Karen’s Diner has crash-landed here in Los Angeles after its successful run in St. Lois. If you’re unfamiliar with Karen’s Diner, it’s an immersive experience that takes Dick’s Last Resort, with the sharp rudeness of Weiner Circle, and throws it in a blender.
If you love interactive theater, and snark you will have an absolute blast! Water signs…stay home. Masochists, this one is for you.
KAREN’S DINER – LOS ANGELES EXPERIENCE
Since this is a pop-up experience, Karen’s Diner has taken over a local restaurant to bring us their attitude. Rightfully so, the entitlement is real. When you arrive you’ll see a step and repeat photo op out front to pass the time if you’re early. Don’t worry, they’ll make sure you know you are.
When you are finally allowed inside, the Karen’s Diner performers/waitstaff starts right in. There’s no foreplay, just aggressive immediate berating. You’re checked in and told you’re an idiot. Then sat at your table and told you’re an idiot, as well as thrown menus…and told you’re an idiot.
The decor consisted of a sign for the rules of the restaurant experience, celebrities with photoshopped Karen hairdoos, a neon middle finger sign, and Karen’s sign, as well as tables with red picnic tablecloths to try and bring the diner feel. I understand they can’t bring the full charm of the actual restaurant, but I do wish there was a little bit more.
After eating, the staff gets the audience to participate in a few fun games of True or False, a runway strut-off, as well as spinning a wheel that lets you know the game. My group was a little hesitant at first. I don’t think any of us were ready for the overly aggressive nature of the performers. I’ve been to Dick’s Last Resort and this was next level.
However, the games allowed the audience to relax a little bit, lower our guard, and allow us to all have fun – even if it was at our own expense. I wish that we started with some games first to help break the ice and immerse everyone into what Karen’s Diner is. Then we can order our food, play more games, eat, and finish with games.
The way the order is now it almost feels like you’re being held hostage for over an hour.
THE FOOD
Karen’s Diner is not only known for their rude waitstaff but also for their Burgers. Again, this is a pop-up, so the menu is limited (as it says on the booking website).
The Menu (Choose One – All come served with fries and a soda)
BASIC KAREN – Juicy Beef Pattie, Grilled Onions, Lettuce, Tomato, and Coleslaw Salad
KAREN’S GOT BEEF – Juicy Beef Pattie, Grilled Onions, Mozzarella Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato
and Coleslaw Salad
TREE HUGGER KAREN (v) – Falafel, Grilled Onions, Lettuce, Tomato, and Coleslaw Salad
**GF options are available **
I ordered Karen’s Got Beef, cause I wanted a cheeseburger, and my friend ordered the Falafle. The burger was…a burger, and I was served a handful of soggy, cold fries. My friend ordered the Tree Hugger Karen, which she did not finish. Something I’ve noticed with a lot of pop-up entertainment dinner/show concepts, (including the always sold-out Eat At Chain), is the food is never as good as it should be. For the price of admission, the food needs to be more than edible.
OVERALL EXPERIENCE
This is a traveling experience, so I know the whole experience has a few kinks to work out. The performers are finding their stride, but I wish they would earn the disrespect a little more. If your audience isn’t laughing that’s an issue. You have to learn to read people and not just be an asshole. There’s a reason Ru-Paul says, “Reading is fundamental“. It’s all in jest, but not if the audience isn’t in on the joke.
If your audience won’t play the game, something is wrong. Personally, I think it’s an easy fix. I think this would come with a little rejiggering of the order of operations as well as more Karen training. It’s also possible I was there on an off day. Even Karens are allowed to have those.
Overall, I had a fun time. Once the room was warmed up, and played along we were all having a blast.
Karen’s Diner is taking over Sumac Mediterranean Cuisine on N. Highland Avenue for a limited time! So, hurry up and get your tickets now!
Click Here to get your tickets now!
