Anyone Else Soured on Dining Out?

[GenXguy]

I eat out quite a bit for breakfast because my company has a restaurant in the building, and breakfast is pretty reasonable. I typically bring lunch, though. As far as dining at restaurants outside of work, I have dined out at a restaurant one time this year. I've also had take-out / delivery a few times.

 

[JoeWras]

This thread hit a nerve for me. I have eaten many times at a local restaurant that has a patio next to the tiedown area for light aircraft and a view of the runway (I'm a pilot)
The last time I was there I placed my order for a sandwich and a beer. The beer came right away, and I waited for my sandwich, and waited, and waited.
I finally got up and left. I have never done that before.

I never refused food before, until last month. At a local place, I was presented an inedible burger that was like chewing on leather. Seriously, my first ever refusal. I have an iron stomach and will eat anything. I've eaten a lot of bad restaurant food probably out of courtesy and not making waves.

This was so incredibly bad even I had to say no.

It's just a mess out there. The labor issues are having a terrible impact. I have little desire to go back to a restaurant any time soon.

 

[Teacher Terry]

I used to eat lunch out about twice a week. Now it’s once or twice a a month. The prices have really increased and menus are more limited. I don’t like takeout because the food is not hot enough when I get home.

 

[Ronstar]

We eat out about twice a week. Almost always within 20 miles of home. Used to go to Chicago and distant suburbs sometimes efor dinner, but quit going to cities during the pandemic. I don’t see us going long distance to dinner again. Not worth the hassle. Nearby restaurants have quality similar to city places and are certainly safer.

 

[friar1610]

We used to big pretty big on dining out, generally every weekend. When we moved to our current location (2013) the restaurant selection wasn’t as good as it had been in previous locations so we tapered back a bit. When COVID hit we stopped completely for a good long time and resorted to take-out on those occasions we* didn’t want to prepare meals at home. We have guardedly gone back to an occasional lunch out with friends/family and celebratory family dinners for birthdays, anniversaries, etc. We have not noticed any huge degradation in food or service quality on those few occasions we do eat out.

*I use the term “we” advisedly as I am pretty useless in the kitchen (except for washing dishes) but competent on the grill. (Of course, living in New England, grilling outdoors is much like kayaking - limited to about 7 or 8 months of the year.) So since my dear wife, a wonderful cook, bears most of the meal preparation responsibility, I feel that we have to get a take-out meal at least once weekly to give her a break since we’re not eating out nearly as much.

 

[Katsmeow]

I used to eat lunch out about twice a week. Now it’s once or twice a a month. The prices have really increased and menus are more limited. I don’t like takeout because the food is not hot enough when I get home.

I almost always reheat after the food gets to the house (and don't order things that can't handle reheating). Or, order something that doesn't need to be warmer such as a salad.

 

[MarieIG]

I had soured a bit on dining out pre-pandemic.

When I was working, I was literally too tired to go out to eat after work. It was not unusual for me to get home after nine p.m. and to fling my aching back into a recliner while DH brought me diner. (DH is a very good cook.) I also worked most weekends. The last few times we went out pre-pandemic, I was disappointed in the food. If I was going to drag myself out the door, the food should at least be very good - and it wasn't.

DH and I had planned to go out to eat once a week once I retired, but with Covid, helping out with the grandchildren, and me trying to eat mostly organic, it hasn't turned out that way.

 

[RobbieB]

I love hitting the dining room!

Much better than eating in car or take out and bring home.

 

[Koolau]

I love hitting the dining room!

Much better than eating in car or take out and bring home.

Yeah, I kinda like being waited on - it's just difficult to find a restaurant with enough staff to pull it off right now. YMMV

 

[RobbieB]

Yup, same problem here, help wanted signs everywhere.

 

[Kwirk]

We go out frequently, approaching pre-pandemic levels. But now we go at off hours or eat outdoors, often both off hours and outdoors. The food quality is quite good though prices have increased. Most of the restaurants are locally owned. Service is sometimes slow but we are in no in a rush, except to get out before the crowd arrives.

Admittedly, this increases our covid risk but probably not as much as living with 2 grandchildren in elementary school.

 

[YVRRocketSurgery]

We're dining out at a little below pre-pandemic frequency now.

