Top 5: Pay-by-Donation Restaurants

Going out to eat can cost a lot more than we bargain for sometimes. There is an alternative in the form of the rare pay-by-donation restaurant. Working on the pricing principle of Pay What You Want, this model assumes if the choice to pay is perceived to be in the hands of the consumer, that consumer will often pay more than the item costs. The hope is those who can pay will make up for those who cannot.

Here are the top five PWYW restaurants from around the world:

Der Wiener Deewan in Vienna, Austria

This restaurant has been around for a decade and offers truly delicious Pakistani food right on the border of Vienna’s ninth and first districts. Their motto is “Essen für Alle” (Food for Everyone) and it’s true!

Weinerei in Berlin, Germany

This place is almost too good to be true. After 8 p.m., all you have to do is rent a wine glass for €2 and then drink as much as you want. Before you leave you just pay what you like.

The Same Café in Denver, Colo.

This is the first non-profit restaurant in Colorado and the ever-changing menu is designed so that anyone can eat a quality, locally sourced meal and pay however much they can.

Lentil as Anything, five locations in Australia

This is a not-for-profit vegan and vegetarian restaurant passionate about providing high-quality food to people who may not be able to afford it. It also makes an effort to hire employees who have been unemployed for a long time or have been marginalized in some way.

Panera Cares, currently located in Clayton, Mo. and Boston, Mass.

These community cafes are a branch of the popular chain and offer suggested prices for customers. If you are unable to pay the cost of the meal, then you can enjoy a free meal once a week.