I’ve previously written about a unique place on East Colfax called the SAME Cafe. Their acronym stands for “So All May Eat,” and this small restaurant operates on a “pay what you can” donation based scale. When I tell this to friends their typical response questions how they can afford to stay in operation, but the price, (or donation,) that I or someone with higher means would pay generally exceeds the average meal cost, which allows them to serve meals to those who can only afford less.

Here’s what I wrote last fall:

Libby says many people that frequent the restaurant aren’t necessarily homeless or living on the streets, but people working multiple jobs yet still struggling to make ends meet. Often those working multiple jobs are eating the least nutritious meals – relying on fast food and convenience store fare – so SAME Cafe is a healthy alternative to eat and socialize.

I signed up to volunteer this past Wednesday and had the pleasure of meeting owners Brad, Libby, and two other volunteers during the lunch shift. When I showed up at 11:45 they were already busy, so I got to work bussing tables and washing dishes – which kept me occupied for a while. Throughout the day the small kitchen was busy while they prepared pizza crusts, sourdough rolls, and cookies. Although I only worked about two hours it was an enjoyable experience and I was able to see a typical day there.

I wrote in my original post how I wished they were open weekday evenings (currently their longest day is Saturdays from 11 – 8.) I asked Libby about this and she told me her fall plans may incorporate a few weeknights.

If you’d like a healthy lunch for a good cause pop into 2023 East Colfax, (across from the Lion’s Lair.) In fact you should go there right now.

Check out their menu and blog at soyallmayeat.org They also have a collection of news articles both local and national. (photo from their site)