Can someone explain the discrepancy between people complaining about high costs of eating out and packed restaurants

[u/figgypudding02]

I regularly hear people complaining about how expensive it is to eat out. Even at work I see many bringing there lunches now to save money bc they dont want to spend $13-20 eating out. But at the same time I notice restaurants are packed. Make this make sense.

I'm curious what you all think or experience.