Going out for dinner is a treat, and as well as expecting good food, friendly service is also a pretty key part of the experience. An idea that hospitality has been built around for as long as restaurants have been a part of our lives. So imagine going for a dinner where the charming small talk between you and the waiting staff is switched up for insults and back talk? Well, if you head to Karen’s Diner, that’s exactly what you’ll get. Here, poor service is paramount, and actually, it’s encouraged. Born from the meme sensation that is ‘a Karen’, someone perceived as entitled and demanding, this diner aims to give guests the full experience (no matter how uncomfortable it may feel).
The interior is super gimmicky, but it fits with the theme of the restaurant. Lego heads with the signature Karen hairstyle are dotted around the room, wallpaper with cartoon prints of fries and burgers are spread along the walls, and the typical American diner colour palate of red and white runs throughout.
Whilst the service maybe niche, the food menu is like something straight out of Rhode Island. There are chicken wings, beef brisket and loaded fries, as well as an extensive burger list, with each one given its own witty name. Expect things like ‘Karen's got real beef’ with slow cooked beef brisket and caramelised onion, or the ‘I want to see the manager’ Karen burger with two wagyu patties, two slices of Swiss cheese and bacon.
Soft drinks come in the form of standard fizz like Coke and Fanta, ‘thickshakes’ with flavours of Oreo or salted caramel, and a very American float section, which consists of a fizzy drink topped with a scoop of ice cream. Alcoholic drinks such as wine and beer are also available.
Whilst this may not be a spot you want to visit after a particularly stressful day at work, it’s one of the only places in the city where guests can actually pay to be verbally abused during dinner, and it’s a lot more fun than it sounds.