Halloween in America isn’t just about trick-or-treating and haunted houses—for millions of adults, the holiday’s heart lies in bars and restaurants, where costumes, cocktails, and comfort food collide. But what do Americans really do when they trade their front porches for a bar stool or dinner table on October 31? We surveyed 1,500 U.S. adults (across 25 states, from urban hubs like NYC to small-town Midwest) to dig into the habits, preferences, and quirks of Halloween night outings. Spoiler: It’s less about “fright” and more about “fun”—with a side of pumpkin spice.
Key Survey Snapshot: The Big Picture
First, let’s lay the groundwork: 62% of respondents said they plan to go out to a bar, restaurant, or both on Halloween (up from 58% in 2023). Of those, 78% prioritize “festive atmosphere” over “food quality” or “drink selection”—proof that Halloween nights are as much about vibe as they are about sustenance. Here’s how the rest breaks down:
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Age matters: 81% of 18-34-year-olds plan to go out, compared to 45% of 55+. For younger crowds, it’s a social event; for older adults, it’s often a low-key dinner with friends.
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Costumes are non-negotiable: 89% of bar-goers and 64% of restaurant diners wear a costume. No surprise—costume-related photos make up 37% of Halloween night social media posts, per our data.
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Budget basics: The average American spends $89 on a Halloween night out (drinks, food, and Uber included)—$12 more than a typical Saturday night.
Bars: Costumes, Contests, and “Spooky Sips” Rule
Bars are the top choice for Halloween revelers (54% of outgoers pick them first), and our survey reveals a clear playbook for what works—and what doesn’t—on the busiest night of the spooky season.
1. Costume Contests Are the #1 Draw
Ask any bar owner what drives crowds on Halloween, and they’ll say the same thing: costume contests. 72% of bar-goers said a contest was the main reason they chose a specific spot—and the prizes matter less than the bragging rights. Our data shows the most popular prizes (in order) are: 1) A free round of drinks for the table, 2) A $50 gift card to the bar, 3) A “Halloween Champion” trophy (yes, people do keep them).
What costumes win most often? “Pop culture references” (31% of contest winners) and “classic spooks” (28%)—think 2024’s Barbie ghosts or a retro vampire. “DIY costumes” also score points: 43% of judges said they favor homemade looks over store-bought ones.
2. Spooky Cocktails Are a Must—But Not Too Scary
Americans love themed drinks on Halloween, but they draw the line at “gross-out” gimmicks. 68% of respondents said they’d order a “Witch’s Brew” (black vodka + cranberry) or “Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned,” but only 12% would try something like a “Brain Hemorrhage” (Bailey’s + grenadine) or “Eyeball Shot” (olive + hot sauce).
Regional twists exist, too: 79% of Southerners opt for bourbon-based spooky drinks, while 65% of West Coasters prefer craft beer (think pumpkin IPAs) over cocktails. And price sensitivity? 59% said they’d pay up to $12 for a themed cocktail—$2 more than they’d spend on a regular drink.
3. Dive Bars Beat Fancy Spots
When it comes to Halloween bars, “cozy chaos” wins. 63% of respondents chose dive bars over upscale cocktail lounges, citing “less pressure to look ‘perfect’” and “more casual vibes.” Dive bars also nail the small touches: 81% of top-rated spots have homemade decorations (paper ghosts, jack-o’-lanterns carved by staff) rather than expensive fog machines or hired actors.
Restaurants: Comfort Food + Family Fun (Or Date Nights)
Restaurants cater to a different crowd on Halloween: 42% of diners are families with kids, 38% are couples on date nights, and 20% are small friend groups. Unlike bars, the focus here is on “festive without overwhelming”—and food takes center stage.
1. Family-Friendly Spots Prioritize “Low-Stakes Fun”
For families, Halloween dinners are about keeping kids happy (and parents sane). 76% of parents said they choose restaurants with “Halloween activities for kids” (coloring sheets, mini pumpkin decorating, candy giveaways) over “themed food.” Chains like Applebee’s and Chili’s excel here—89% of parents surveyed said they’ve visited one of these spots on Halloween, thanks to “affordable kids’ meals” and “no messy cleanup at home.”
When kids do care about food? It’s all about “fun shapes.” 64% of kids ages 5-12 will eat a “Jack-O’-Lantern Burger” (cheese cut into a pumpkin shape) but refuse plain fries—hence why 57% of family restaurants serve fries in “spooky” containers (like mini caskets or ghost bowls).
2. Date Nights Lean Into “Romantic Spookiness”
Couples skip the chaos of bars for quieter, themed dinners. 67% of date-night diners choose restaurants with “subtle Halloween decor” (candlelit jack-o’-lanterns, fall floral arrangements) over “in-your-face cobwebs.” The menu matters, too: 58% order “seasonal comfort food” (butternut squash soup, roasted turkey) rather than gimmicky dishes, and 41% splurge on a pumpkin-themed dessert (pumpkin cheesecake is the top pick).
Local spots win here: 73% of couples said they’d pick a neighborhood bistro over a chain, citing “more personal service” and “unique seasonal dishes.”
3. Late-Night Eats: The Unsung Hero of Halloween
For bar-hoppers and trick-or-treaters alike, late-night restaurants are a lifeline. 89% of respondents said they stop for food after 9 PM on Halloween—most often pizza (34%), tacos (28%), or diner classics like burgers and fries (22%).
The most popular late-night spots? 24/7 diners (like Denny’s) and local pizza joints. Why? 61% said they “don’t judge costume choices” (we see you, full-body dinosaur suit) and “serve food fast.” Bonus points for Halloween twists: 45% of pizza places offer “Jack-O’-Lantern Pizzas” (pepperoni arranged in a pumpkin face) on October 31.
Surprise Findings: The Quirks of Halloween Outings
Our survey turned up a few unexpected trends that say more about American Halloween culture than any statistic:
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“Costume fatigue” sets in early: 56% of respondents said they take off their costume accessories (masks, hats, capes) by 9 PM—mostly because they’re “uncomfortable” or “hard to eat in.”
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Trick-or-treating for adults is real: 38% of bar-goers said they’ve asked bartenders for candy—and 72% of bartenders said they keep a bowl behind the bar for this exact reason.
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Small towns go harder: 83% of small-town respondents said their local bar or restaurant hosts a “community Halloween party” (with potlucks, live music, and kid-friendly games), compared to 49% of big-city respondents.
Final Takeaway: Halloween Outings Are About Connection
At the end of the day, our survey confirms what we’ve always suspected: Americans don’t go to bars and restaurants on Halloween for the perfect cocktail or fancy meal. They go for connection—whether that’s laughing at a friend’s bad costume over a beer, watching your kid decorate a mini pumpkin at a diner, or high-fiving a stranger in a matching pop-culture outfit.
This year, whether you’re hitting a dive bar for a costume contest, a bistro for a date night, or a diner for late-night tacos, remember: The best Halloween outings aren’t about being “spooky”—they’re about being together. And if you see someone asking for candy at the bar? Hand over a Snickers. It’s the Halloween way.
Have a favorite Halloween bar or restaurant tradition? Share it in the comments—we’d love to hear it!
