TikTok Food Critic Keith Lee had one hell of a year in 2023. He pissed off some people while reviewing different cuisines in his social media career. His unfavorable assessments of numerous Atlanta restaurants sparked debate and reaction online, with some accusing him of being harsh, impolite, or ignorant of local culture and rules. In addition, he faced accusations of copying someone else’s idea for meal reviews on TikTok.
However, despite these controversies, Keith Lee has received much support and praise from his followers, fellow influencers, celebrities, and small business owners who appreciate his honest and enthusiastic reviews. He has also used his platform to raise awareness and funds for various causes, such as hunger relief, mental health, and social justice.
So, everyone noticed when Lee ranked the cities he thought were the best for foodies. He visited eight cities and rated them based on taste, cost, diversity, customer service, and hospitality. Here are the destinations that made the cut, from the lowest to the highest rank.
8. Atlanta
Atlanta ranks at the bottom of the list. Keith Lee described his disappointing encounters with reservations, add-on fees, and poor treatment at some places. He also revealed certain questionable business practices at certain restaurants. Also, Lee stated that his main concern with Atlanta was that it was difficult for him to get food and that he barely ate anything. He also mentioned that the food was terrific when he did eat but that other towns had more diversified offers.
7. New York
The Big Apple and its cuisine needed to be cheaper and more welcoming for Keith Lee. While in New York, he felt “on edge and unwelcomed” and had trouble managing the traffic, so he cut his reviews short. Additionally, he changed his mind about his love of New York pizza and claimed he preferred a pizzeria in Las Vegas. He was pretty clear that his rankings were entirely subjective and that he had no ill will against anyone.
6. Detroit
Even while food and service in his hometown of Detroit were quite good, Keith Lee cherished the variety of flavors and possibilities available elsewhere. He added that this is why he is so excited to visit various states and cities and thoroughly immerse himself in their cultures and cuisine.
5. Los Angeles
Lee initially stated that he did not like LA’s food, but he retracted that statement after trying more places. He praised the city’s diversity and variety of cuisines. Lee especially enjoyed the smash burgers from Easy Street Burgers, which he gave a perfect 10/10. He also liked the Philly cheesesteak and the Taylor ham from Philly’s Best, and also the burritos from Papi Tacos & Churros.
4. Las Vegas
Lee, who lives in Las Vegas, put the city fourth on his list of favorite foodie cities because he loved the variety and quality of the cuisine, particularly the pizza, wings, and sushi. He was also impressed by the restaurant owners’ and employees’ kindness and friendliness. However, he stated that Las Vegas did not compare to the top three cities regarding customer service, atmosphere, and distinctiveness. He also stated that he had negative experiences with some of the food delivery services in Las Vegas, which influenced his overall perception of the city.
3. Chicago
The food and culture in Chicago blew away Lee. He visited various Chicago restaurants, including Soul Prime, Cleo’s Southern Cuisine, Sharks Fish & Chicken, Uncle Remus, and Harold’s Chicken. He highly rated Soul Prime’s collard green dip, chicken wings, cornbread, and short rib tacos. He also appreciated soul cuisine from Cleo’s and Jazzy’s Kitchen, fried chicken from Sharks, Uncle Remus, Harold’s, and Lou Malnati’s pizza. He claimed he felt at home while eating and appreciated the restaurant owners and staff’s kindness.
2. Houston
TikTok Food Critic Keith Lee put Houston third on his list of top culinary cities after being blown away by the flavor and range of the food he sampled there. He visited various restaurants in Houston, including The Breakfast Klub, Stick Talk, The Puddery, and The Turkey Leg Hut. He gave good marks to delicacies such as wings and waffles, brisket sandwiches, banana pudding, and stuffed turkey legs.
1. New Orleans
Lee ranked New Orleans as his number one foodie city, citing the unique and flavorful dishes, the rich history and culture, and the warm and inviting atmosphere. Plus, he said he felt like he was part of a big family in the Big Easy. He went to numerous local eateries and food trucks in New Orleans, including Monday Restaurant and Bar, BSweet Cakes & Bistro, AJ’s Jazzy Grill, and Sweet Thangs NOLA.