One significant problem that worries those interested in investing in cryptocurrency is its disputably low levels of acceptance. For instance, they may say that it is impossible to pay at a restaurant or a cafe using the Bitcoin or Ethereum they have bought.
Contrary to popular opinion, there are ways to make cryptocurrency payments at restaurants and other spaces. As we speak, more and more restaurant chains are starting to accept cryptocurrencies.
And in this article, we will tell you all about accepting Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, or other cryptocurrencies at restaurants and how to go about it. First, we will look at some statistics about restaurants and crypto payments.
Why should restaurants accept Bitcoin?
- Cryptocurrency transactions are fast and take mere seconds;
- Cryptocurrencies work anywhere in the world, unlike bank cards;
- Cryptocurrency transactions have low fees;
- Crypto transactions are anonymous and let restaurant guests maintain their privacy;
- Blockchains are permissionless, so no one can suspend or freeze restaurants’ crypto addresses.
Restaurants That Accept Cryptocurrency
While it is true that not every restaurant around you accepts Bitcoin or Litecoin as a payment option, you can find many that do. According to the latest reports, more than 15,000 restaurants in France allow you to pay through cryptocurrency. It is just a number from France alone. As we increase the searching radius, you would find many food delivery services that accept Bitcoin.
In addition to these, many standalone food chains such as Starbucks and Subway support cryptocurrencies as payment. However, many of these restaurants are using payment gateways to accept Bitcoin and a few other popular cryptocurrencies in most cases. Therefore, keep in mind that you cannot merely expect to pay using any cryptocurrency that you may have.
Now that we know the basics, shall we look at the restaurants that accept Bitcoin across the world?
Restaurants & Bitcoin
Below is a list of restaurants where you can pay for your meal or takeaway order via Bitcoin and a few other cryptocurrencies.
1. Starbucks
Starbucks, the worldwide coffee restaurant chain, now allows you to pay via Bitcoin. It has been done via a payment app – SPEDN by Flexa, which uses the Flexa payment gateway. As of March 2020, the SPEDN app was being accepted at Caribou Coffee, Jamba Juice, Baskin Robbins, and Whole Foods Market. So, when you want to pay for some excellent beverages and lite food items, you can quickly pay with Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and the Gemini Dollar. The payment network says that it keeps expanding the support for more coins and restaurant chains. Starbucks also partnered with Bakkt App, a wallet that lets users manage their crypto assets and use them to top up gift cards or pay with crypto using a virtual Visa card. Essentially, anyone can download Bakkt App on their mobile phone, load their Starbucks gift card by paying with Bitcoin and then purchase a cup of coffee from Starbucks. It is not a direct way to pay at Starbucks, but it still is a huge step on the part of this major brand towards recognition of cryptocurrencies as viable means of payment. If the adoption of crypto continues at the current rate, it is quite possible that Starbucks will start accepting Bitcoin directly in the coming years.
2. Subway
Did you know that Subway was one of the first restaurants to adopt cryptocurrency as a payment method? Since 2013, people have been paying for Subway meals via Bitcoins and other currencies. The company was so progressive in its efforts to experiment with different types of payments that in 2013 there were as many as two Subway locations catering to the needs of the crypto community. One was in Moscow, which even offered 10% off for purchases made with Bitcoin. While another was in Allentown, Pennsylvania, which became particularly famous after being featured on Coindesk. In the following year, Subway in Buenos Aires followed the examples of its American and Russian partners and also started accepting Bitcoin in exchange for its delicious sandwiches. It is not clear whether these branches continue using Bitcoin as a payment method to this day, but they will certainly be remembered for their contribution to the mass adoption movement. Subway operates as a franchise, so people running local Subways are free to do anything they want in terms of payment options. That is why not every Subway outlet out there allows its customers to pay for food via Bitcoin. Nevertheless, if you are committed to sticking to digital money, you can always grab a Subway gift card using your favorite coin.
