Habibi Barbecue — Restaurant in Dalworthington Gardens

I was just out for a sandwich. Next thing I know, I’m elbow-deep in brisket, swapping BBQ philosophy with the most famous meat man in Texas, and breaking bread with a rising pitmaster under a red umbrella like some kind of smoked-meat summit meeting.

TL;DR: Planned to grab a quick sandwich. Ended up eating more than half the menu with Daniel Vaughn while chatting with the talented Marc Fadel. Smoked meats? Incredible. Lebanese twist? Genius. Hospitality? Unmatched. This was a five-star meat miracle.

It was just past 11 on Saturday, and I had a simple plan: swing by Habibi Barbecue for a sandwich and skedaddle. But as I pull up to the Ghost Food Park, I spot none other than the BBQ Snob himself, Daniel Vaughn, admiring the big steel offset like it was the Mona Lisa of smokers.

We chatted. I fanboyed. He offered to share a meal. I said yes faster than a fat cap melts under a low flame.

Out come the trays. Not a tray. Trays. Plural. Overflowing with bark, juice, and joy.

The brisket was textbook: tender, smoke-ringed, and confident. The burnt ends were candy with a bark, kissed by just the right amount of sauce. The pork ribs held their shape but surrendered with a gentle tug, seasoned like they’d been given a TED Talk on flavor. The dino beef rib was a whole paleo protein event: massive, primal, and mind-blowing.

Tucked underneath the pile, pita bread soaked up all the meaty runoff. I made a little Habibi taco with pickles and sauce that nearly brought a tear to my eye.

Then came the burger. Looked like a classic smash: double meat, double cheese, pickles, mustard. But that Lebanese purple coleslaw? That’s the twist. Tangy, crunchy, and the perfect cool contrast to the rich beef. Fries were crinkle-cut, crispy, and praise be unburdened by a salt mine.

Now my wife, The Side Dish Sage, wasn’t with me this time, but she would’ve elbowed me out of the way for a second helping of the tabbouleh salad: bright, herby, and packed with cucumber crunch. The garlic potatoes had the crisp-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside thing locked down.

Finally, the Lebanese BBQ bowl: rice, lettuce, pickles, pickled turnips, hummus, pita chips, tzatziki, and a healthy heap of brisket. It’s a flavor bomb. A Texa-bibi mezze miracle.

Marc Fadel, this man is the real deal. His family is putting out food with soul, smoke, and story. And they’re only open Friday night and Saturday. That’s confidence. That’s swagger. That’s knowing you’re serving something worth showing up for.

Habibi Barbecue wasn’t just a quick lunch. What I got was better: hospitality, conversation, and a top-tier meal with legends on both sides of the table. This is what barbecue is about: community, culture, and craft.

I came for one sandwich. I left with a full belly, a full heart, and a new respect for what happens when Texas smoke meets Lebanese spice. That, my friends, is what you call...

Brisket is amazing, it has a perfect pull, perfect smoke, and perfect seasoning. Side selections are awesome. I'm a native Texan, so I grew up eating barbecue, but for me the typical potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans never really made me happy. This kid has broken the code on what I want to eat with really good smoked meats. The highlight of the meal has to be the tabouli, (the best Ive ever had) which is only surpassed by the most amazing pickled turnips. WHAT??? Are you asking why anyone would want to eat pickled turnips? It's because these things are the most addicting perfectly flavorful spicy hot addition to the wonderful meaty fatness of his barbecue. He really needs to jar these things and sell them by the pint. I hope he does so well he can get a brick-and-mortar place. The 100° weather in Texas with only picnic tables is sort of hard to take. That aside, go see this kid. He's a Rockstar pit master that actually could stand toe to toe with the greats like Franklin's or Goldies (without the 3...

Tex-Lebanese is the fusion cuisine I didn’t know I needed! Randomly stumbled on this restaurant while looking for ribs in the area.

The food truck is surrounded by other food trucks, think of a food hall but with food trucks. There’s outdoor seating, plenty of parking and corn hole. Sometimes there are small businesses selling items.

The customer service was very great! They provided great suggestions and hospitable service. I tried the ribs, brisket, mac n cheese and Lebanese rice. The flavors on the meat were well balanced. The meat was charred to perfection. It was so tender that the fork glided through the meat. The Mac n cheese was creamy. First time trying Lebanese rice, and it was tasty. Note that it does contain nuts if you have allergies. Th price was fair for the quality and portions.

Looking forward...