SAME Café — Restaurant in Denver

I used to love to come to Same Cafe. I believe in the community mission that everyone gets a healthy meal not matter who you are and I love seeing people of all different walks of life eating together.

But unfortunately, I will no longer be a donating to the organization.

On Friday, I came to grab lunch for me and a coworker. Tyler Derrick, the Cafe Coordinator according to the website, was serving food behind the counter. He was popping croutons in his mouth, chewing with his mouth open over the food and licking his fingers while he served lunches. I heard him tell a customer he was hungry and hadn't had a lunch and wasn't sure if he was going to get one.

I should have listened to my gut and asked for his manager before he touched my food, but I was polite and let him serve me despite my apprehension. He continued to munch and lick his fingers as he served me. Over the weekend, I came down with a norovirus (diagnosed by my doctor) and so did my coworker who at the meal Tyler served us. It also passed to my partner.

I believe the norovirus it came from bad sanitary conditions at Same Cafe. This is very sad because it's a wonderful service to the community but we cannot afford to jeopardize the health of diners, especially the at risk unhoused who dine there and have no where to go if they are violently ill with a norovirus so I have no choice put to post his publicly.

I'm appalled that Tyler is in any sort of permeant position at the organization and it makes me question their overall health protocols. I hope Same Cafe cleans up their act so they can continue to provide a much needed service to the...

I can't imagine how anyone could not give this wonderful nonprofit enterprise a five-star rating. The name says it perfectly: So All May Eat. Not only does this little cafe (and food truck--watch for it!) welcome absolutely everyone, regardless of ability to pay, but they also turn out delicious, healthy food every day.

The menu generally consists of two soups, two salads, and two pizza choices. There is usually one meat and one vegetarian option for the soup and pizza. Ingredients are mostly local and organic. Everything is made from scratch, presented with nice plates and silverware, and looks as good as it tastes.

The staff is friendly and helpful. There's a fairly large inside dining area with well-spaced tables, given the current virus situation. There's also an expansive, and shaded, outdoor patio. Colfax Avenue can sometimes be a bit noisy, but this is still a pleasant place to sit and to dine. It's also a chance to tell passing pedestrians about the many virtues of SAME and to encourage them to give it a try.

A standard meal is a bowl of hearty soup, salad, two slices of pizza, and a shortbread cookie, plus a drink. You can pay via a cash donation, by volunteering time, or by providing produce. There are no set prices. The menu varies from day-to-day, based on the available ingredients. Everyone receives the same meal and everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

The cafe is normally open for lunch, but they are happy to arrange any sort of evening event such as parties, book clubs, corporate groups, and even wedding receptions! SAME partners with many local organizations. See the list on...

Hidden Gem on Colfax - SAME Café is a Must-Visit!

SAME Café is truly one of Denver’s hidden treasures! Nestled on Colfax, this unique café offers not only a delicious daily changing menu but also a beautiful mission. SAME (So All May Eat) Café is all about community, serving organic and locally sourced foods and teas to anyone who walks through their doors. The best part? It’s a pay-what-you-can-afford model, ensuring everyone can enjoy a nourishing meal regardless of their circumstances.

What makes SAME Café so special is the incredible team behind it. Emmy, the volunteer coordinator, and the entire café and outreach team bring so much heart and energy to this space. Their passion for creating a welcoming environment where people can come together over fresh, healthy meals is truly inspiring.

Guests have the opportunity to pay for their meal with time, fresh produce, or financial contributions—whatever they can afford. This creative and inclusive approach fosters a sense of community and gives everyone the chance to be a part of something meaningful.

The food is consistently amazing—fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. Whether you’re stopping by for lunch or attending one of their new evening events serving dinner, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable experience. The café also offers both indoor and outdoor seating, making it the perfect spot to relax and connect.

SAME Café is so much more than just a place to eat; it’s a movement toward kindness, connection, and sustainability. If you’re in Denver, do yourself a favor and stop by. Five stars just don’t seem like enough for this...