Embrace your inner Karen

Diner featuring the 'world's rudest service' grumpily pops up in Houston

Karen's Diner is coming to Dallas.

Courtesy of Karen's Diner

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.

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where there's smoke

Houston's only Michelin-recognized Tex-Mex restaurant now open in Bellaire

Photo by Duc Hoang

Don't miss the brisket nachos at Candente.

It didn’t take Sambrook Hospitality Group long to turn Mandito’s into Candente. First announced in September, the restaurant’s second location officially opens today, Monday, December 22, at 5101 Bellaire Blvd.

Speaking on a November episode of CultureMap’s “What’s Eric Eating” podcast, Sambrooks Hospitality founder Michael Sambrooks explained that, as a Bellaire resident, he saw an opportunity to open a restaurant close to home.

“It was a combination of, this location became available, and we liked the market. I think Bellaire is underserved. As far as Tex-Mex options, I think it’s limited,” he says. “We always struggle with where’s somewhere we can grab a bite that’s five minutes away as opposed to driving to another part of town. I think Candente is that solution. I think it’s going to be pretty well received.”

In terms of design, the restaurant replicates many of the same elements as the original Montrose location that opened in 2019, such as its copper-topped tables and yellow, orange, and maroon accents. Diners will note a mural by local artist Franky Cardona along one wall. Overall, the restaurant seats 125 in its dining room, 10 at its bar, and 24 on an outdoor patio.

While the location is new, the menu is the same. That means the same wood-fired fajitas, brisket enchiladas, nachos, birria tacos, and other fare that helped it achieve a “Recommended” designation in the Michelin Guide for Texas — the only Tex-Mex restaurant in Houston to make the prestigious guide. Pair them with margaritas (both shaken and frozen), as well as agave-based cocktails such as the paloma and ranch water, beers, and non-alcoholic options.

Sambrooks Hospitality also operates The Pit Room, the barbecue joint with locations in Montrose and Memorial City that earned a Bib Gourmand designation.

“It’s a privilege to open in Bellaire and get to know and serve a new clientele,” Sambrooks said in a statement. “We’re excited to introduce our style of authentic, handcrafted Tex-Mex that has made us a Houston dining staple.”

Candente will be open for lunch and dinner during the week beginning at 11 am. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday beginning at 10 am.

Don't miss the brisket nachos at Candente.

Photo by Duc Hoang

Don't miss the brisket nachos at Candente.

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