“From Wagyu to Wagy’all”. Recently featured on Southern Living’s list of “The Best New BBQ Joints in the South Right Now“, Kafi BBQ is redefining the standard with an inventive, fully halal menu centered on premium Wagyu beef and masterful flavor infusions.
Located at 8140 N MacArthur Blvd #100 in Irving, Kafi BBQ is lead by owner and pitmaster Salahodeen Abdul-Kafi. What began six years ago as a simple pursuit to cook for friends and family quickly evolved into a dedicated obsession. His initial research focused heavily on perfecting the elusive, dark bark that is the hallmark of elite Texas barbecue.
Over time, that meticulous experimentation progressively expanded into the creation of proprietary barbecue sauces, homemade pickles, and elevated, from–scratch side dishes, allowing Abdul-Kafi to seamlessly integrate his signature flavor profiles into traditional Texas barbecue.
The undisputed stars of the dining room are the colossal Wagyu “dino” ribs, a delicacy that drives weekend lines and sells out with reliable frequency. Kafi BBQ’s impressive roster of smoked meats also features Wagyu brisket, rich oxtails, and NY strip steaks. What truly separates these premium cuts from the rest of the Texas barbecue circuit is the pitmaster’s finishing touch: the meats are enhanced with a blend of Iraqi spices, delivering an intriguing, aromatic twist on regional classics. The smoked meat lineup is rounded out by sweet and savory pomegranate-glazed burnt ends, tender Texas lamb spare ribs, and pasture-raised organic half chicken.
For diners looking beyond the butcher paper platters of sliced meat, the smokehouse offers a diverse array of specialties. The menu includes hearty pulled brisket sandwiches, towering Wagyu brisket burgers, and savory empanadas. The custom-cased $8 specialty sausages bridge the gap between Texas and the Middle East, featuring options that range from a classic regional jalapeno cheddar to Abdul-Kafi’s unique Iraqi-spiced blend.
No barbecue destination is complete without exceptional accompaniments, and Kafi BBQ ensures the rest of the tray matches the quality of the Wagyu. Scratch-made side options feature decadent tallow-fried French fries, creamy smoked Gouda mac and cheese, spicy-sweet jalapeno cheddar cornbread, and vibrant elote corn. To close out the meal, the dessert menu beautifully reflects the restaurant’s dual heritage, offering culturally rooted basbousa alongside a comforting, elevated cardamom banana pudding.
Kafi BBQ is located at 8140 N MacArthur Blvd #100 in Irving, Texas. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
