of the best we’ve ever been to. From premium cuts of Wagyu to bold, inventive sides and standout desserts, everything on the menu felt like it was crafted with love, technique, and true passion for the art of barbecue. Five stars doesn’t feel like enough. We’re already planning our next visit — and this time, we’re bringing more friends so we can try everything else on the menu!

Omar

Google
Let me begin by saying that everything the owner shares on Instagram is right on. I came in to try the Texas Twinkies and it was amazing. Delicious fries cooked in beef tallow. The brisket and beef sausage was cooked to perfection. Also the artisan bread is amazing. Thank you for an amazing experience.

Zohair Jaffery

Google
Made the trip from Austin to Dallas just to try Kafi BBQ—and wow, it did not disappoint! These were hands-down the best beef ribs I’ve ever had, and I’ve hit all the legendary Central Texas spots. The sausages? Incredible. And the Texas Twinkie? Absolutely next-level. Without a doubt, Kafi BBQ is one of the top-tier Texas BBQ joints in existence. Worth every mile!

T & A Bhuiyan

Google
The brisket is amazing. It’s like butter. It melts in your mouth. Finding authentic and halal Texas BBQ is very difficult so this place is a gem. It’s too far from me but I still make the 30+ min drive just to eat here. Prices are high but the beef is Australian wagyu. And again it’s HALAL! The cornbread is amazing and the beef tallow fries are good too.

Naim Rahman

Google
The burgers at Kafi's are an absolute gem! Their Wagyu patties are next level — incredibly rich, juicy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. You can really taste the high end quality of the meat. The buns are perfectly fresh and soft, and every topping is thoughtfully chosen — they all work together to create a burger that’s truly memorable. Don’t forget the beef tallow fried fries! Their customer service is also praise worthy. They are always smiling and willing to go out of the way to make sure you have a great experience at their restaurant! This is a must try restaurant for anyone who wants quality Texan style food with a bit of a twist. (Fully 100% Halal menu)
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Sandy S.

Yelp
Maybe, no definitely the best bbq I've had in Texas. The meat is halal and wagyu, and exceptional. The brisket is melting your mouth tender but the dino rib is a show stopper. It's huge, perfectly smoked and soooo satisfying. The menu is short and sweet, with everything being a must try. Everything is made in-house and the soul and love comes through in every bite. You stand in a line which goes quickly, and once it's your turn you're met with efficient and helpful service. The space is nice and open, clean and comfortable. Do not sleep on the dessert. Also homemade by the lovely young lady who is behind the counter.
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Aqsa T.

Yelp
Great service and great mission and purpose. Food was okay with some room to improve. I do not eat only halal so this is a comparison to other bbq spots. Great option for those that eat primarily halal. The cardamom banana pudding was out of this world amazing. It is worth going just to try that, as well as their Kashmiri chai which does not have nuts like Kashmiri chai typically does. The Dino rib was also tender and juicy and the sausages both had a great flavor. The Iraqi sausage mainly reminded me of a seekh kebab but both have amazing flavors. The sides were cold for us, so because the fries are fresh and fried in beef tallow, that did not turn out well. I'm not sure if they didn't have proper equipment to keep the sides warm, but while it all tasted good, more than half of the experience was gone with them being cold. The brisket we got was also incredibly dry. It didn't seem like they had given us a lean piece but I'm guessing that's what they did. A lot of spots ask what type of cut you want but we weren't asked; I do prefer the fattiest cut so that may have been the problem. Ambiance is fine; noted that since it is a Muslim owned restaurant there is no music; but an addition of nasheeds and music would definitely add value. Would love to try this place out again when they have a bit better footing; but a great restaurant to support with a lot of potential. PS; I'm sure they're well aware of this, but halal meat is slaughtered with the blood and impurities completely drained out. As a result, halal meat (even if it's Wagyu) will naturally be more dry than its non halal counterpart.. I think finding an efficient way of keeping it as hydrated as possible during the cooking process while also maintaining a crisp bark will be key to perfecting halal Texas bbq.
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Trinh T.

