NYC Bar Owner's Viral Banter With Conan O'Brien Declared 'Life-Changing'
A spontaneous subway encounter with the comedian on 'SubwayTakes' has brought unexpected fame and a surge in business for Confessions Bar.
Debbie Shields, owner of Confessions Bar in Brooklyn, described a brief subway interaction with comedian Conan O’Brien as “life-changing” after the segment aired on the popular web series “SubwayTakes with Kareem Rahma.” The episode, published Tuesday, featured Rahma interviewing guests on a moving subway car, with Shields unexpectedly joining the conversation.
Shields encountered Rahma and O’Brien on the F train and introduced herself. The ensuing impromptu dialogue quickly went viral, with the clip amassing 1.3 million views as of Sunday. In the exchange, Shields and O’Brien engaged in rapid-fire banter, riffing on the idea that they were married and had two sons, one in medical school and the other in jail. O’Brien joked about not sending money, to which Shields responded, “That’s OK, don’t worry I still love you.”
O’Brien complimented Shields, calling her “so funny” after they broke character. Shields, in turn, playfully mentioned having to “kick” O’Brien out of her bar twice, further amusing O’Brien. When Rahma asked if he and O’Brien could get a free drink at Confessions Bar, Shields quipped, “He’s my babies’ daddy, he’ll get two.”
The viral moment has significantly impacted Shields' business. Confessions Bar has gained over 7,000 new followers on its Instagram page since the episode aired, according to social media tracker SocialBlade. The bar has also introduced a new cocktail named “The Baby Daddy O’Brien,” featuring an orange garnish.
Shields expressed that the newfound attention has been a welcome change. "It used to be them pulling up saying, ‘Get out of the way, old lady,'" she told CBS News New York. "Now it’s, ‘I seen you on TV. We love you.’ I love you, too."
Internet users widely praised Shields' humor. Comments on the video and social media highlighted her quick wit and comedic timing, with many noting O’Brien's apparent enjoyment of the interaction. The “SubwayTakes” series, hosted by Kareem Rahma, is known for its unscripted and often humorous interviews conducted on New York City public transit.