A reputation for poor service isn’t usually a selling point for a restaurant. But the opposite is true for Karen’s Diner. The Australian-born pop-up—an infamous dining experience that promises terrible customer service and is now TikTok famous (Karen's claims 1.5 billion views)—has hit the road for a multicity tour, and it’s coming to Portland on October 7-8. 

The name of the diner derives from the persona of problematic, entitled white women using their privilege to complain and, in some cases, even cause harm by projecting racist stereotypes. In a world where no one wants to identify as a Karen, the pop-up pokes fun at the character by unleashing purposefully rude waitstaff on unsuspecting customers as they order hamburgers and chicken wings. Customers are encouraged to dish it back, but no racist, sexist, or homophobic jokes are allowed. 

The company has swiftly expanded to over two dozen brick-and-mortar locations and has made previous stops in cities like Seattle, Houston, and San Francisco. It's “a place where you can complain until the cows come home.” Marketers even slapped the quintessential “Karen” hairstyle (think an asymmetrical bob à la Kate Gosselin of Jon & Kate Plus 8) on an emoji for its promotional material. 

If this sounds like your cup of tea, the pop-up will take place at the Rue Cler Marketplace on SE Milwaukie Avenue, October 7 and 8. Advanced tickets are encouraged to reserve a spot, as Karen’s Diner may not be able to accommodate walk-ins. The $47 ticket gets you a burger, fries, and a soda, and (hopefully) the worst service you’ve ever had.