Unfortunately, we're finding it a little hit and miss with a number of our fav's that we frequent. We can live with slower service or staff still figuring things out. However, there are a few places which we needed to give a break from visiting because the food quality became inconsistent and/or the service was a bit surly. We'll give a few of them another visit in a few months to see if things have gotten better.

We definitely see the price increases too.

 

[HarveyS]

I have soured on dining out. Prices have soared, quality is average, and service is hit or miss, usually miss. We used to dine out 1-2x per week. Now it's 1-2x per quarter.

Also, with the exception of Chinese, I don't enjoy takeout and never have.

I have applied for my old curmudgeon card and have been approved.

 

[Scuba]

We have dramatically changed our dining out habits. Pre-pandemic, we ate lunch out once or twice a week at least and dinner at least 2-3 times/week, often with friends. The pandemic shut everything down for several months and when restaurants reopened, initially we went or got take-out frequently to help support them.

Over the last year, we cut down a lot. Often we’d consider going out, but when I thought about a likely dinner tab with a drink or two being $125-$150 with tax and tip just for an average meal, I usually decided to cook instead. As others have said, just because we CAN spend the money doesn’t mean we want to based on perceived value.

Now that DH is on a restricted diet due to his heart attack, we prefer eating at home. Much easier to manage portions and preparation. I’m sure as he recovers and life goes on, we will eventually dine out more again, but likely more as a special occasion thing at a really good restaurant as a rare treat.

I still eat out with my social group fairly often, but I often don’t drink alcohol so that I don’t have to worry about driving and also to control calories. That sure helps cut the cost down too!

 

[Bamaman]

Restaurants cost so much today, and we see little reason to spend so much eating out very often. It is just not part of our lifestyle.

My wife and I are both superior southern cooks anyway. And we cook so much more healthier on our own turf.

 

[Irishgirlyc58]

I'm in this camp, although it's a bit of a stretch to say I hated dining out; it's more that I've always just disliked it and thought it overpriced and a bit pointless. I've often said I'd rather have hamburger at home than filet Mignon at a restaurant. Gimme a backyard family burger anytime over white glove service in a restaurant; I'm just more comfortable there.

Yeah- hate was probably too strong- I didn’t actually hate it, more like I dreaded it.
I agree about having a burger in the backyard better than white glove service. I’m just a very casual person.
I have a Traeger in my backyard that gets a lot of use.

 

[PandaBear]

Eating out less and less. My dh and I basically go out twice a week: Friday evening we go to a favorite wine bar for a glass (or two of wine) and some appetizers. Sunday mornings we take our adult kids to breakfast (if they are available).
We don’t cook tons at home either ….just simple things like grilling and a side salad and vegetable, or more prepared foods from Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods. But I prefer it to going out.

Girls Night Out has been a staple for me for so many years and even that is now Girls Night In. We went out a few months ago…..$50 each for an entree and 2 drinks, tax and tip. There are four of us.
We had Girls Night In last Thursday. I went to Grocery Outlet and Trader Joes and got a pasta salad, Asian salad, focaccia, ice cream and cookies. I had watermelon and served wine (we have a lot!) The only “cooking” I did was putting the focaccia in the oven. I spent $30 at the two stores and we had just as nice of a time. Next time it will probably be a shared thing, like everyone bringing an appetizer.
Of course, I wouldn’t have liked staying in as much when my kids were younger….we’re empty nesters now.

 

[harllee]

If people on this Forum (including myself) are typical of the population I don't see how most restaurants are going to survive. In fact, they haven't. Several of our favorite restaurants have already permanently closed.

 

[Music Lover]

Also, with the exception of Chinese, I don't enjoy takeout and never have.

We get Chinese takeout, it reheats well and the value is there. For $50 two of us can eat for 3 days.

We rarely buy pizza anymore...partly because a decent one is now $30 - $35 and partly because we bought a pizza oven.

Wing night used to cost $30 or so, now it's approaching $50. We go for the social gathering and would never go on our own.

