DALLAS — Social media food critic Keith Lee announced he was coming to Dallas earlier this month, and in part of his announcement, he said he would post a poll of suggestions to vote on for him to try.
He's not a professional food critic, but his reviews leave a lasting effect on small businesses due to his massive social media following. If you're not exactly sure who he is, here's a look at Lee's presence online.
So, Lee's impending visit to Dallas left people clamoring to suggest food spots for Lee to review.
He's splitting up his restaurant stops into three categories:
- Places with good food and good customer service, but needs more marketing
- Popular local spots voted on by DFW locals
- Restaurants with diverse backgrounds
Well, now the options are out there. Lee posted polls to his Instagram story on Friday and Saturday. Here are the options:
- Pangea
- Aunt Irene's
- Terry Blacks
- Kitchen + Kocktails
- Cookie Society
- Roots Southern Table
- Funky Town Food Hall
- Cris and John
- Whistle Britches
- Chef Nate Wangz n Mo
- Hutchins BBQ
- Babe's Chicken Dinner House
Keith Lee Dallas food poll Option 1: Pangea
Pangea Restaurant & Bar in Garland is a "reflection of our favorite flavors and dishes from around the world," according to the restaurant website. Kevin ‘Chef Kev’ Ashade, a Dallas native, started Pangea as a home base for his favorite recipes and gourmet dishes so that Dallasites and people visiting from all over the country can experience the best flavors that food has to offer, the website says.
You can take a look at the menu online here.
Keith Lee Dallas food poll Option 2: Aunt Irene's
Aunt Irene's Kitchen is a Dallas spot on South Malcolm X Boulevard serving up dishes from seafood to soul food. The owner, Dresha Harrison, who was raised by her Aunt Irene, developed a passion for cooking by watching, helping and learning alongside her aunt, hence the namesake.
You can take a look at the menu online here.
Keith Lee Dallas food poll Option 3: Terry Black's
One of the more well-known barbecue spots in the Lone Star State (with other locations in Austin and Lockhart), Terry Blacks BBQ is one of the premiere destinations for legendary Texas barbecue. Terry Black's children, Christina, Michael and Mark Black brought that family style of Central Texas barbecue to the metroplex with the Dallas location on Main Street.
You can take a look at the menu online here.
NOTE: Lee has since reviewed Terry Black's. Here's a recap.
Keith Lee Dallas food poll Option 4: Kitchen + Kocktails
Kitchen + Kocktails serves up comfort food in a a beautifully designed, elevated dining room. It was started by owner Kevin Kelley, who returned to Dallas from Paris, France, and missed the food that reminded him of home while overseas. Kitchen + Kocktails is located on Elm Street in the historic Hart building.
Every food item, crafted cocktail and dessert is carefully created, tasted and selected by Kevin Kelley himself, according to their website.
You can take a look at the menu online here.
Keith Lee Dallas food poll Option 5: Cookie Society
According to its website, Cookie Society was founded by married duo Jeff and Marissa Allen. Marissa's love for baking and the feed Jeff received from his NFL teammates inspired them to bring their brand to life.
Their menu includes 130 flavors that change monthly. They have two locations open in Frisco and Addison.
Keith Lee Dallas food poll Option 6: Roots Southern Table
Roots Southern Table in Farmers Branch was inspired the grandmother of co-founder, Chef Tiffany Derry. The restaurant's website says food is what held Chef Derry's family together.
With favorites such as their Fish & Grits and Duck-Fat Fried Chicken, founders Derry and Tom Foley "want to evoke the feeling that you're coming home to those you love."
Keith Lee Dallas food poll Option 7: Funky Town Food Mart
Funky Town Food Mart is a 24-hour Fort Worth convenience store that's gotten high praise for its food and service.
The most recent reviews say they have the best hamburgers and Philly cheesesteaks.
Keith Lee Dallas food poll Option 8: Cris and John
Dallas' Cris and John serves Vietnamese street food with a Mexican twist. Their menu includes burritos and quesadillas stuffed with pho ingredients (rice noodles, bean sprouts, etc.).
The restaurant has received 5-star Google reviews from visitors.
Keith Lee Dallas food poll Option 9: Whistle Britches
Whistle Britches' website says the local chain opened in 2016 with a focus on chicken, biscuits, and beer.
The chain now has three locations: Dallas, Plano, and Southlake. The Dallas location has mostly gotten 4- and 5-star reviews on Yelp.
Keith Lee Dallas food poll Option 10: Chef Nate's Wangz & Mo
Wangz & Mo is a food truck that stops in different cities throughout the week, mainly in Dallas, Arlington, and Fort Worth.
Based on Chef Nate's Instagram page, his main plates are lamb chops, salmon, chicken, and a variety of "wangz."
The food truck's also made stuffed turkey legs, fried red snapper fish, Cajun pasta and more.
Keith Lee Dallas food poll Option 11: Hutchins BBQ
Hutchins BBQ is one of the most popular barbeque spots in North Texas. They have locations in McKinney and Frisco and they ship orders nationwide.
Hutchins has previously been named one of Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ spots in the state, and their Yelp reviews back up the praise.
NOTE: Lee has since reviewed Hutchins. Here's a recap.
Keith Lee Dallas food poll Option 12: Babe's Chicken Dinner House
Babe's describes their chain as a place for people to feel at home, "Where your neighbors wait on you and your whole family.
Most of its locations have at least four-star reviews on Yelp.
Keith Lee Dallas food poll: Which spot will win? Go vote!
So, which place should Lee visit? Go to his Instagram story now and vote on his poll before it comes down!
Instagram stories are only up for 24 hours. You can find it on his Instagram here.
More Texas headlines: