NEW ORLEANS — Southern hospitality goes a long way.
According to TikTok vlogger Keith Lee, that's what helped New Orleans climb to the number one spot on his ranking of his favorite food cities of 2023.
"In my opinion what set New Orleans apart ... was the customer service," Lee said. "Everywhere we went, we felt like family. It felt like I was going to my cousin's house."
Lee is a TikTok influencer who has over 15 million followers on the platform. His video "Ranking Our Food Stops of 2023" had nearly 2 million views on Thursday.
Lee had visited New Orleans in August, making stops in different neighborhoods based on recommendations from friends, local influencers and direct messages.
The most viewed video from Lee's visit was his stop at Kajunlicious Food Therapy, which came after a direct message from the owner's son.
Once again, the TikToker emphasized customer service, saying the location scored the best rating of the entire trip for service.
"I can't think of a reason why this restaurant isn't ... sold out every time they open," Lee said in the video posted in August.
The TikToker said he is already thinking about his next visit to New Orleans.
"I left 15 pounds heavier and that's not an exaggeration," Lee said. "And would I do it again? Absolutely. Immediately. Today."
Houston came in second on Lee's ranking, followed by Chicago in third.
Here are the spots Keith Lee ate at while visiting New Orleans:
- Palace Cafe on Canal Street
- Monday in Mid-City
- B Sweet Bistro in the French Quarter
- AJ's Jazzy Grill in the Seventh Ward
- Kajunlicious Food Therapy in Gentilly
- Sweet Thangs NOLA on Claiborne
- Stamp Dat Seafood in St. Charles Parish
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