3. Burger King
Burger King has a somewhat controversial history with accepting cryptocurrencies for payment. The connection between BK and crypto began when the German branch of the restaurant chain decided to make orders via Bitcoin. It was back in 2019. Before that, however, their Russian counterparts had attempted to accept Bitcoin. They even issued their own cryptocurrency called WhopperCoin, which they planned to use as a bonus currency and allocate it to people buying their products. Nevertheless, the coin was not successful and met its demise shortly after its launch. Recently, Birger King Brazil made headlines by announcing that they were going to accept Dogecoin as payment. To the chagrin of the canine-themed coin fans, the Brazilian branch is open to accepting Dogecoin only for “Dogpper,” a special treat for dogs that Burger King introduced to the menu several years ago. Yet, judging by the consistent attempts of different Burger King branches to get their share of the crypto economy, it will not be surprising to see the company step it up a notch and start featuring Bitcoin payments at all locations. After all, if Dogecoin fans prove their interest in using their cryptocurrency as payment by buying “Dogppers,” Burger King will be more than happy to extend its selection of products eligible for crypto purchase.
4. Safari Comedor
Safari Comedor is a Mexican restaurant located in the city of Tulum, namely, in its residential area called Aldea Zama. Safari Comedor takes its inspiration from traditional Yucatan houses, which is reflected in its unique décor. Safari Comedor recognizes the culinary heritage of Mexico in the form of tacos, tamal, and corn esquite and mixes it with flavors from the Yucatan Peninsula. One of the restaurant’s iconic desserts is “Tamal de Cacao,” which is an exquisite treat made of 71% bitter cacao, goat caramel and wrapped in a banana leaf. Safari Comedor aims at providing its guests with an exceptional atmosphere by letting them experience the customs and hospitality of the country and the region. The restaurant has a lot to offer in terms of its menu. For example, for breakfast, one can get Huevos Omelette and Agua Fresca de Jamaica. The restaurant also serves amazing cocktails, including Mezcal Margarita and Cocktail Avana, a havana rum with tonic and ginger. Moreover, Safari Comedor is open from early morning to 11 pm, from Monday to Saturday, so you can visit it at any moment. Like all companies on the list, Safari Comedor welcomes all crypto enthusiasts and accepts Bitcoin as payment for its yummy meals and drinks.
5. Pizza Hut Venezuela
Pizza Hut, like any major international company, sells its franchise to people from different countries. In 2020, the Venezuelan branch of the company made an announcement that it began accepting Bitcoin as payment. Yet, the local Pizza Hut does not do it directly. Instead, it uses the services of CryptoBuyer, a startup from Panama that is present in the Latin American market and offers its point-of-sale solutions to the region’s merchants. Crypto owners in Venezuela now have a chance to pay for their pizza and other products of the company by simply making a Bitcoin transaction. The move by Pizza Hut Venezuela is a reasonable one since the official currency of the country recently has been experiencing considerable turmoil which led to hyperinflation. Under such circumstances, the price fluctuations of Bitcoin may appear quite negligible to some Venezuelans. That is why the adoption of Bitcoin payments by Pizza Hut Venezuela is a great use case for the utility of cryptocurrencies in situations when fiat fails. People from outside Venezuela are less fortunate because they cannot get their favorite pizza for Bitcoin. Yet, they can always get themselves a gift card with Bitcoin and use it for the time being.
6. Quiznos
Quiznos is another fast-food franchise whose specialty is sandwiches. Quiznos is committed to making sandwiches with inventive flavors made of fresh ingredients. The classic sub sandwiches are always on the menu at Quiznos, and it is a product which the company has been making since its beginning in 1981. While the menu of Quiznos is quite similar to that of Subway, its approach to crypto payments is the same as that of Starbucks. Namely, Quiznos works in a partnership with Bakkt. Any person will get an opportunity to pay at Quiznos with Bitcoin using Bakkt App. Moreover, since it is a pilot program, the company wants to attract as many clients as possible to give it a try. As a result, everyone who pays with Bitcoin will get $15 in Bitcoin back. Quiznos is a Denver-based chain, and the program in question concerns only several locations in the city, including at Denver airport. Yet, it is safe to assume that if the program takes off and generates additional profits for the company, it will surely take another step towards the large-scale adoption of Bitcoin. For now, though, the crypto community should support the cause to prove that cryptocurrencies can be a viable payment method of the future.
