A lot of our behaviors are "social", meaning it's a thing to do because others do it. It's also a time waster, most of us have copious free time, and want something to "do" with it, so we patronize coffee shops and bars. A mixed drink here is anywhere from $7 to $15, I paid $22 for one once at STK. A beer is $5-9 for basic beer, maybe draft, hopefully, and craft. OK.
Amazing markup really.
My step son likes going to bars, he's very social, it's pretty fun to tag along with him, but the bar tab quickly gets crazy, more than a nice dinner out.
A nice dinner out is pricey of course but no dishes, good food I can't make at home, and it's a 2 hour plus experience. My wife noted that a pleasure she would like if we were rich would be our own chef who would prepare dinner for us 3-4 times a week. I kinda like getting out of the house some.
