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TikTok food critic Keith Lee tests 2 Detroit-area restaurants: Where he went, what he rated it

He got it, he tried it, he rated it 1-10

Keith Lee reviewing Lou's Deli and Smackin' Soul. (Keith Lee/TikTok)

DETROIT – Famous social media food reviewer Keith Lee was back home in Detroit recently, and decided to do a couple of local ratings.

Keith Lee is probably the biggest online food reviewer out there right now, with more than 16 million followers on TikTok. The man usually drops a food review and changes a restaurant owner’s life for the better.

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Recently returning to his hometown, Lee stopped by one new place in Southfield and an old classic in Detroit.

Here’s where he went, and what he thought about it.

Lou’s Deli (Detroit)

Lou’s has been a staple deli in Detroit for more than 50 years, known for its corned beef and pastrami sandwiches. They’ve got three locations in the city.

Lee said he wanted to try it for the first time in a while to see if it was as good as he remembers it as a kid in Detroit.

@keith_lee125 Lous Deli & Detroit Snacks taste test 💕 would you try it ? 💕 #foodcritic ♬ original sound - Keith Lee

Lee tried to corned beef sandwich, and rated it a “solid 8,” with the pickle, of course.

Lee also rated some barbeque flavored Better Made chips a 7.5 out of 10.

Lee also tried a half corned beef and half pastrami sandwich, which really hit. He rated it 9.1 out of 10.

The Smackin Soul (Southfield)

This spot is pretty new to Southfield, but Keith Lee wanted to see if it’s serving up the best soul food in the city. He said some Detroit foodies had recommended it to him.

His first impression was the carry out presentation needed some help, with things dripping out of the box and into the bag.

First he tried the lamb chops (7 out of 10), collard greens (8.2 out of 10) and black eyed peas (9 out of 10), which he said were the best black eyed peas he’s ever had.

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Next he tried the glazed salmon. He said it tasted like his aunt made it. He rated it an 8 out of 10.

Next he tried the oxtails, which he liked, rating it an 8 out of 10. He rated the mashed potatoes a 7 out of 10, and rated the mac and cheese a 3 out of 10.

Lee said it wasn’t the best soul food he’s ever had, but said it was absolutely good soul food.

@keith_lee125 The Smackin Soul taste test 💕 would you try it ? 💕 #foodcritic ♬ original sound - Keith Lee

About the Author
Ken Haddad headshot

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.

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