Neighbors spend about $60 a week at restaurants, 21% more than the average consumer, according to a Nextdoor survey of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted in late October. More than half (53%) say they are spending more at quick-service and casual restaurants than they did a year ago, and higher prices are the factor cited most often (54%).
The survey also asked how neighbors pick a restaurant, how far they will travel for a meal, and what they expect from the places down the street. Its findings arrive just ahead of the holidays, when neighbors say they eat out more.
Restaurant meals are a weekly habit
Eating out is routine for most neighbors. Lunch is the most common occasion: 58% buy it from a restaurant at least once a week, and more than half do the same for breakfast and for dinner. Rising grocery costs (43%) and busier schedules (38%) also push spending up.
Timing plays a role. About 42% of neighbors say they dine out more during busy work or school periods, and 41% say the same of the holiday season. Compared with the general population, neighbors are 52% more likely to increase how often they get food from restaurants over the holidays. Half of neighbors (51%) are typically the ones deciding where their household eats, 16% more than the general population.
Cravings and small treats drive the decision
Asked why they chose a restaurant over cooking on their most recent occasion, 45% of neighbors said they were craving a specific restaurant’s food and 44% wanted to treat themselves or their family. The treat motivation runs 29% higher than among the general population. Convenience mattered too: 36% were already out, and 34% did not feel like cooking. When choosing the restaurant itself, food quality or taste (39%) and a convenient location (35%) led the list.
Close to home for takeout, farther for a sit-down meal
Most neighbors stay local. Some 61% get most or all of their restaurant meals from places within 10 minutes of home. The limit shifts with the occasion: 65% set a 10-minute travel limit for takeout, while only 34% do for dining in.
Most orders still happen in person. About 41% say all of their restaurant purchases this year were in person and another 28% say mostly in person. Among those who order online, 54% usually go through the restaurant’s own site or app.
Neighbors find new restaurants through people and places nearby
A recommendation from a friend or family member is the most common way neighbors first hear about a restaurant they try (20%), followed by walking or driving past it (19%). Social media came next at 16%, 23% higher than the general population. Recommendations on Nextdoor carry weight: 67% of neighbors have considered buying from a quick-service or casual restaurant because of one they saw on the platform, up 17% from last year.
Chains and local restaurants win on different things
Neighbors are nearly evenly divided. About a third prefer local or independent restaurants (33%) and about a third prefer national chains (32%), while 35% have no preference. Their reasons differ. Chain fans point to consistency (27%, compared with 14% of local fans) and value (30% versus 23%). Local fans point to personalized service (31% versus 12%) and atmosphere (30% versus 13%), and 36% say they choose local to support local. Across formats, fast-food and quick-service restaurants are the most preferred (41%), and neighbors are 35% more likely than the general population to favor fast-casual.
Restaurants are part of the neighborhood
Some 79% of neighbors consider the restaurants in their area part of the community, up 11% from last year. Another 69% say restaurants make it easier to connect with other people nearby, and 70% would like to see them do more to give back.
Supporting local charities topped the list of what would make a restaurant feel more connected to its community (36%), 24% higher than the general population. Discounts or promotions for locals followed at 34%, with a 26% gap over the general population. Being locally owned or operated drew 35%.
The survey of 1,000 U.S. adults was fielded October 28 to 30, 2026.
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