Global "Pay What You Can" Day will bring together 100+ restaurants in 14 countries

On August 26, some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants will open their doors with a major feature missing from the end of the meal: the bill.

The "Paga Lo Que Puedas / Pay What You Can" Global Restaurant Initiative invites diners to order freely off regular menus and pay whatever they can. Conceived by restaurateurs Norma Listman and Saqib Keval of Mexico City’s acclaimed Masala y Maíz, the initiative aims to dismantle financial barriers, welcoming neighborhood residents and industry peers who might otherwise be unable to enjoy a meal at a top restaurant.

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What began in 2020 as a local practice at Masala y Maíz expanded across Mexico City last year, pulling in Michelin-starred spots like Expendio de Maíz Sin Nombre and Baldío. This summer, the concept goes worldwide with more than 100 restaurants participating in 14 countries.

Here's how it works: Establishments serve their full, regular menus rather than limited options. Guests cab order what they want and pay what they can for food. Drinks remain full price. Diners determine their tip amount. Historically, staff tips during these events have equaled or exceeded those on standard service nights.

A slate of high-profile American dining rooms is joining the effort on August 26. In New York, Chef Paul Carmichael’s acclaimed Caribbean restaurant Kabawa—which earned a stellar five-star review over on Time Out New York and has been recognized by the Michelin Guide—will participate alongside acclaimed spots HAGS, Hellender and Vato.

In Washington, D.C., Michelin-starred Palestinian restaurant Albi and seasonal vegetarian destination Oyster Oyster are participating. Nixta Taqueria in Austin, Ayu Bakehouse in New Orleans, Understory in Oakland and Kamayan in Atlanta, among many others, are also participating.

"To open our doors fully to our community and offer the complete experience of our food and hospitality—without money being a barrier—demonstrates how a benevolent restaurant business model can also be a successful model," share co-founders Keval and Listman.

Find more information on the Paga Lo Que Puedas / Pay What You Can website and find out about participating restaurants on their Instagram @pagaloquepuedas_paywhatyoucan.

Here are the participating U.S. restaurants so far:

New York
Kabawa
HAGS
Vato
Hellender

Washington, D.C.
Albi
Oyster Oyster

Austin
Comadre Panaderia
Nixta Taqueria
Lenoir
L'Oca d'Oro

Houston
Preemo’s Bakeshop

New Orleans, Louisiana
Casimiro
Ayu Bakehouse

Oakland
Bombera
Understory
Sfizio

San Francisco
Reem’s
Merkado

Baltimore
Red Emma’s
Mera Kitchen Collective

Atlanta
Kamayan
El Ponce
Vinny's Mutual Aid Bakery

Nashville
Maiz de la Vida

Boston
Barra
Comfort Kitchen