Al-Basha Halal Grill

Al-Basha traces its Charlotte beginnings to 2014 and describes its current chapter as a return after a two-year break. Among the drinks, Vietnamese iced coffee uses a 24-hour cold brew with condensed milk, while the lemon-and-mint smoothie combines citrus with fresh mint.

The lamb dishes deserve a closer look. Adana kebabs combine ground lamb and red pepper before charcoal grilling; Yemeni-style shanks undergo a six-hour braise. The mixed grill offers chicken, beef, and Adana together, while its larger family version expands that selection to twelve skewers with yellow rice and four sides.

Spending can stay modest with a falafel or chicken wrap, or rise to moderately priced grilled entrees. For something between those extremes, the mixed appetizer plate lets you choose three preparations, including smoky eggplant, hummus, grape leaves, or falafel. Fattoush adds fried pita chips and a dressing of sumac, lemon, and pomegranate molasses.