Phone-free bars and restaurants on the rise across the U.S.

"Studies and other evidence showing the negative impact that smartphones and social media have on learning, information retention, socialization, and self-esteem have helped to prompt the shift."

"Gen Z is among those embracing analog in an effort to unplug, with 63% of the generation saying in a December 2025 survey that they intentionally disconnect from devices."

"Delilah's, an upscale supper club chain, has a 'no phones, no posting' policy at its restaurants to protect guest privacy and preserve the intimate atmosphere."

"Mike Salzarulo, co-owner of Charlotte's cocktail bar Antagonist, stated that the policy of locking customers' phones away for two hours was to build a place that kind of forces you to connect."

Evidence shows smartphones and social media harm learning, information retention, socialization, and self-esteem. Many Americans check their phones 144 times daily, spending 4.5 hours on devices. Gen Z leads in unplugging efforts, with 63% intentionally disconnecting. Several states have restaurants and bars implementing phone restrictions. Notable examples include Delilah's supper club chain enforcing a no-phone policy and Chick-fil-A offering incentives for phone-free dining. Some venues, like Antagonist in Charlotte, lock phones away to encourage genuine connections among patrons.

Read at Axios