A Place at the Table

- By Tishya Robertson, Staff Writer -

Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can restaurant opened last January on 300 W. Hargett Street. The restaurant is unique to the area due to its mission, which is to “provide community and healthy food for all regardless of means.”

Anna Haddock, ‘18, has been involved with the communications aspect of the restaurant before it even had its own location. Haddock explains the pay-what-you-can process: “If you do not have money to pay for your meal you are welcome to take a meal token from the jar next to the register! If you want to pay a portion, the cashier will gladly set you up to pay literally ‘what you can.’ You also have the option to pay the suggested price or [contribute to] someone else’s meal.”

Inside, the two-story restaurant is lively and inviting. It is often filled with a diverse selection of people enjoying meals and engaging in conversations. Many volunteers work every day to support the restaurant’s mission, and you can even volunteer in exchange for a meal.

The menu has something for everyone: fresh waffles with warm maple syrup, Instagram-worthy sandwiches, and many more breakfast and lunch staples. Haddock’s favorite thing on the menu is the avocado toast, saying, “Being a nutrition major, I love that A Place at the Table has healthy options! The avo toast is the perfect balance of carbs and healthy fats. Though it automatically comes with a side of fruit, I like to also add the cheese grits as a side sometimes!”

There is much in store for the future of the restaurant. Fundraising events around Raleigh like pay-what-you-can yoga classes are in the future to raise more money for the organization. More information can be found on A Place at the Table’s Instagram or Facebook page.

A Place at the Table is open at 300 W. Hargett Street from 7a.m. to 2p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 8a.m. to 3p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Anna Haddock