Forgot to make Valentine’s Day plans? We’ve got the solution. Use DoorDash to order some last-minute flowers, gifts, or cards — and then get a Lyft ride to a great restaurant, pick up some food, and have a picnic. Where to eat? Leave that to the expert. Food critic Keith Lee’s reviews of off-the-radar eateries have made him a social media star — and supercharged scores of local businesses. Here are his 15 top choices in Las Vegas, Dallas, and Houston.
Las Vegas
“A great fast-casual spin on a gourmet restaurant. I personally enjoy the steak frites with a fresno pepper biscuit.”
“A bakery-bistro that specializes in pastries and seasonal coffee drinks. Their handmade pop tarts are a staple in my cheat-day meals.”
Keith's Order + Ratings
🥣 Rice Krispie pop-tart: 8.5 / 10
🍓 Strawberry croissant: 9.8 / 10
🥓 Bacon and egg strudel: 8 / 10
🫐 Toaster strudel: 9.3 / 10
Watch his full review here.
“This restaurant serves authentic Chamorro food while providing a welcoming environment for anyone new to the cuisine. There is an insane amount of flavor in almost everything.”
Keith's Ratings
🍚 Spam musubi: 9 / 10
🍈 Melonade: 8 / 10
🍖 BBQ spare rib: 9.5 / 10
🌶️ Fina denné sauce: 7 / 10
🍗 Chicken kelaguen: 9.7 / 10
🫓 Coconut titiya: 8 / 10
Watch his full review here.
“The words ‘ice cream shop’ don’t begin to describe the treats here. They offer handmade ice cream made with the highest amount of butter fat possible — amazing.”
Keith’s Rankings
#1 Bumbleberry Cheesecake Crumble
#2 Cookie Butter Swirl
#3 Brown Sugar Milk Tea w/ Boba
#4 Strawberry Shortcake
#5 Honey Lavender
#6 Ube honeycomb
#7 Coffee and Doughnuts 2.0
#8 Brown Butter Brownie
#9 O.G. Butter Cake
#10 White Chocolate Peppermint
Watch his full review here.
“Their nigiri variety boxes are enough to keep me returning. Very close to restaurant quality sushi at home.”
Dallas
“An Italian fine dining restaurant offering high-end, upscale options for at-home enjoyment. Their beef tallow candle with homemade rolls are binge-worthy.”
“Southern comfort food in a date-night environment. They’re known for both innovative drinks and creative waffles. They also offer great music and soul food.”
“A very reliable fast-casual classic breakfast. The build-your-own omelette with chicken and pancakes happens to be my go-to order.”
“Quick and fresh sushi. My reliable Dallas go-to nigiri spot. The tuna hand roll is my personal favorite.”
“A renowned Vietnamese restaurant known for bold flavors. My go-tos are the bao buns and beef pho.”
Houston
“This renowned smashburger shop has one of the most flavor-forward burgers I’ve ever had. Easily a must-go spot for me.”
“A woman-owned birria taco truck, need I say more? A community favorite, and rightfully so.”
“Spicy takes on a new form here while still remaining flavorful and addictive. They have spice levels for everyone from the non-adventurous to the thrill seekers.”
Watch his full review here.
“A Mediterranean American fusion, family-owned restaurant offering fresh home-cooked style options. The mango-stuffed chicken is my favorite dish.”
Keith’s Ratings
🥩 Beef shish kebab: 9 / 10
🍗 Mango stuffed chicken: 8.9 / 10
🌯 Chicken shawarma wrap: 8.7 / 10
🥘 Spicy chicken tortilla soup: 8.7 / 10
Watch his full review here.
“Three words: ‘Brown Stew Chicken.’ One of the best chicken dishes I have ever had, and it’s not even close.”
Keith’s Ratings
🥘 Brown stew chicken: 10 / 10
🍗 Jerk chicken (w/ sauce): 8.7 / 10
🐟 Ackee & saltfish: 7.5 / 10
🥩 Beef patty: 4 / 10
Watch his full review here.