7. Crazy Italians
Italian food has a special place in the life of every person who has ever tasted it. Italian cuisine is as popular as the Chinese one worldwide, and people in every country try to present their own rendition of classic recipes. Yet, it often becomes difficult to find a place where the authenticity of the original recipes would be preserved. Crazy Italians, a restaurant from Memphis, Tennessee, is certainly a location that manages to offer genuine Italian meals at affordable prices. The owners of the restaurant are Italian themselves, so they know quite well what they cook. Crazy Italians features a diverse menu that includes time-honored staples such as pasta, salads, and desserts. The owners guarantee that the food at Crazy Italians will be the same as the one from your Italian trip. Moreover, the restaurant offers special meals for people who avoid gluten in their diets. Crazy Italians also have an extensive assortment of wines that will be perfect for your dinner. In addition to an exceptional menu, the restaurant is notable for featuring Bitcoin payments. So, if you always wanted to get yourself a plate of pasta bought with Bitcoin, it is your opportunity to make your dream a reality.
8. La Sirene
La Sirene is a New York restaurant which offers its clients a taste of modern French cuisine. In particular, the restaurant gets its inspiration from the cuisine of Southern France. It crafts its meals using only fresh and quality ingredients. The Restaurant’s service is extremely professional and helpful. La Sirene’s menu contains many French foods, including Slow Cooked Beef Tongue and Steak Tartare, which is also gluten and dairy-free. Additionally, there is an extensive assortment of wines, an inalienable part of French cuisine. At La Sirene, you can enjoy red wines from France such as House Pinot Noir and Chateau Barbanau, as wells as reds from California, for instance, Tapestry Reserve and Roth Estate. White wine and Rose are also on the list. La Sirene is one of the most advanced crypto adopters in our top 11, because it accepts more than a dozen cryptocurrencies as payment. Bitcoin, of course, is one of them, but so is the Uniswap token. At La Sirene, you can also pay for your exquisite and delicious dinner with Cardano, Ethereum, Neo, Tezos, XRP, and even Monero, if you are being extra cautious today. Essentially, La Sirene is a perfect spot for crypto investors longing for French flavor in the middle of New York.
9. Okra Hong Kong
Asian cuisine has conquered all parts of the world with its simple but delicious food. Okra Hong Kong is a restaurant which serves dishes and beverages using traditional Japanese techniques. Nevertheless, Okra is not a usual Japan-themed diner with Anime characters. Okra is located in Hong Kong’s Sai Ying Pun neighborhood. Its specialty is natural sakes and sashimi. Okra sources its fresh ingredients from trusted suppliers. The restaurant also often holds various events such as workshops and celebrations. The story of Okra’s transition to cryptocurrencies is particularly notable. During the recent pandemic, the restaurant could not fill all of its seats due to government restrictions. Additionally, it was experiencing the pressure of the local banks that charged its clients massive fees. The restaurant owner decided to accept cryptocurrencies as a way to cut losses. The restaurant accepts Bitcoin and a host of altcoins, including Binance Coin. After finishing their meal, guests are given a QR code which they can scan to pay for their order. Each transaction takes only several seconds. The sum they need to pay is always different, unless it is a stablecoin, because meals have prices in Hong Kong dollars, which get converted to the crypto of clients’ choice.
10. H-Town Donuts
H-Town Donuts is a family-owned restaurant located in Huston, Texan. It is a donut shop that serves a variety of pastry products, including kolaches, tacos, croissants, and biscuits. It is a great spot for picking a breakfast or brunch. H-Town Donuts also offers its apparel with the restaurant’s logo on it. Yet, the best thing about H-Town Donuts is that it accepts cryptocurrencies as payment. You can also pay for your order online and pick up the food at the location. The company is a big supporter of Ravencoin, which means its clients can use this currency to pay for a pack of fresh donuts. The restaurant even plans to issue its donut-inspired NFTs on the Ravencoin blockchain. In the future, these NFTs will provide their owners with access to H-Town Donuts’ rewards program. Yet, apart from Ravencoin, H-Town Donuts also accepts Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The restaurant also has a Bitcoin ATM on its premises so its guests can withdraw cash by exchanging their crypto or buy Bitcoin to pay for amazing donuts. So, if you live in Huston or visit the city on a business trip or vacation, do not forget to taste some crypto-fueled donuts or tacos at H-Town Donuts.
