Keith Lee Visits Jerk at Nite

The establishments’ owners responded on Instagram with a post that said, “Thank you @keith_lee125 @ron.geezy for supporting local restaurants like us in the DMV showing our team love. 10 years ago we were selling food out of our dorm room at @howard1867 and now we’re here.”(Courtesy/Instagram@jerkatnite) 

Whether it’s sour or sweet, social food critic Keith Lee captures it all for his 16 million TikTok followers as he scours the country on his national food tour. On Aug. 23, Lee made waves by posting on TikTok: “The D.C. food scene is trash.”

Lee’s statement sparked debates about whether the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) actually has a good food scene. However, after further exploration, Lee discovered hidden gems during his visit to Jerk At Nite on H St. N.E., Washington, D.C.

Lee’s blunt critique and subsequent praise of specific restaurants shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of the DMV food scene. His willingness to call out health code violations in some places, while spotlighting quality establishments, reflects the dual power of social media to challenge and uplift local businesses. Jerk At Nite, in particular, benefited from Lee’s recognition, underscoring the impact his reviews can have on small, community-based businesses.

According to Fox5, the Jerk At Nite H Street location was devastated by an electrical fire. Lee generously donated $2,000 in tips and purchases to help with repairs. He also provided 200 free meals to the local community.

Despite the setback, Jerk At Nite remains a D.C. and Howard University staple, with patrons continuing to show support at the Queens Chapel Rd location in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

“Jerk At Nite has been my absolute favorite,” said Caitlin Rece, a Howard University student. “Their food has gotten me through so many late-night study sessions.”

Rece added, “The oxtails are my favorite—so tender and bursting with flavor. Having their truck on campus late at night is a game-changer; it’s like a little taste of home that makes all the stress more bearable.”

Lee’s food tour also stirred controversy, leaving customers craving Jamaican food but criticizing other Caribbean and American restaurants in the DMV. A shared montage showed unnamed restaurants allegedly violating health codes and risking cross-contamination with shellfish, to which Lee is allergic.

In the midst of both praise and backlash, Jerk At Nite survived Lee’s scrutiny. According to Lee, he chose not to post the full videos of the other restaurants involved because they were “not constructive” and could harm the business owners.

Howard University student Isaiah Phillips commented, “Students should support D.C. restaurants, especially in a time when social media can be so negative.”