Dining out remains popular across the United States, but rising costs are prompting many Americans to cut back. According to YouGov’s new Check, please: U.S. dining out report 2025, higher prices and shifting consumer priorities are reshaping how and where people choose to eat.

Seven in ten Americans still eat out at least once a month, but more than a third (37%) say they’re doing so less often than a year ago. Among lower-income households, that figure rises to 44%, underscoring how inflation continues to squeeze discretionary spending. Only 8% report eating out more frequently. Of those cutting back, nearly seven in ten (69%) cite the rising cost of restaurant meals, while 58% say they’re simply trying to save money.

The perception of higher costs is widespread: 82% of Americans believe restaurant prices have climbed over the past 12 months, yet only 28% think those prices are fair for the quality they receive. This widening “value gap” has diners rethinking their habits. More than half (54%) say they’ve adjusted how they dine out to spend less, most often by choosing cheaper restaurants (60%), using discounts or coupons (53%), ordering fewer items (51%), or skipping drinks (42%).

Higher-end restaurants are feeling the pressure. Nearly half of lower- and middle-income consumers say they’re visiting fine-dining establishments less often than they did in 2024,

Despite tighter budgets, familiar brands continue to dominate consumer consideration. In quick service, McDonald’s leads at 49% and among casual dining chains, Olive Garden is at the top at 38% consideration. Starbucks (36%) maintains a strong position among specialty dining options.

“Americans still enjoy dining out, but value has become the deciding factor shaping where and how they choose to eat,” said Nora Hao, Sr. Sales Director, YouGov America. “As costs continue to rise, consumers are becoming more selective — and restaurants that pair affordability with loyalty rewards, and smart digital engagement will come out ahead in 2025.”

In short, dining out is evolving, not disappearing. Americans still crave the experience of eating out, but they expect more for their money. For restaurant brands, success in 2025 will belong to those that understand this new value equation and meet diners where they are, online, cost-conscious, and looking for a deal.

To read the full report and all the findings download the report here.

Methodology

The U.S. dining out report 2025 is based on a YouGov survey conducted between August 11 and September 2, 2025, among 1,500 U.S. adults (including 1,300 U.S. diners). Data was weighted to be nationally representative. Brand rankings are sourced from YouGov BrandIndex, which tracks daily perceptions of thousands of brands across the U.S.