 

[Badger]

In the past 2.5 years we have only been to restaurants no more than 10 times and that was for lunch outdoors with well spaced out seating at the far end of the designated area with the breeze at our backs. They were either Italian, Mexican, or hamburger selections.
We haven't been dining out since the beginning of the year because of the weather being too cool for outdoor dining. Even though we live on the coast in Florida most of the restaurant seafood is generally average (often fried or a basic unremarkable recipe), often frozen, and often overpriced. We can do much better at home with the assurance that the seafood is fresh from a market.
Occasionally we will get a pizza from Papa Murphys for $11-14 that we can pick-up to take home and cook for a hot pizza that is better than most other chains at a better value.
There are very few restaurants in NE Fl that could be considered fine dining. Most restaurants are casual dining if not chain and fast food venues. I don't consider most of them worth the cost.

Cheers!

 

[Midpack]

If people on this Forum (including myself) are typical of the population I don't see how most restaurants are going to survive. In fact, they haven't. Several of our favorite restaurants have already permanently closed.

There are lots of folks posting here who didn't go out to eat very often to begin with, the OP for one - those comments don't carry the same weight. A few restaurants closed due to the pandemic around us, but not many. And most that closed did so early on.

There's no question restaurants are still challenged with labor shortages, supply chain costs/availability and some diners who still aren't ready to mix the the public. We still go out three times a week, and most of our favorite (non chain) restaurants are working hard to maintain food, service and atmosphere but it hasn't been easy.

We did cut costs in one area. Where we might get one drink each with dinner, we've pretty much stopped that. Between driving under the mild influence and the 2-3X markups on liquor at restaurants - we don't miss it. A drink at home after makes better sense all around.

 

[Dreamer]

I was never big on eating out.

We probably get Chinese take-out once a week or so from our favorite Chinese place. I reheat mine in the microwave, since I like my food hot.

I do not enjoy the noise of the restaurants and the waiting for the server to take your order, bring you your food and bring you the bill. I would much rather be home enjoying other things.

 

[Surewhitey]

Other than vacation, we just prefer our cooking and try new things @ home.

Service was not an issue, just quality and quantity for the inflated prices don't make sense. Add tax, tip & fuel... Just not worth it.

TX does not tax groceries, so a prime cut ribeye with salad, sides at home might be $20...our favorite meal. Add a nice bottle of wine for $12 bucks.

Breakfast is Wrights bacon & eggs over medium with an awesome seasoning from TJ's... Most days.

Lunch is whatever is left over or a burger on the grill (or soup fo DW, her favorite thing to make)...

She is back to travel for w*rk, so she gets to eat out more often, but typically regrets the way she feels afterwards.

We had a couple over (last minute) Sunday & just added shrimp to the bacon wrapped sirloins, more brussels, salad and homemade blackberry cobbler. If we spent $20 for 4, I'd be stretching it. (they brought the fancy box wine)...

 

[CaptTom]

OP here. Thanks to all for your thoughts!

I think we need to be careful about generalizing our experiences. We're probably not the demographic that most restaurants rely on. I certainly ate out a lot more when I was working. Lunch with colleagues, no time to cook, more mouths to feed, a looser budget and maybe even a wider social circle all contributed.

Now, I have time to cook and there are no kids in the house. Sure, I also have more time to sit in a restaurant, but why would I want to? I'd rather spend that time cooking what I want, using the ingredients I want, and relaxing in my living room.

 

[harllee]

There are lots of folks posting here who didn't go out to eat very often to begin with, the OP for one - those comments don't carry the same weight. A few restaurants closed due to the pandemic around us, but not many. And most that closed did so early on.

There's no question restaurants are still challenged with labor shortages, supply chain costs/availability and some diners who still aren't ready to mix the the public. We still go out three times a week, and most of our favorite (non chain) restaurants are working hard to maintain food, service and atmosphere but it hasn't been easy.

We did cut costs in one area. Where we might get one drink each with dinner, we've pretty much stopped that. Between driving under the mild influence and the 2-3X markups on liquor at restaurants - we don't miss it. A drink at home after makes better sense all around.

I never order a glass of wine in a restaurant--the mark up is just too much. I wait and have a glass of wine at home if I want one (although I have not been drinking any alcohol for a while now). One time when I worked in a restaurant (long time ago) it was common knowledge that the way many restaurants made a profit was from the sale of alcohol, wonder if that is true. I am one of the ones that use to eat out at least a couple of times a week, now it is more like a couple of times a month and the main reason is that the service is so awful.