Gone are the days when dining out meant simply grabbing a bite. Today’s restaurant scene is evolving rapidly, with economic pressures and changing lifestyles reshaping where and how Americans eat.
Yelp recently released its 2025 State of the Restaurant Industry report, for which the company analyzed consumer searches from January 2025 to March 2025 as compared to the same period in 2024.
Yelp’s report shows some distinct dining trends are surging in popularity, while another once-reliable format is quietly disappearing from the landscape.
1. Solo dining
One surprising aspect of Yelp’s report is the rise of eating alone. “Solo dining” searches increased by 271%, and searches for “best place to eat alone” rose by 150%.
Yelp says that some restaurants are adapting their layouts to include bar seating, communal tables and counter-service options that can help those dining alone feel welcome.
2. Cheap food
Affordable restaurants are having their moment. Diners are hunting for “social and culinary experiences” at a great value, according to Yelp.
Consumers drove an increase in the following searches in early 2025, compared to the same period last year:
- “Cheap eats” went up 21%
- “Meal deal” went up 117%
- “Value meal” went up 22%
Yelp also notes that searches for “sweet treat” increased 110%, “suggesting a continued desire for little treats.”
3. Experience-driven dining
The third trend reflects consumers’ hunger for more than just food. Immersive dining is booming, as consumers show they’re willing to pay for a memorable experience.
According to Yelp, diners are looking for unique experiences, entertainment and storytelling alongside their meals.
There’s been an increase in searches for “hibachi catering” (55%), “Medieval Times” (40%), “chef’s table” (36%) and “pop-up restaurant” (14%).
A decline of 24/7 restaurants
While new dining concepts flourish, round-the-clock eateries are fading fast in many cities. Yelp reports that the number of 24/7 restaurants in the U.S. decreased by 11% between 2020 and 2025.
Labor shortages make overnight shifts harder to staff, while younger Americans’ reduced alcohol consumption means fewer late-night crowds seeking post-bar sustenance, according to Yelp.
The decline for 24/7 restaurants was most notable in Los Angeles, which saw a decrease of 29%, and Las Vegas, which declined by 9%.
Not all cities are seeing the same drop in late-night dining options, however. Key West went up 33%, Salt Lake City saw an increase of 25% and Baltimore went up 14%.
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