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Viral TikTok food reviewer Keith Lee came to Columbia

Keith Lee’s viral food reviews bring massive crowds to locally owned businesses that deserve the spotlight — where else should he have gone in Columbia?

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Keith Lee announced he is going on tour across the Carolinas — where should he stop in Cola? | Photos via TikTok ; collage by COLAtoday

9 out of 10. That’s the rating Keith Lee, a viral restaurant critic with 17 million followers on TikTok, gave local Bernard Harrison’s fried chicken.

In case you haven’t heard of him, Lee and his family have traveled the country in search of the best food around, especially from Black-owned and family-operated restaurants, and his videos garner millions of views. After a positive review from Lee, local restaurants report a “Keith Lee effect,” including wrap-around lines and business doubling.

Lee frequents hyper-local restaurants that are a bit off the beaten path and deserve more spotlight. Check out this video — Robbie Robinson of City Limits Barbecue asks Keith to take a pit stop while on tour.

Is there another local spot that you think would be a must-visit for Lee? We’re looking for hidden food gems. Let us know.

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