March 7/New York/PRNewswire -- Zagat has released its “2012 Texas Restaurants Survey,” covering 1,431 eateries across the state as voted on by 3,542 area diners. The survey shows Texans lead the nation in dining out, with a statewide average of 3.8 meals per week, approximately 20% higher than the national average of 3.1. Topping the local list this year is Houston, with a reported average of 4.1 meals per week, followed in order by Dallas/Ft. Worth (3.8), San Antonio (3.6) and Austin (3.5).
When it comes to meal spending, 31% of Texans say their average outlay is up this year, while only 10% say that they are spending less. Nonetheless, the cost of a meal in Texas, at $32.17, remains a relative bargain compared to the $35.62 national average. In fact, meal costs declined in Austin and San Antonio since the Zagat 2010 Survey and increased by less than 1% annually in Dallas/Ft. Worth and Houston.