A Place at the Table: Raleigh’s Pay-What-You-Can Community Café

Nestled in the heart of Raleigh, A Place at the Table is no ordinary café – it's a place where everyone has access to a delicious, nourishing meal, regardless of their ability to pay. Raleigh’s first and only pay-what-you-can café, A Place at the Table is built on a powerful mission: to bring people together around food, bridge gaps, and cultivate a community where everyone has a seat at the table.

This unique café is more than a spot for coffee or brunch; it’s a movement, proving that food is a universal connector. Here’s a closer look at what makes A Place at the Table an inspiring cornerstone of Raleigh’s community.

At A Place at the Table, the pay-what-you-can model empowers everyone to enjoy a meal, offering four options: pay the suggested price to cover costs, pay what you can if the full amount isn’t feasible, pay it forward to support another’s meal, or volunteer in exchange for food. This flexible approach goes beyond just providing food, as it restores dignity and builds community by creating an inclusive space where shared experiences bring people together.

A Place at the Table takes pride in crafting a menu that’s as inclusive and diverse as its guests. They serve breakfast and lunch, offering a variety of delicious options like avocado toast, breakfast bowls, seasonal salads, and hearty sandwiches. Everything on the menu is made with fresh, quality ingredients that reflect their commitment to nourishing the community. The flavors are crafted with love, and the café’s offerings change seasonally, so there’s always something new and delightful to try.

The café is more than just a place to eat – it’s a warm, inviting environment that fosters connection. From the moment you walk in, you’ll notice the communal tables, friendly staff, and the buzz of conversation. Here, people from all walks of life come together, break bread, and share their stories.

A Place at the Table offers a safe, inclusive space where no one feels out of place. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick coffee, meeting a friend for lunch, or spending time volunteering, the café makes everyone feel welcome.

A Place at the Table is more than just a café; it’s a nonprofit organization actively working to reduce food insecurity in Raleigh. By creating a supportive, community-focused environment, they’re breaking down barriers and making strides toward a world where everyone has access to a meal.

The café relies on a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and community supporters to keep its mission alive. They host regular events, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities, making it easy for anyone in the community to get involved and contribute to their cause.

Supporting A Place at the Table goes beyond dining there (though every meal does help!). You can make a difference by dining in and paying the suggested price or paying it forward, volunteering a few hours to lend a hand, donating to fund meals and support programs, sponsoring a meal through a one-time or recurring donation, or simply spreading the word about their mission to friends, family, and social media. Each contribution helps keep this inclusive, community-focused café thriving and accessible to all.

A Place at the Table isn’t just a café; it’s a community effort to ensure everyone in Raleigh has access to a warm meal and a welcoming space. With each meal, volunteer hour, and donation, this remarkable café continues to bring people together, nurture connections, and make a real difference. Whether you’re dining in, volunteering, or spreading the word, your support keeps this mission alive and helps build a more inclusive Raleigh.

For more on Maggie Kane’s inspiring work, be sure to read our blog, “Maggie Kane of A Place at the Table | Best of Raleigh,” and listen to our podcast episode, “A Pay-What-You-Can Café: Maggie Kane of A Place at the Table | Best of Raleigh Episode 38.” These deep dives explore the café’s impact, Maggie’s journey, and the power of kindness in building community.

Ready to join the movement? Visit A Place at the Table to experience it for yourself, or find out how you can contribute and make an impact today. Together, let’s keep our community connected, one meal at a time!