All the N.C. restaurants viral food critic Keith Lee visited

Axios

19-05-2025

Keith Lee, a viral TikTok food critic, concluded his recent food tour, which highlighted six North Carolina restaurants.
Why it matters: Over 17 million of Lee's followers get a glimpse of what's cooking at some local restaurants, which can make a huge impact on each business after just one video.
Driving the news: In a recent TikTok video, which has over 600,000 views and 111,000 likes in under 15 hours, Lee announced that he has left North Carolina.
"Me and my family are no longer in North Carolina, but North Carolina was amazing. There's a bunch of restaurants that we intended on going to but wasn't able to make it," Lee said in the video.
Zoom in: Before he left, Lee managed to impact one last N.C. restaurant. The owner of Madame B's Bakery in Raleigh made daily videos during Lee's visit that suggested he was coming to the restaurant.
He wasn't able to perform a taste test on any of the items at Madame B's, but he gave the owner a $1,000 tip and an additional $500 that the owner could use to give back to customers.
Here are the six North Carolina establishments Lee visited, plus what he ordered at each spot:
Hibachi Papi
Lee kicked off the food tour at a food truck in Clayton that sells a mix of hibachi plates and Alfredo pasta dishes.
Best bites: Lamb Alfredo scored a 9.2 out of 10. The steak and chicken hibachi plate earned a 9.
If you go: Check their Instagram for an updated schedule of locations before you go.
Hibachi Papi will be at 501 Yates Drive in the Gateway Conference & Event Center from May 19–22.
Cook Out
The N.C.-based fast food chain was the next must-try spot that Lee visited while in Clayton.
Best bites: The hush puppies, which he says taste like cornbread muffins, scored a 7.5. The cheddar-style burger was one of the best things he tried.
Yes, but: He was not a fan of Cheerwine. He was recommended to try the Salibury-manufactured soda, calling it "Carolina drink." He gave it a 5.
The corn dog (which earned a 6.5) and the walking taco were his least favorite items..
What they're saying: Lee explains this stop was a must-try when visiting the state, saying: "I was told if I came to North Carolina and didn't have Cook Out, that I didn't come to North Carolina."
He later goes on to mention that "I was also told that this is a after-the-club, late-night, 2-o'clock-in-the-morning type of place. This is just for the culture."
A Place at the Table Cafe
This pay-what-you-can restaurant in Raleigh allows you to work for your order if you can't afford it.
How it works: You have five options on how to pay for your meal if you can't pay the suggested price.
Pay less than the suggested price buy paying $3 or more for an item like an entree, side or drink.
Volunteer in the cafe for one hour for your meal three times a week.
Pay it forward by purchasing a $10 "place card," which is a donation that allows someone else to order a meal.
Dine as a family in the cafe for free once a week.
Use a place card to afford one meal.
Best bites: Chicken and waffles with a hot honey sauce, which Lee rated an 8 out of 10.
Stop by: Find A Place at the Table Cafe at 300 W. Hargett St., #50. It's open Tuesday through Sunday, 8am–2pm.
Corner Boys BBQ
The owner of this Raleigh-based food truck specializing in barbecue has been asking Lee to visit his business since 2023.
Best bites: The collard greens, brisket and ribs scored above 8.7. The pulled pork and lamb chops also received high scores.
Stop by: Find Corner Boys BBQ at 2201 S. Wilmington St. Open daily, 8am–5pm.
Crav'n Caribbean
This Jamaican takeout spot is located within a Charlotte ghost kitchen.
Context: Over 100 people, including popular local food influencer Cory Wilkins and the restaurant's owner, recommended this place.
Best bites: Lee tried the jerk bourbon chicken and oxtail fried rice, which had high ratings individually. Lee gave the entree and side a combined rating of 6.5.
Stop by: 2200 Thrift Road, inside Wesley Heights City Kitch.
Open Monday through Friday, 12–3pm and 4–9pm, Saturday 12–9pm and Sunday 1–7pm.
JJ's Mama's Soul Food & More
Lee says the owner calls this spot the first Black-owned restaurant in Lexington.
Stop by: 601 W. Fifth Ave. Open Thursday, 11:30am–3pm and 4–7:30pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30am–3pm and 4–8pm, and Sunday 11:30am–4pm.