2 metro Detroit restaurants rated among best halal in America
Two metro Detroit food joints have been named among the 10 best halal restaurants in America by Thrillist, the food and entertainment website.
On the list are A.B.’s Amazing Ribs & Sauce in Dearborn Heights and Midtown Detroit burger spot Royale With Cheese.
A.B.’s was noted for its short ribs, chicken wings and sides like mac and cheese. Thrillist also cited it as “… one the best BBQ joints in Michigan.”
“While many BBQ spots offer a short rib once a week, A.B.’s Amazing Ribs offers it every single day. His ribs come with an unforgettable horseradish-based white sauce. For sides, scarf down the creamy mac and cheese before you enjoy his “meat candy” chicken wings, which are sweetly glazed with just the right touch of smoke.”
Mark Kurlyandchik, the Free Press’ restaurant critic reviewed A.B.’s last May after its opening in a strip mall on Ford Road, writing that A.B.’s is “… putting out some of the finest Texas-style barbecue east of the Mississippi, regardless of religious affiliation. “
Chef and co-owner Ali Bazzy spent years honing his barbecue technique and started out serving customers out of his garage. In March 2019, he opened the barbecue spot with business partner Abe Jebahi.
Royale With Cheese, located on Cass in Detroit, was noted as the place that satisfies the classic cheeseburger craving.
The inspiration for its name, according to its website, comes from the classic 1994 movie Pulp Fiction. They have burgers and shakes, sandwich and salad offerings.
“Royale With Cheese is the perfect example of Detroit’s take on Halal food that checks all the boxes — a Pulp Fiction-inspired burger spot covered with fun murals and photographs that offers something for everyone in the family. And you’ll need the whole crew because you should family style and try as many burgers as you can -- Classic Royale (duh!), Havana, and the Kruncher are a must! Don’t forget the All Up In your Grilled Cheese Sandwich too.”
Halal is the Arabic word meaning “permitted.” With food, it also refers to Islamic dietary laws requiring a prescribed method of slaughter similar to Jewish kosher standards.
Contact Susan Selasky at 313-222-6872 or sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter.