Embrace your inner Karen
Diner featuring the 'world's rudest service' grumpily pops up in Houston
An innovative and sassy foodie tour is coming to Houston: Called Karen's Diner, it's an Australia-based theme restaurant with a tour crossing the U.S. that's a cross between a restaurant pop-up and theater, and it's coming to Louisiana Street for two nights in September.
They're not yet revealing the exact location, but it'll take place on September 9-10. The link to buy tickets is here. (They're also coming to Dallas and Austin later in September.)
As Wikipedia notes, the name comes from the internet slang term Karen, used to describe an older white woman who is stereotypically rude. The restaurant touts its deliberately unpleasant service, with staff instructed to insult customers throughout their meal.
Founded in Sydney, Australia in 2021, Karen's became a TikTok favorite, with customers posting videos of their interactions with staff.
The release promises that the food is great, the service ungrateful, and your experience will be unforgettable. A raised middle finger is their unofficial motif.
"Don't expect special treatment at this diner because it's all about Karen, and she won't be taking any of your nonsense!" it says.
They currently have 14 locations across Australia and the U.K., with plans to expand in the U.S.
Their menu features high-end sounding burgers with amusing names such as:
- The Basic Karen - Wagyu burger with Swiss cheese
- The "I Want to See The Manager" Karen - two Wagyu patties with Swiss cheese
- Karen's Got Real Beef - brisket, bacon, coleslaw, BBQ sauce
- Trippy Karen Burger - portabella mushroom
- Cheesed of Karen - Haloumi cheese with eggs
There will also be wings, hot dogs, fries, mozzarella sticks, a salad, shakes, and cocktails.
One fan called it a "Hilarious immersive dining experience!! Top drawer fun served with a tasty menu side & extra feisty toppings. If you want hangry sass, Karen's is the go."
Burgers and milkshakes at Karen's Diner.Courtesy of Karen's Diner
The release encourages diners to unleash their inner Karen: "Let us know if your name is Karen (who knows if this is a good thing or not) and for the love of Karen don't ask to speak to the manager," it says.
Vegetarians, vegans, other dietary requirements, and non-alcoholics are anticipated to receive the greatest scorn, although the release promises that "all will be catered for, but don't expect Karen to be happy about it."
The perfect scenarios they offer for a night at Karen's Diner include breaking the ice on a first date, or giving your partner a roasting for not messaging back quickly enough.
Tickets are $47 and include a burger, fries, and soda, along with the full and authentic Karen experience, including games, waitstaff, and a dining experience like no other — literally.