What Is the Best Time to Go to a Restaurant to Avoid Crowds?
Quick answer
- The quietest times at most restaurants are mid-afternoon, about 2 to 4:30 PM.
- Weekday lunch rush is about 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, and dinner rush is about 6 to 8 PM.
- Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday brunch are the busiest times of the week.
- Online waitlists and order-ahead apps can cut your wait the most.
Nobody likes waiting 45 minutes for a table or sitting in a long drive-thru line. Restaurant traffic follows predictable patterns. Here is when to go if you want to skip the crowds.
Busiest and quietest times
| Time | How busy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 7 to 9 AM | Busy at coffee and breakfast spots | Commuter rush |
| 9:30 to 11 AM | Quiet | Good time for brunch on weekdays |
| 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM | Very busy | Weekday lunch rush |
| 2 to 4:30 PM | Quietest | Best time to avoid crowds, and many happy hours |
| 5 to 6 PM | Getting busy | Early diners, good for families |
| 6 to 8 PM | Very busy | Dinner rush, longest waits on weekends |
| After 8:30 PM | Quieter | Kitchen may close soon at sit-down chains |
Busiest days
- Friday and Saturday dinner: the longest waits of the week.
- Sunday brunch and lunch: very busy at breakfast chains like IHOP, Denny’s, Cracker Barrel and First Watch.
- Monday and Tuesday: usually the quietest days.
- Holidays like Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day: book or join waitlists early.
Ways to skip the wait
- Join the online waitlist before you leave. Texas Roadhouse, LongHorn, First Watch and Chili’s all offer it.
- Order ahead in the app for pickup at fast food and fast casual chains.
- Sit at the bar at sit-down restaurants, which often has open seats.
- Go early for timed deals like Texas Roadhouse Early Dine and Olive Garden weekday lunch.
- Choose mid-afternoon for the shortest drive-thru lines.
Best times at different types of restaurants
| Type of restaurant | Quietest time |
|---|---|
| Coffee drive-thrus | After 10 AM on weekdays |
| Fast food drive-thrus | 2 to 4:30 PM |
| Breakfast diners like IHOP and Denny’s | Weekday mornings after 9:30 AM |
| Casual dining like Chili’s and Applebee’s | 2 to 5 PM, or after 8:30 PM |
| Steakhouses | Right at opening, especially on weekdays |
| Pizza delivery | Before 5 PM or after 8 PM on weeknights |
Bonus: quieter times often mean deals
Many of the best restaurant deals are timed for slow hours. Sonic Happy Hour runs 2 to 4 PM, Applebee’s half-price appetizers run about 3 to 6 PM, and Texas Roadhouse Early Dine runs on weekday afternoons. Going at a quiet time can save money and time. See our happy hour guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the least busy time at a restaurant?
Mid-afternoon, about 2 to 4:30 PM, is usually the quietest time.
What is the busiest day for restaurants?
Saturday is usually the busiest, followed by Friday nights and Sunday brunch.
How can I avoid long restaurant waits?
Join an online waitlist, order ahead in the app, go mid-afternoon or on a Monday or Tuesday, or sit at the bar.
When is the drive-thru fastest?
Drive-thru lines are usually shortest in mid-afternoon and after the dinner rush.
Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.
