Barbar Grill

Some of the best falafels in this city are to be found, oddly enough, in Little Havana. Barbar Grill, with a façade that evokes more corner store than dining establishment, serves up Lebanese fare behind a counter that overlooks a stockpile of hookah pipes, shisa tobacco, and packaged Middle Eastern condiments. Fresh falafels ($3.99) are assembled to order - doughy, flaky homemade pita is stuffed with creamy tahini, on-the-spot-fried chickpeas, fresh tomatoes and lettuce, thinly sliced pickled turnip, and a dousing of a special spicy house sauce. The family-owned market is also known for its shawarmas ($5.99) - hot, flaky pockets of lavash bread packed with juicy marinated shaved lamb, veggies, and tahini sauce. For vegetarians, the hummus ($6) offers heavy notes of lemon and paprika and is served with homemade pita. There's also a rotating assortment of desserts behind a glass display. If you decide to stop by, take note that there's a tiny parking lot in the back - you can't see it from the street, and unaware patrons have been observed paying for metered parking spots.