Outrage Erupts After TikTok Influencer Slams Phoenix Taco Restaurant for Being 'Too White', 'Embodying Pedophilia'

PHOENIX – A new taco spot in Phoenix is suddenly booming after a viral TikTok review accused its white male owners of embodying "racism, misogyny, and pedophilia", simply because of who they are.

The controversy began when TikTok user Lily Kaplan, known as @lilyinarizona, posted a scathing video review of Poolboy Taco shortly after its May 2026 opening. In the clip, Kaplan, a white woman herself, toured the bright yellow building and modern interior while criticizing everything from the menu to the owners' family photo.

"This place really represents the state of America," Kaplan declared in the video. "It's white men doing things that aren't that great or remarkable just because they have the capital to do it, because of centuries of the patriarchy and racism." She added that the business gave off "vibes" of racism, misogyny, and pedophilia, and mocked a framed photo of one co-owner with his children.

The restaurant, owned by brothers Jared and Aaron Pool, features affordable tacos – including their signature $4 Poolboy taco – and draws from the owners' award-winning recipe. The Pools also run other local eateries like Gadzooks Enchiladas and Soup.

Poolboy Taco sits at 4031 East Camelback Road in the Arcadia area of Phoenix. Hours are Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. The menu highlights fresh, straightforward Mexican-inspired fare in a clean, welcoming space, the kind of unpretentious local spot that Kaplan seemed determined to paint as problematic.

This isn't the first time social media influencers have injected race and politics into something as simple as a restaurant review. Critics say it reflects a broader cultural trend on the left: scrutinizing businesses not by the quality of their product or service, but by the skin color and gender of their owners.

Following the backlash, Kaplan reportedly expressed some regret as the video exploded online, according to local reports. The owners have largely brushed off the attack, focusing instead on serving customers.

In an era when "diversity" is often demanded everywhere except in traditional American entrepreneurship, stories like this highlight the double standard. White business owners, especially men, appear fair game for smears that would be instantly condemned if aimed at any other group.

Phoenix locals and supporters nationwide seem ready to send a clear message: good food and hard work shouldn't be canceled over identity politics. If you're in the area, stop by Poolboy Taco, the tacos are solid, the vibes are welcoming, and it's a great way to push back against the outrage machine.