Frequency of Dining Out
- Weekly Routine: Approximately 34% of Americans dine at casual restaurants once a week.
- Millennial Trends: Nearly 74% of millennials have eaten out in the past week.
- Daily Lunch Habit: On any given day, 34% of Americans grab their lunch at a restaurant.
- Frequent Dinner Orders: In 2019, 47% of Americans had dinner at a restaurant or got takeout at least once a week.
Spending on Eating Out
- Monthly Splurge: Americans collectively spend around $70.1 billion each month on dining out.
- Annual Expense: The average household in the U.S. spends $3,008 per year on eating out.
- Budget Allocation: About 20% of Americans’ total food budget goes towards dining out.
- Food Dollar Split: Over 49% of the money Americans spend on food is used for eating out.
Types of Meals and Ordering
- Breakfast on the Go: About 73% of U.S. adults purchase breakfast from a restaurant at least once a month.
- Pizza Popularity: Approximately 43% of Americans order pizza at least once a week.
- Dessert Cravings: Around 65% of Americans order dessert at least once a month when dining out.
Delivery and Takeout
- Dinner Deliveries: In 2020, 72% of Americans ordered takeout or delivery for dinner at least once a week.
- Delivery Apps: By 2021, 60% of Americans reported using a food delivery app to get their meals.
Dining Experience
- Meal Duration: On average, Americans spend 42 minutes on a meal when dining out.
- Healthier Choices: 38% of consumers believe they eat healthier when dining out compared to eating at home.
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Financial Concerns and Opinions
- Cost Concerns: About 70% of Americans think dining out is too expensive.
Aggregate Expenditure Insights
- Total Expenditure: More than half (over 50%) of Americans’ food dollar expenditure is on food away from home, including restaurants, take-out, and delivery services.

Alison Adams, a Philly native and proud University of Pennsylvania alum, is your go-to Career Expert with a laid-back approach. She’s been in the job seeker’s shoes and knows how to navigate the wild world of work. Alison’s all about sharing practical tips and tricks with a personal touch, making her a favorite for those looking to level up their careers.