As the Yelp Houston Community Manager, I often get asked by business owners, newbie Yelpers and other members of the Houston community: "Who are these Elite Yelpers?" Aside from being the most authentic, social and influential members of the Yelp community, Elites certainly set the standard for what Yelp's all about – having a passion for local businesses and sharing that local love and knowledge with others.
Starting September, Yelp Houston will spotlight members of the H-town Elite Squad in a series of 'Meet The Elite' blog posts!
…Introducing Daniel L, Yelp Elite since '10 with a whopping 1205 reviews, 814 photos – and counting!
Why did you first start yelping?
I was relatively new to Houston in April 2009 and trying to learn my way around all of the different neighborhoods. I lived in Montrose, worked Downtown, and I knew nothing else about town. Yelp was the first actual usable local resource I found where people had strong opinions, strong personalities, and stood firm behind them. I lurked pretty hardcore and was reticent to share at first. But online compliment kindness started pouring in from other local Yelpers when I finally felt comfortable posting reviews; I quickly picked up my first 'Review of the Day' for Crave Cupcakes in Uptown, earned my first Elite badge, attended my first Elite Event at Glitter Karaoke – and the rest is history. Yelp was the "community" I was searching for to make Houston feel smaller and more personal.
What do you love most about Houston?
The hamburger game is on point. Everything from the classic-basics done right to the “people who appreciate food” up-sell ingredients on top. As much as I reference the "Trailer Park Boys," Randy Bobandy would feel at home with these cheeseburgers more here than anywhere else in the world I have lived.
Best kept secret in Houston:
Without a doubt this is Old Fashion Hamburgers, the reincarnation of the Chief Cajun Snack Shack from the Third Ward. Visit them and tell Chief I sent you.
Favorite local biz photo that I snapped and shared on Yelp:
Mushroom pasta from Paulie's
What's your favorite Yelp memory to date?
Every Yelp event that Cherry A and I attend together, we exchange name-tags and count the number of yelpers that comment on this situation. Everyone seems to like her version of Daniel L better than mine. But we still remain good friends.
People who love ___ should follow me on Yelp!
Burgers
Booze
Mushrooms
Eggplant
Desserts
When you're not Yelping, you are…
Practicing law, serving as a board member of a nonprofit, defending the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, taking my dog to explore the various Houston parks, and eagerly awaiting the release date of "Fallout 4" on November 10, 2015.
Want more? Keep up with Daniel L's reviews, photos, lists and tips at twelvebsix.yelp.com
Don't forget to follow Yelp Houston: facebook | twitter | Instagram.
About the Yelp Elite Squad: The Yelp Elite Squad is our way of recognizing people who are active in the Yelp community – people that are role models both on and off the site. Elite-worthiness is based on a number of things, including well-written reviews, high quality tips, a detailed personal profile, an active voting and complimenting record, and a history of playing well with others. You must use your real name on your account, have a real (and clear!) profile photo, and be of legal drinking age in your country. You can read more, and even nominate yourself at yelp.com/elite