11. Bitcoin Coffee
Bitcoin Coffee is a coffee shop and a coworking space in Prague, Czech Republic, that accepts Bitcoin as the only payment mode. That is, you should have a fair amount of Bitcoin tokens if you want to enjoy those fresh brews or utilize the excellent working environment. This coffee shop has been attracting users from the country and overseas since its inception in 2017. The world has seen Bitcoin or crypto-only restaurants for a couple of years. The problem is that many of them were outright controversial to begin with. At Bitcoin Coffee, you cannot utilize any traditional payment methods such as cash or credit cards. So, if you do not have Bitcoin in your wallet or simply do not want to break your “Hodl” rules, Bitcoin Coffee might not be your cup of tea. Yet, if you find yourself in Prague determined to get some freshly-brewed coffee, but you do not have any Bitcoin, it is not a problem. Bitcoin Coffee has an ATM where you can readily purchase some Bitcoin and use it to pay for your order. Bitcoin Coffee also serves delightful cakes which are gluten-free. At Bitcoin Coffee, you get a complete experience of a restaurant of the future.
Other Restaurants Where You Can Pay with Crypto
As you can see, the popularity of accepting cryptocurrency in restaurants is increasing like never before. However, the list of such locations is too big to describe in one article. if you want to go to a restaurant and pay using cryptocurrency, you can try searching for them yourself. For instance, you can visit Coinmap.org and search for crypto restaurants in the city you live in. On the Internet, you can discover many places where you can pay with cryptocurrency as smoothly as you pay with a credit card or Apple Pay.
Restaurants like Tavern CO in Cleveland, Top of the Hill Grill in Casco, and Helen’s Pizza in New Jersey are a few places where a ‘Can I pay in Bitcoin’ request would not get you kicked out of the restaurant. As long as you have a popular token with a compatible wallet, it would take care of nearly everything.
Delivery Services to Order Food with Bitcoin Cryptocurrency
Some food delivery services accept Bitcoin as a payment method. If you plan to order a lot of food for a party, you may want to use some crypto here.
Takeaway
Takeaway, a food delivery service based in the Netherlands, and its subsidiaries, accept cryptocurrencies as a payment method. The best part is that you can pay in European nations like Germany, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Romania, and Bulgaria, in addition to Israel and Vietnam. You have to make the crypto payments on the Takeaway website via the Bitpay gateway, which is quite popular among crypto users.
Shuttledelivery
A service from Seoul, South Korea, Shuttledelivery also lets you pay for your exquisite meals using one of the popular cryptocurrency tokens. At this point, you can pay using BTC or BCH, which does the job. The best part is that Shuttledelivery is a fantastic place to order food, from Asian to European and from American to Chinese, using a simple UI.
Lieferando.de
Lieferando.de is a German platform where you can pay using cryptocurrency. Once again, we see the use of the Bitpay payment gateway on this website. However, considering that Lieferando.de and its subsidiaries have tied up with thousands of restaurants across Germany and Poland. Just keep in mind that Lieferando.de owns multiple food delivery platforms.
In addition to some of these big players from different countries, small and medium delivery services are now also adding support for cryptocurrency payments.
The Bottom Line
As we have said before, there are so many ways to make cryptocurrency payments at restaurants today. Even in not-so-developed markets, you might be lucky enough to come across at least one restaurant chain or an individual eatery that allows you to pay using Bitcoin. Considering the age and popularity of cryptocurrency, this is a significant achievement on any day. The only thing is that you may have to turn your investments into some of the popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ether using an exchange if you have invested elsewhere.