WASHINGTON — When it comes to food reviews, Keith Lee is the ultimate man of the people. Armed with a genuine smile, an unfiltered palate, and a TikTok following that rivals a small nation, Lee has become the go-to guy for spotlighting the best mom-and-pop eateries in town.
So when the food critic announced that the DMV (that’s D.C., Maryland, and Virginia for the uninitiated) is his next stop, the collective gasp from local small business owners was almost audible: “Is my spot next?”
Though an exact date or itinerary hasn’t been set, Lee is already reaching out to the community for suggestions. He’s asking anyone who knows of a mom-and-pop shop or family-owned spot with great food and customer service—but is in need of a marketing boost—to let him know by sending a DM, tagging him, or shooting him an email. To make it even more exciting, Lee plans to add a poll to his Instagram story, where followers can vote for the most popular local restaurants that embody the region’s vibrant food scene.
Keith Lee isn’t your average food reviewer. With over 14 million TikTok followers hanging on his every chew, his word is gospel in the food world. If he loves it, you’ll know it; if he doesn’t… well, he’s got a knack for letting you down gently, like a friend suggesting your favorite shirt might be better left in the closet. That’s exactly why his fans adore him—he’s real, he’s honest and his taste buds are razor-sharp.
So what will happen when this TikTok titan rolls into the DMV? Will Maryland’s famous crab cakes get his seal of approval? Will D.C.’s iconic half-smokes live up to the hype? And will Virginia’s barbecue earn itself a viral moment? The stakes are high, but if there’s one thing the DMV knows, it’s good food. And we’re ready to serve it up.
