The Diner Dispatch: 2024 American Dining Habits
In our second annual study, we uncover the latest dining and takeout preferences of American consumers and how those trends have changed since 2023.
Table of Contents:
Key Findings:
- Dining out triumphs over takeout, with atmosphere and socializing driving preference: 55 percent prefer dining at restaurants over ordering takeout or delivery vs. 43 percent in 2023. Atmosphere and time to socialize remain the top reasons diners prefer to dine out when comparing 2023 to 2024 data
- Monthly spends have increased: The average monthly spend dining at restaurants in 2024 was $191 vs. $166 in 2023, some of which could be attributed to inflationary changes in menu pricing over the last year
- Gender spends have flip-flopped: Women spent 33 percent more on average per month than men in 2024 vs. men spending 19 percent more on average per month than women in 2023
- Casual dining is king and on the rise: Casual dining continues to be the most popular restaurant type when dining out, climbing up to 69 percent in 2024 from 63 percent in 2023
- Patience is prevailing: At restaurants, diners are willing to wait up to 26 minutes without a reservation, compared to only 20 minutes in 2023
- QR code menus fall even more out of favor across all generations: 90 percent prefer print menus over QR codes vs. 74 percent in 2023. Dislike of QR codes is growing across all generation segments, with 95 percent of Baby Boomers increasing their paper menu preference in 2024 vs. 86 percent in 2023, and 90 percent of Gen Z preferring paper menus over QR codes in 2024, up from 69 percent in 2023
Americans have long embraced eating out, enjoying the ease, social aspects and escape from cooking it provides. But how are they doing it differently these days? How often do they dine out, and what types of places are drawing them in? What makes them prefer a restaurant over their own kitchens?
A new US Foods® survey of over 1,000 Americans explores their dining preferences, how they order, where they eat, and even how much they tip. US Foods first uncovered American dining habits in our 2023 Diner Dispatch, and our 2024 study sheds new light on those evolving habits.
Do Americans Prefer Dining Out or Staying In?
Americans are redefining their dining habits, with a growing preference for both restaurants and takeout/delivery. According to the survey, respondents indicated a preference for eating at restaurants nearly 5 times a month, while choosing takeout or delivery about 3 times. This makes sense, as a preference for dining out holds a slight edge in popularity (55% vs 45%). The reasons behind each choice paint a clear picture.
When compared to our 2023 Diner Dispatch study, there’s a noticeable shift in dining preferences. In 2023, Americans preferred to dine out 3 times a month and order takeout about 4 times a month.
The appeal of dining out centers around the overall experience, with factors like atmosphere (66%), socialization (52%), and special occasions (44%) being key drivers The food itself also plays a part, with diners seeking higher quality (43%) and the chance to explore new cuisines (38%).
Takeout and delivery, on the other hand, are valued for convenience (66%), with the majority (81%) enjoying the ability to dine at home and multitask. Interestingly, avoiding dishes (38%) ranks equally important for both dining out and takeout, suggesting a shared desire for a break from kitchen chores!
2024 Dining at Restaurant Trends
Dining out in America goes beyond just the food. The average American spends $191 a month on restaurant meals, with women spending a surprising 33% more than men. This is an increase since 2023, when Americans spent $166 a month dining out and men spent more than women.
While most Americans (72%) head out to avoid cooking, affordability seems to be a factor – 36% spend between $11-20 per person, and a combined 61% keep it under $30. Patience plays a role too, with Americans willing to wait up to 26 minutes for a table without a reservation.
When it comes to choosing a spot, casual dining reigns supreme at 69%, followed by a close tie between fast food and fast casual (both at 55%). But despite the rise of technology, nearly all Americans (90%) prefer holding a physical menu over using a QR code, with this preference holding strong across all generations. This follows the same trend we found in 2023, where the majority also preferred physical menus over QR codes.
Americans are still undecided about tipping, but on average, they’re tipping 18% of the bill, which is the same amount reported in 2023. While nearly 1 in 4 are sticking with the believed standard of 15%, more than half are tipping anywhere from 18% of the bill or more.
2024 Takeout or Delivery Trends
While dining out might be the more social option, takeout and delivery reign supreme for convenience. Americans spend an average of $88.50 a month on delivered or carried-out meals, with a clear preference for familiar food. Fast food takes the top spot for popular takeout or delivery restaurant types at 63%, followed by fast casual (47%) and casual dining (34%). Trendy options like ghost kitchens and food trucks tie for popularity at 11% each.
The winner in the takeout vs. delivery battle? Takeout wins by a landslide, with 65% of people opting to pick up their food themselves.
Take a look at our previous Diner Dispatch Report:
Methodology
In April 2024, US Foods surveyed 1,005 people, which reflects the demographic makeup of the general American population.
Citing This Survey
When using this data and research, please attribute by linking to this study and citing usfoods.com