Latest visit: Oct 2011
First visit: Oct 2008
Because of Fiori's visit, Prince became wildly popular (though it already had a loyal local following). On Urbanspoon, it is rated as the 84th most popular restaurant in all of DFW (and 3rd overall for Middle Eastern restaurants). The former Sonic continues to be made over, and there's more seating than ever. An awesome example of urban renewal. Prince is a real American success story.
I would also add to the below review that I really love their Gyros plate. The meat is delicious, as is the rice and Greek salad (as mentioned in the review).
While on the topic are there any good Middle Eastern restaurants in NE Tarrant? I've been to one "Mediterranean" place in North Richland Hills, which was more Greek/European. I haven't done my homework here, but if you know of a place, please don't hesitate to write a comment. Thanks!
---Original review
A few years ago, Mrs. RJG and I discovered a place in Arlington called Rama's Mediterranean Grill (based on a Star Telegram weekend review), in a renovated old Sonic drive in. As mentioned in the Hatam Persian restaurant blurb, we our both big fans of the spices of the Middle East, combined with the sumptuous grilled meats and bed of rice. But since it's in Arlington, it's a bit out of our routine range, and we only managed to go once. One of the partners of Rama bought the other out, and renamed the place Prince Lebanese Grill, and we noticed no downturn in quality. In fact, it was even better as the current owner was clearly the driving force of the older establishment.
And another year has passed. We had dropped Mrs. RJG's Mom at the airport one late morning and decided to head south instead of north, and revisit a place for lunch that we always love to go to, but just never think about it. And time has been even better to Prince. The place is now crowded with people. In fact, this is the first time there we didn't eat alone. It's also changed to a sitdown place, rather than an order up / serve combo. And... the prices have gone up - way up. But there's a reason for it, and it's legitimate. See, Prince has upgraded the quality of all their products, as well as upped their portions. While it used to feel like a fast food place, it now feels appropriately enough like a restaurant. And it should.
I had the kofta kabob (two large patties of seasoned ground beef), with rice and a Greek Salad. Mrs. RJG had the beef shawarma (a variation of what Greeks call gyros or, um, Californians call wraps) and a Greek Salad as well. We both adore the salad, as the dressing is absolutely delicious. The kofta is heavily seasoned, the way Mr. RJG likes it. And the rice? Oh, the rice. Long grain rice pilaf with just the right ingredients.
Looking for excellent Middle Eastern food in Tarrant county and not sure where to go? Or at least a place you can go without 1960s era belly dancers? Prince is the place. You've never had Lebanese food, but always wanted to try? Prince is the place. You will feel most comfortable in this casual establishment - the menu will explain it all for you.
You'll find Prince on Randol Mill Rd, just east of Cooper.
10/19/08 (new entry); 10/16/11
Comments
My visit was 13 Aug 2018, a slow Monday night at the converted Sonic.
Tried calling RJG upon arrival, because it really still does look like an old Sonic. Did not reach him, so I stuck my nose in while waiting for my dinner guest to arrive.
Smell says it all when I walk in. I ask to look at a menu, notice that there is no beer / wine listed. On inquiry, I get the broke college kid reply, "BYOB". Quickly search the area for a viable outlet for libations. It took 3 tries to get to Liquor Warehouse - decent selection of low-to-mid-grade grape juice. I grabbed a bottle and headed to meet Lee.
It was a previous dinner with Lee that led me back to consulting RJG for dining options, particularly in the chain-restaurant hell that is the DFW area. We had had a poor experience at Blue Mesa Taco & Tequila bar in Arlington (now defunct) that I am still paying for (literally - charges for my dinner last May showed up on both August and September visa bills). Seeking to avoid more bad dining experiences, I consulted RJG.
RJG has since lead us to El Gabacho, a very solid Tex Mex joint replete with John Wayne memorabilia. On our second try, we went for Prince.
Lee opted for the chicken shawarma, while I chose lamb chops. Both came with the signature house rice, and we swapped sides (I gave Lee my Greek salad, she pushed hummus my way).
Food came pretty quickly as I will always go rare for lamb. The rice could be a meal unto itself: great flavor, but not overpowering. Goes great with any other bite you might pare with it. My lamb was very solid - and was glad we had opted for a big red wine with dinner. Lee could not stop gushing about her shawarma, in fact took what was left for lunch the next day. I cleaned out my lamb chops and washed it down with one more small glass of wine.
Noticed as I arrived that a good deal of the traffic coming in was for carry out, and they do a decent catering business as well according to the folks I talked to there. Note for future...
Will head back any time I am in the area. Great great place!