Yelp
Kafi BBQ is a new BBQ restaurant in Irving-Valley Ranch that combines Texas brisket with Halal methods to turn out fantastic BBQ that's unique. It's a must stop if you want to try BBQ with an Iraqi twist. My Overall Rating - 3 1/2 Stars (Atmosphere, Service, Food, Return) Atmosphere - You'll find Kafi BBQ in a non-descript shopping strip in Irving-Valley Ranch. There is plenty of seating, and you'll line up to place your order and have the pitmaster custom slice your order. Slide through the line, pay for your order, and move on through. It's lacks the charm of some other BBQ joints like visible smokers or outdoor seating, but nothing bad. 1/2 Star. Service - The team is very nice. I arrived before the dinner rush, so I was able to chat with the owner/pitmaster and team. You can tell they really care about what they are serving and made sure they cut my brisket the way I wanted (fatty brisket). 1 Star. Food - The brisket is the real deal. Kafi uses only the highest grade wagyu beef, and it shows in the product. My fatty brisket was some of the best brisket I've had. It was melt-in-your mouth good, with the right amount of seasoning. The dino ribs were just ok. My small dino rib was a bit tough and salty. For sides, I had the mac and cheese, beans, fries, and jalapeno corn bread. The staff gives you a very generous portion, and I enjoyed the creamy and complex mac and cheese. The beans were a bit too salty for me. Unfortunately, both the fries and the cornbread seemed to be laying out for a while. Both were a little cold and dry. I took the cornbread home, wrapped in a damp paper towel, and nuked it for 30 seconds in the microwave and it was delicious. I threw out the fries. I finished with the cardamine banana pudding. The added spice was a little too different for me. I wasn't a fan, but that's just my tastes. 1 Star. Will I Return? - Yes. The brisket is good enough for me to return. Be advised, Kafi is not cheap. The wagyu quality brisket is worth it, but that's the only thing I would come back for. 1 Star.
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Saba M.

Yelp
Dodd was really delicious! We got the ribs and brisket and both were soft tender and tasty! The Mac and cheese was delish and they use tilamook (halal) cheese. We also got the French fries which in my Opinion were the best fries I ever eaten in my life. Crunchy outside creamy inside and full of that tallow flavor! Im planning to stop by again this week for the fries alone...(hand slaughtered Zabiha halal meat) probably the best restaurant Irving had produced in a long time! RUN don't walk to this hot spot 100/10 would recommend
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Shafia A.

Yelp
I tried some to-go brisket from my brother during their opening weekend, and I was blown away, it was perfect! The next weekend, I had to go back and grabbed one of everything from the menu to share with the family. Let me just say, my taste buds were so happy . The meat was so incredibly good. The place inside nails the Texas BBQ vibe, with that classic ambiance and feel you want when enjoying BBQ. Even the food presentation adds to the experience, it's served on trays, just like in the iconic BBQ spots. Plus, they use MainRoot drinks instead of the usual soda options, which is such a great touch. The staff here are so nice and welcoming. They were even giving out samples to try before buying, which was super helpful in deciding what to get (not that you can go wrong with anything!). The best part? This is a legit Texas-style halal BBQ spot that isn't just "good for halal" but genuinely competes with the top BBQ places out there. Finally, a place that delivers on quality and flavor, and it's close to home too! This is a spot for everyone, and I'm so thrilled they've opened up nearby. Highly recommend!
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Ahmed Q.

Yelp
For a halal bbq place it's decent. I would not recommend it to anyone to go out of their way for this place. Remember this is my opinion. Brisket- dry Ribs - not good, did not fall off the bone Mac&cheese - good Elote- not good Beans - horrible Pickled vegetables - excellent The service is good, the line moved quick. The employees are attentive. The ambiance is good the place is clean, bathrooms are clean. I was there at 11:15 and there was a small line. The line was at the door at 12:30.

Abeerah M.

