More Americans are enjoying the idea of child-free dining experiences at restaurants — and parents may be taking the lead.
A new survey of 1,000 US adults found that 75% of respondents said restaurants should offer some form of adult-only dining, whether through designated seating areas, late-night restrictions or romantic settings, that are child-free, according to Lightspeed Commerce.
The strongest support came from the evening and experience-driven food.
Almost half of consumers surveyed (49%) support restricting children during night hours, while 46% favor selected sections for adults only. Some 46% of people say romantic restaurants should not have children.
Alcohol-focused venues also ranked high, with 43% of respondents supporting restrictions on those venues.
Adoniram Sides, senior vice president of Hospitality at Lightspeed’s Rhode Island, said the findings reflect a broader shift in the way consumers think about food.
“The clearest signal from the data is that adult-only food is no longer a niche concept tied to convenience or exclusivity,” Sides told Fox News Digital.
“Hospitality businesses are increasingly creating contexts. Whether it’s late-night dining, romantic spots or rooftop lounges – consumers are willing to pay for an atmosphere designed for specific occasions.”
One of the most notable findings, Sides said, was the level of support from parents themselves.
“What stands out is that parents are more supportive than parents, suggesting that this trend is driven less by frustration with children and changing expectations about how people want to have fun and spend their evenings,” he said.
Some restaurants have already adopted adults-only policies as part of their brand identity.
At Capo’s Restaurant and Speakeasy in Las Vegas, owner Nico Santucci said the place allowed children during the first decade of business before switching to an adults-only model.
“When we talk, especially in Las Vegas, people get comfortable,” Santucci told Fox News Digital. “We would like people to be free and be able to speak freely.”
Santucci said the change was driven partly by atmosphere and partly by practical business considerations, especially in a nightlife-focused area where visitors expect a certain experience.
“It’s like being on a plane and you’re sitting next to a small child,” he said. “I mean that’s a different plane, right? A completely different plane.”
Still, Santucci said he sometimes makes exceptions for longtime clients with large groups that include youth.
“I will not take that business down,” he said.
For some restaurant owners, the problem often comes down to balancing atmosphere and hospitality.
Vicki Parmelee, owner of Jumby Bay Island Grill in Jupiter, Florida, told Fox News Digital her restaurant caters mostly to families, but she understands why some diners are asking for quiet seating arrangements.
“Of course I can put someone in if they ask to be kept away from the children. No problem,” said Parmelee. “I don’t mind if a high-end restaurant has restrictions regarding children, as long as it can set dress codes according to the customers it wants to attract.”
Parmelee said his restaurant already operates an adults-only policy at the bar late at night, mainly for safety reasons.
“It is not appropriate and in addition to the safety of the children,” he said.
Etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore, founder of the Protocol School of Palm Beach, Florida, said restaurants should focus less on preventing children and encourage respectful behavior at all meals.
“Eating out is not just about food — it’s a social experience that teaches kids how to behave in public,” Whitmore told Fox News Digital.
“Parents should be aware of noise levels, running around the restaurant and any other behavior that disturbs other guests.”
Diners looking for a quieter experience can still indulge themselves, Whitmore added.
“My husband and I do not have children, and sometimes we will ask for a ‘quiet table’ from the host or hostess. “As a customer, you can request any seat, as long as it is available and not reserved. But do it politely.”
Accommodating different types of guests is just part of the business, Parmelee said.
“The time and money of the guest we spent to eat out is important, and even if you are single and want a quiet dinner or a parent who wants to bring the children together, I can try to make it legal,” he said. “That’s what hospitality is all about.”
