Savvy Diners: Survey Reveals People's Dining Out Habits

Happy waitress serving hamburger with French fries to group of guests in a bar, dining out concept

Drazen Zigic/ Getty Images

Have tighter budgets made going out to eat less enjoyable? A recent survey of 2,000 people revealed that almost a quarter (23%) reported the simple act of spending money on a meal out is stressful. And 44% say the guilt is a result of both the act of spending and the actual amount spent.

The survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Habit Burger found that Americans are getting creative to make the most of their money when choosing outside food options, from kids' menu hacks to customizations and ordering off of secret menus.

Three-fourths of Americans believe adults should be allowed to order from the kids' menu (77%). Although most think age shouldn't stop you from enjoying a kids' meal, only one in five have had the bravery to order off the kids' menu (21%). A third of Americans who have tried to order off the kids' menu have felt embarrassed at the moment, and a similar percentage have even been denied (34%). It's worth mentioning that some people choose to order from the kids' menu because there aren’t suitable and simple options on the adult menu, not because they're on a budget.

Money Saving Dining Hacks From Savvy Diners

A quarter of those surveyed have used a hack they’ve seen on social media to make their money go a little further when dining out (24%). This can include things like ordering from the kids' menu, sharing one refillable drink, and choosing a lunch dish for dinner or "linner."

Those who have used hacks shared some of their favorite ones, like using coupons (41%), taking advantage of special offers (34%), or ordering a meal that will give them enough food for leftovers (28%).

The research revealed a snapshot of people's dining out habits and found that the average person spends more than $2,500 a year on eating out.

For nearly half of those surveyed, payday means treating yourself. Forty-eight percent said they're more likely to eat out shortly after receiving their paycheck compared to any other time.

Take a look at more dining-out habits with the complete survey here.

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Kayla MorganEditor

Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it. She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel. A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community. She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.