Yelp
You can taste all the love and care that goes into this food. Everything is fresh, made from scratch, hand cut - even the pickles and bbq sauce. The wagyu quality speaks for itself - it is melt in your mouth and is divine. The line moved fast, employees were very friendly and knowledgeable. The whole restaurant including bathrooms were spotless. An amazing addition to the halal food scene!
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Munsoor R.

Yelp
I had 1/2 lb of the Wagu Brisket, with cornbread and banana pudding. Buns, Cole Slaw, pickles, jalapeno and red onion relish were included with the brisket. It was tasty and soft - I was able to cut the pieces with a plastic fork. The banana pudding was good too. I wanted to try the back ribs too but they had run out. I had to wait 10 minutes in the line for my turn when I visited at 1pm on a Saturday but seating was sufficient.
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Rabia S.

Yelp
Finally had some halal TX style bbq after such a long time & it was delicious! When you walk into the restaurant, straight off the bat you can tell the hard work and passion that was poured into the place. The owner and chef is really passionate about his food and what he does. We tried a tray that had a little bit of everything - a rib, brisket, some jalapeño sausage, Iraqi sausage, Mac and cheese, beans, creamed corn, coleslaw, pickles, pickled onions, and jalapenos. We also got the desserts - basbousa and banana pudding afterwards. First off, wow! All the meats were super tender and juicy. Our top favorite was the rib, soo juicy, tender, with the smoked flavor coming through! Our favorite sides were the Mac and cheese and coleslaw. Eat it warm! As for the desserts, the basbousa was tasty, and the banana pudding was a WOW. It had hints of cardamom in it, and that just took it to the next level.
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Asmaa A.

Yelp
We were in town for a quick trip and heard great things about this BBQ joint- we were NOT disappointed!! The brisket was very tender and flavorful, I wanted to go back before we left. We had so many sides to choose from, clearly we chose all of them. The staff went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed our meal!
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Angel G.

Yelp
I came in the second day they opened. I'm always excited to try new food as a foodie. We got the brisket, beans, corn, cornbread and elote/corn. The staff were super kind and friendly. Even though you could tell they were under a lot of pressure because the line was out the door; they all still managed to smile and were kind when explaining things to us. (Please bare with me as I use the he word seasoning a lot because I'm not sure how else to explain the unique flavor) Now for the important part: Brisket was not dried or soaked in seasoning/sauce. There was a different kind of seasoning but it was bad at all! It didn't over whelm the brisket and the briskets were tender and not super fatty. Sides: they were all still very "Texan" like. The Mac and cheese had a lot of cheesy flavor without being dry or an extensive about of cheese in it. It creamy and didn't feel like I had to struggle to eat it due to the excessive amount of cheese. Corn reminded me of elote. Some were calling it that as well. You could taste the lime and some seasoning. I don't know if cheese was in it but I didn't taste it or see it.(I know sometimes you can really notice it.) Cornbread was not dried at all. It was moist and you could taste/know it's still cornbread. There was jalapeños in the cornbread, not a lot but enough to give it a hint/kick of it. Sausage: it was good, 100% different than what I'm use to. Not bad at all though. I'm not a huge fan of sausage but want to try all I could. Beans: I saved this for last because I don't really like beans. You can tell it's bbq beans, there was a bbq taste but it's not like it was sitting in bbq sauce. I think if you like bbq and trying new foods you should stop by and give it a try.

Heathie B.

Yelp
Do Not come here, I came here expecting some good bbq and was surprised with the worst dry brisket I've ever had. The service was fine but clearly had no idea what food safety was. The whole restaurant was set up in a very weird way and as if someone threw it as together in 20 seconds.
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Cathleen M.

Yelp
The food was great. We got the brisket and Dino rib. The meat was very moist and tender. All of the employees were very friendly and helpful. The owner came by and checked on us. It has comfortable seating and very clean. We will definitely be back and bring family and friends with us.
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Sohail R.

Yelp
The Best Texan Style BBQ in town! Their Dino ribs are a favorite. You can feel how hard these folks work in the quality of service.

Adil A.

Yelp
Food is amazing! Definitely worth a try, they have really good brisket and dyno ribs! Definitely will keep coming back!!