NORTH TEXAS · FALL 2026 RANKING
In North Texas, the soul of halal barbecue lives on the skewer.
Forget the brisket for a minute. In North Texas, the soul of halal barbecue lives on the skewer: koobideh over charcoal, tikka with its edges charred, seekh kebab perfumed with spice, shish taut with juice. We spent weeks eating across the metroplex, from South Arlington mom-and-pops to a Karachi legacy in Murphy. Seven rooms made the cut. Here they are, ranked.
How we ranked: this is our editors’ ranking, led by local judgment and backed by Google ratings. Ratings and review counts were read from Google Maps around the publish date. Google numbers move; the order is ours.
No. 1 · Master Kabob — Arlington
The room is small and the lunch rush is real, and none of that matters once the plate lands. Koobideh with the char still whispering off it, chicken kabob that actually tastes like fire, rice that knows its place. A 4.9 across more than a thousand reviews does not happen by accident. This is the best kebab plate in North Texas right now, and it is not close.
“Such a great restaurant with amazing food. The lamb shank melted in your mouth and the gyro was so tender. We drove in from Georgetown and it was worth the trip.”
— Juan Amaya, Google review
OUR LSM TAKE
The 4.9 is real and the koobideh is the reason. If you only eat one kebab plate this fall, make it this one.
No. 2 · Kabob House — Arlington
Soleyman Gushwareh cooked in Washington, D.C., drove a taxi, fixed cars, and saved every dollar until Arlington got this room. You taste the patience. The kabob barg is cut with confidence, the chicken kabob arrives glistening, and everything is made fresh through the day, right in front of you. A decade in, it remains the metroplex’s warmest Persian dining room.
“Food was so good! I drove 20 minutes just to come here! First time and will be coming back!! Great good and workers its family owed too!”
— Christina, Google review
OUR LSM TAKE
A decade of consistency in a family room that treats you like a regular on visit one. The barg is the order.
No. 3 · Al Baghdady Bakery and Cafe — Richardson
Richardson’s Iraqi living room. The khaskhas kabab comes off the grill with a smokiness you cannot fake, the spreads are built for the whole table, and nobody, nobody leaves hungry. Two thousand reviews deep, it is one of the most talked-about halal grills in Texas. Come with an appetite and at least four friends.
“Their grills and kabobs are perfectly seasoned, juicy, and packed with traditional flavor. Pairing the savory meat with their fresh, piping-hot samoon bread straight from the oven is pure perfection.”
— Sam Mirbaha, Google review
OUR LSM TAKE
The group dinner pick. Come with four people, order the khaskhas, and thank us later.
No. 4 · KHAN GRILL — Plano
Plano’s strip-mall sleeper. Inside, charcoal does the talking: malai boti with its cream-charred edges, seekh kebabs that snap with spice, beef bihari worth the drive alone. The room is cozy, the parathas are fresh, and the 4.8 rating is the highest on this list. Small menu, total confidence.
“Tried the bihari kebab and gajar ka halwa at Khan Grill and wow… the flavors were spot on. The bihari kebab was tender, juicy, and full of that authentic smoky flavor that’s hard to find these days.”
— Mohammed Ali, Google review
OUR LSM TAKE
The highest rating on this list is no accident. Charcoal-first Pakistani BBQ, and the malai boti is mandatory.
No. 5 · Kebab Uncle — Coppell
Coppell’s worst-kept secret. The lamb shank surrenders at the touch of a fork, the beef skewers carry real grill depth, and the Aroma Rice has quietly built its own following. Unfussy room, generous plates, the kind of neighborhood spot regulars both brag about and hope you never find.
“The food was absolutely delicious and fresh. Came outta the kitchen hot and steaming. The place was clean, the cashier was really kind and polite, the portion size was pretty good and filling. The meat was juicy and soft.”
— Adnan Awes, Google review
OUR LSM TAKE
Coppell’s quiet gem. The lamb shank alone justifies the drive.
No. 6 · KEBABS TO-GO! — Irving
Open until 2 AM, which tells you everything. The chicken kobida platters are the move, the lamb kabobs hit harder than they should at that hour, and the Kabuli pulao has its loyalists calling it the best in Texas. Fast, halal, and exactly what the night ordered.
“Kebabs to-go just hits better than your everyday halal spot. Consistently fresh and delicious food, fair price and large portions makes this apart of our regular restaurant rotation.”
— Zac Brummett, Google review
OUR LSM TAKE
The 2 AM hero. Nobody else on this list feeds you after midnight.
No. 7 · Cafe de Khan — Murphy
A Karachi institution since 1952, now holding court in Murphy. The family claims the invention of chicken tikka; the sheek kebab platter and the Khan mixed grill make a convincing case on their own. Zabiha halal and 100% hand zabiha on the wall, history on the plate.
“Absolutely Incredible Food & Service! We had an amazing dining experience here! The kababs and naan were absolutely delicious, but the real star of the show was the chicken curry, it was so good that we literally had to order a second one!”
— Schow, Google review
OUR LSM TAKE
History you can taste. The sheek kebab platter is the move.
Disagree with the order? Good.
That is what the comments are for. New to halal DFW? Start with the Lone Star Muslim directory, the largest listing of Muslim-owned businesses in Texas, and follow every ranking as it drops.
Follow @lonestarmuslim on Instagram. See this ranking on Instagram.