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?

Keith Lee.png

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.

More from COLAtoday
Bluetile’s first Nike SB Dunk arrives in Columbia with a butterfly-inspired design and a Five Points block party on Saturday, May 2.
Richland Library is marking National Library Week with a collectible ND Stevenson card and a behind-the-scenes nod to library workers.
The Gervais Street Bridge Dinner is back this fall, returning as the newly renamed Three Rivers Bridge Dinner.
Columbia’s Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli will open a second location in Lexington, taking over the former Café Strudel space.
Columbia and SCDOT are seeking public input on plans to improve safety and connectivity along Assembly Street in downtown Columbia.
Riverbanks Zoo welcomes endangered cotton-top tamarins, including a young female rescued from the pet trade and now on view.
Long lines, exclusive vinyl, and live performances bring crowds to Papa Jazz and Scratch N Spin.
When the sun is shining and the weather is perfect, pack a bag and head out to one of the many spots great for remote work in Columbia. From coffee shops to public parks, we have a plethora of places to refresh your mind and step away from your home desk.
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up 10 farmers markets around Columbia, SC.