Karen’s Diner: I paid to be insulted by wait staff in Dublin — here’s everything that happened
Karen's Diner in Dublin. Picture: Facebook
- This article is part of our Best of 2024 collection. It was originally published in February. Find more stories like this here.
“Attention seeker coming through,” a staff member screams after a woman in a wheelchair as we enter Karen’s Diner on O’Connell Street. “F*ck you French Vegan,” shouts another into a loud megaphone, followed by a rapport of jeers and middle-finger gestures to a group of meek-looking exchange students.
The Karens have arrived in Dublin and this time, they're harsher than ever.
Karen's Diner, which is based on the online ‘Karen’ meme, is a restaurant concept famous for its rude staff and poor service. First launched in Sydney, Australia in 2021, the chain has since opened its doors in Manchester, Birmingham and London to rave reviews. But does it work in Dublin?
“We’ve a reservation,” I said to the very unimpressed host, only to be met by “You’re early. F*ck off,” before slamming the door in our faces and making us wait in the rain. Very much setting the tone for the evening ahead.
Even though the concept is seen on all your social feeds, and you know what you sign up for when booking a reservation, there’s just something about being told in person to “sit down and shut up” you’re not prepared for.
After what felt like the most awkward stare-off, we were finally left with it a spiel of routine questions, a rundown of the house rules and a reminder of a minimum spend of €20 per person. Steep I felt, after a booking fee of €5 per person (which comes off the bill), but there was no way I was complaining early doors.
Opened this month (February), the restaurant was full to the brim, and as we made our way to find our seats, it was hard not to notice the majority of the patrons wearing paper hats. “Daddy still pays my phone bill” said one. “English prick,” said another and they were just the ‘safe for work’ ones. Suddenly the phrase “we are not Disneyland”, which appears on their website, made so much sense.
Sitting at our table the service was relatively quick. After initially throwing our menus at us, they took no time to ask us for our drink order. Looking for some Dutch courage we opted for wine, which was unavailable due to a pending alcohol license. “Can you not read?” our waiter scoffs at me, pointing at the notice on the door. We ordered two ‘Basic Karen’ burgers, which come with chips, mozzarella sticks and some chicken tenders. All very tasty.
We also ordered an additional portion of chips which never arrived. We couldn’t tell if it was part of the shtick or not, but either way we chickened out asking for them. Thankfully they didn’t end up on the bill. In all our Irish ways, we probably would have just paid for them if they did.
In traditional American diner fashion, portion sizes are huge, and the menu is limited but who are we kidding, you’re not there for the food. And they know that too. The ketchup is cleverly placed on a cart at the top of the restaurant, so it forces you up and open to some heckling.
At one point during our meal, a waiter sat down next to us which I saw as an opportunity to ask them to fetch it for me but that’s when the klaxon went. “Spin the wheel,” the waiters shouted while dragging patrons from different tables up for some ... ‘fun and games’. Suddenly there was a round of karaoke, with one unenthused diner leading the chorus.
I can see its appeal, it’s a great gimmicky night out. The more you put into it, the more you get out of it - perfect for a hen, birthday party or a group night out.
And you can’t fault the staff, many of whom are actors. When you’re not on the receiving end, the ‘Karen’ schtick can be entertaining - even funny. Each server was in character until the end.
Although it won’t be for everyone. We decided to carry on our night elsewhere after the main course and asked for the bill. The reply was as expected.
“No dessert? Get the f*ck out cheapskates”.
