I’ve been using DoorDash but now need similar apps for food delivery. I’d appreciate app recommendations with a good variety of restaurants and reliable service. What are some good alternatives?
1. Uber Eats
Homepage Link: www.ubereats.com
Pros:
- Massive restaurant network.
- User-friendly interface and fast navigation.
- Frequent promotions and discount codes.
Cons:
- Service fees can stack up quickly.
- Delivery time is sometimes higher in peak hours.
Features:
- Real-time order tracking with GPS.
- Seamless integration with your Uber account (rides and Eats under one app).
- Scheduled deliveries for convenience.
User Reviews:
Most users appreciate the app for its intuitive design and vast selection of local eateries and chain restaurants. Downsides are sporadically delayed deliveries during peak hours and additional fees compared to in-person ordering.
Verdict: A solid DoorDash alternative with a large reach and polished app experience. The promotions can help you save money frequently.
2. Grubhub
Homepage Link: www.grubhub.com
Pros:
- Great selection of restaurants across the U.S.
- Generous loyalty program via Grubhub+ (free delivery subscription).
- Multiple payment options, including Venmo.
Cons:
- Some restaurants have inflated menu prices.
- Delivery fees and support charges vary widely.
Features:
- Pre-order your meals for later delivery.
- Custom tipping options for drivers.
- Group ordering allows splitting payments among friends.
User Reviews:
Praised for offering an extensive variety of cuisines. However, users criticize occasional delays and the seemingly high fees tacked on during checkout.
Verdict: Excellent for variety if you don’t mind occasional higher delivery costs. Grubhub+ is a great option for frequent users.
3. Postmates (now Uber Eats)
Homepage Link: www.postmates.com
Pros:
- Offers delivery beyond just food (groceries, alcohol, etc.).
- No need for a minimum order at most locations.
- Easy access to small/local businesses.
Cons:
- App and customer support integration under Uber still under transition.
- Delivery fees fluctuate significantly.
Features:
- “Party Feature” for free or reduced delivery fees during promotions.
- 24/7 delivery for late-night cravings at select regions.
- Delivery for non-food items like pharmacy products.
User Reviews:
Loved for its accessibility when you’re in a pinch (late-night snacks, non-grocery essentials). Complaints involve some glitches after merging with Uber Eats.
Verdict: A versatile app if you’re seeking broader deliveries, including non-food items. The Uber Eats shift is smoothing over time.
4. Seamless
Homepage Link: www.seamless.com
Pros:
- Best app for New York City residents specifically.
- Well-rated delivery reliability.
- Intuitive interface similar to Grubhub.
Cons:
- Limited reach outside urban/metropolitan areas.
- Slightly focused on pricier dining options.
Features:
- Group order options for offices or gatherings.
- Flexible filtering by cuisine, cost, or dietary preferences.
- Offers promo codes regularly for new users.
User Reviews:
NYC dwellers rave about fast deliveries and diverse options. However, others say Seamless doesn’t beat any national-level competitors in suburban or rural areas.
Verdict: Ideal for city living foodies who want high-quality delivery options. Could improve its range outside metro zones.
5. Delivery.com
Homepage Link: www.delivery.com
Pros:
- Additional services such as laundry or alcohol delivery tie-ins.
- Clean and searchable interface.
- Loyalty perks (points for every dollar spent).
Cons:
- Smaller delivery radius compared to major players.
- App experience can feel less modern.
Features:
- Supports local businesses alongside popular chains.
- Offers incentives for large catering orders.
- Local laundry or grocery integration in some areas.
User Reviews:
Users highlight their strong focus on community/local merchants. Complaints revolve around fewer restaurant options in non-central locations.
Verdict: Great if you like supporting nearby businesses or need more than just food delivery. Feels too limited for smaller towns.
6. Instacart
Homepage Link: www.instacart.com
Pros:
- Perfect for grocery or pantry needs alongside food essentials.
- Subscription plans offer good long-term savings.
- Many partnerships with major grocery retailers.
Cons:
- Fees can be high without a subscription.
- Delivery times depend strongly on location.
Features:
- Option for same-day or scheduled delivery.
- Add notes for personal shoppers on specific preferences.
- Combines grocery chains and small specialty shops in one checkout.
User Reviews:
Appreciated as a time-saving service for busy users. Customer service outcomes depend heavily on shoppers—mixed opinions here.
Verdict: Not an exact DoorDash replacement but superb for household grocery needs paired with ready-made food options.
7. Caviar
Homepage Link: www.trycaviar.com
Pros:
- Focuses on boutique and higher-end restaurants.
- No-contact delivery focus during COVID remains popular.
- Reliable service reputation even with premium pricing.
Cons:
- Can get pricey with premium restaurants dominating the platform.
- Limited restaurant selection outside city areas.
Features:
- Menu photos included for most restaurants.
- Faster delivery prioritization for premium users.
- Beautifully designed app with curated, upscale choices.
User Reviews:
Rave reviews about food quality and presentation. Downside: cost (both menu prices and delivery).
Verdict: Upscale, classy alternative for those who prioritize quality dining over penny-pinching.
8. ChowNow
Homepage Link: www.chownow.com
Pros:
- Restaurants keep more profits vs other app charges.
- Direct-to-business pricing—no hidden fees.
- Supports niche local options.
Cons:
- Smaller selection of restaurants compared to giants like Grubhub.
- App lacks fancy tracking features common elsewhere.
Features:
- Commission-free orders directed straight to the restaurant.
- Website and app integration for seamless checkouts.
- Eco-friendly initiatives with orders.
User Reviews:
Positive vibes surround its pro-community stance. Feedback, however, highlights some clunkiness in the app.
Verdict: Perfect when you want to prioritize supporting small restaurants/businesses without bloated fees.
9. GoPuff
Homepage Link: www.gopuff.com
Pros:
- On-demand delivery of snacks, drinks, tasty pre-made meals.
- Flat $1.95 delivery fee makes it budget-friendly.
- 30+ brands in-house + thousands of pantry/shelf items.
Cons:
- Narrow options if you prefer full restaurant menus.
- Delivery areas still expanding.
Features:
- Late-night and 24/7 snack availability (region-dependent).
- Subscription benefits with GoPuff Fam Plan.
- Alcohol delivery available in select territories.
User Reviews:
Best rated for convenience in last-minute cravings instead of full dinners. It’s designed for small orders and quick fulfillment.
Verdict: Fun and practical for snack runs or side orders, less so for complete meals.
10. Zomato
Homepage Link: www.zomato.com
Pros:
- International presence allows diverse offerings.
- Table bookings for dine-ins included.
- Strong filtering/search engine for picky eaters.
Cons:
- Not widely adopted yet across smaller U.S. cities.
- App-specific bugs are recurrent problems.
Features:
- Blend of delivery and dining-out discovery tools.
- In-app reviews to gauge user meal satisfaction pre-ordering.
- Discounts frequently offered at partner restaurants.
User Reviews:
Global coverage is a huge plus, especially for travelers. However, the transition into the U.S. scene hasn’t been entirely seamless for coverage areas.
Verdict: Explore Zomato for casual delivery and more when overseas or in larger U.S. cities. Needs improvement for suburban flexibility.