In a bold move, Post Haste's executive chef Ari Miller has implemented a pay-what-you-can Sunday special, where diners can choose what to pay for their meals. The concept isn't entirely new, as it's built on the foundation of tipping, which allows customers to leave a portion of their bill as gratuity. By extending this notion, Miller hopes to make his restaurant's fine dining experience more accessible.
Miller got the idea from HAGS, a Manhattan restaurant that offers a pay-what-you-can brunch every Sunday. He collaborated with HAGS chef Telly Justice on a pop-up event in November and was impressed by the response. Realizing that Sundays were typically slower at his own East Kensington cocktail bar and restaurant, Miller decided to introduce a flexible payment option.
On Sundays, Post Haste is open from 3 pm to 9 pm instead of its usual hours. The pay-what-you-can Sunday deal only applies to food, with customers being presented with a check that lists each item as $0 but includes a line for them to pay what they're comfortable with. So far, the response has been positive, and Miller notes that the concept has helped increase customer numbers on other nights.
However, the goal isn't to give away free food; rather, it's to make fine dining more inclusive by offering a menu of snacks, small plates, and sandwiches at a lower cost. By doing so, Post Haste aims to connect with its community and bring people in, not just on Sundays but also beyond.
Miller plans to continue the pay-what-you-can Sunday special in 2026, while possibly experimenting with new specials and ideas. His ultimate goal is to reward his customers' interest in spending time and money at the restaurant by offering a unique dining experience that showcases the beauty of fine food.
Miller got the idea from HAGS, a Manhattan restaurant that offers a pay-what-you-can brunch every Sunday. He collaborated with HAGS chef Telly Justice on a pop-up event in November and was impressed by the response. Realizing that Sundays were typically slower at his own East Kensington cocktail bar and restaurant, Miller decided to introduce a flexible payment option.
On Sundays, Post Haste is open from 3 pm to 9 pm instead of its usual hours. The pay-what-you-can Sunday deal only applies to food, with customers being presented with a check that lists each item as $0 but includes a line for them to pay what they're comfortable with. So far, the response has been positive, and Miller notes that the concept has helped increase customer numbers on other nights.
However, the goal isn't to give away free food; rather, it's to make fine dining more inclusive by offering a menu of snacks, small plates, and sandwiches at a lower cost. By doing so, Post Haste aims to connect with its community and bring people in, not just on Sundays but also beyond.
Miller plans to continue the pay-what-you-can Sunday special in 2026, while possibly experimenting with new specials and ideas. His ultimate goal is to reward his customers' interest in spending time and money at the restaurant by offering a unique dining experience that showcases the beauty of fine food.