Top Delivery Apps in Chicago: Best Money-Saving Strategies

Delivery apps in Chicago, while often times costly, may be crucial in certain situations. If falling within your budget, these apps can save you a ton of time and headache, especially in a big city. As a new resident of the Chicago with a lot of her plate, I have explored various platforms to identify the most efficient and cost-effective ways to enjoy diverse cuisines without compromising financial prudence. I hope this blog will provide practical insights and money-saving strategies to help you navigate Chicago’s culinary scene while maintaining a budget-conscious approach!

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Why Opt for Delivery Apps in Chicago:

As we’ve seen, you can always find reasons to girl-math your way to justifying delivery apps, but in a city like Chicago, what are some real reasons? Here are my top three advantages:

1. Time and Energy Savings: Navigating life in Chicago can be time-consuming, and public transportation or ride-share costs can add up quickly. Delivery allows you to enjoy a variety of cuisines without spending time on commuting or dealing with the hustle and bustle. Even more so, depending on your neighborhood, proximity, or schedule, sometimes it is even safer to use these apps.
2. Weather Considerations: Chicago is known for its unpredictable weather, from chilly winters to scorching summers. Delivery provides a convenient solution, sparing you from the challenges of braving the elements, ensuring that your favorite meals arrive at your door, rain or shine. I’ve seen people walking with food and groceries in the pouring rain and if it’s avoidable with these apps, I’d say it’s worth it.
3. Budget-Friendly, If You Can Afford It: While delivery apps offer various promotions and discounts, it’s essential to acknowledge that frequent use may not always be the most budget-friendly option. If you can afford the occasional indulgence and value the convenience, delivery becomes a worthwhile choice. However, for those looking to maximize savings, balancing delivery with other cost-effective dining options like meal prepping is key.

Who are the Top 5 Delivery Apps in Chicago:

1. DoorDash: A Feast of Choices with Financial Savvy DoorDash reigns supreme in offering an extensive selection of restaurants. Many local Chicago restaurants even use the DoorDash platform for pickup and menu offers on their website. Even better, you can unlock their DashPass membership for free by just having certain Chase cards, a Roku membership or a Chegg student membership!
2. UberEats: Savor Savings Alongside Culinary Delights Seamlessly integrated with the popular ride-sharing app, UberEats brings a plethora of dining options to your doorstep. Depending on how much you use Uber itself for work or transportation, their monthly membership may be worth it as well. Like DoorDash, you may already get free discounts or offers from their partners. At the time of this article, certain Capital One cards get a complimentary Uber One membership, certain American Express cards get monthly credit, and more.
3. Grubhub: Elevate Your Dining Experience with Savings Grubhub is a Chicago favorite, known for its vast restaurant network, even having its headquarters right in the Loop! Similar to other apps, GrubHub is also partnered with big companies, such as Amazon, that help optimize savings. Currently, Amazon Prime members get a year of free GrubHub+, GrubHub’s monthly membership that offers $0 delivery fees, 5% back on pickup orders and more.
4. Instacart: Beyond Meals – A Grocery Oasis at Your Doorstep Instacart isn’t limited to restaurant deliveries; it opens the door to a fully stocked kitchen. Combine food and grocery orders to save on delivery fees, and stay vigilant for Instacart’s frequent promotions and discounts. Instacart also offers it’s own membership, Instacart+, that offers free deliveries, lower service fees, and access to Peacock. New customers also get free delivery on their first three orders.
5. GoPuff: Instant Gratification with Points to Spare GoPuff stands out for its lightning-fast delivery of snacks, drinks, and essentials. Become a Puff Points member to earn and redeem points for discounts on future orders, providing you with a wide array of products without compromising your budget. They also just started delivering alcohol in certain states. New customers can get up to $20 off their first order with code ‘WELCOME‘ or 40% off your first 2 alcohol orders with code ‘CHEERS40’.

Money-Saving Strategies:

Now that we’ve explored an array of delivery apps and the advantages of opting for delivery, let’s delve into strategic approaches to elevate your dining experience without depleting your budget. (Psssst.. new to budgeting? Check out this blog post on zero-based budgeting, my favorite budgeting method!)

1. Loyalty Programs: Collect Rewards Across Platforms Leverage the loyalty programs offered by various delivery apps. Accumulate points, cash-back, or exclusive discounts to enhance your overall savings as you indulge in Chicago’s incredible restaurants. Learn all about cash-back and loyalty programs in this post.
2. Promo Codes: Unlock Hidden Discounts Before finalizing your order, take a moment to search for promo codes. Apps frequently run promotions or collaborate with influencers, providing exclusive discounts that can be applied at checkout, such as GoPuff’s codes: WELCOME or CHEERS40.
3. Bundle Up: Group Orders for Delivery Discounts If you’re ordering with friends or family, consider bundling orders to capitalize on delivery discounts. Many apps offer free or discounted delivery for larger orders, allowing you to share the savings while enjoying a communal dining experience. This is especially true with DoorDash, I’ve created group orders with my roommates to get deeper discounts.
4. Scheduled Deliveries: Plan Wisely for Extra Savings Plan your meals in advance to secure additional savings. Some delivery apps offer discounts for scheduled deliveries during off-peak hours, allowing you to maximize your budget while enjoying the convenience of timely meals.

In the heart of Chicago’s thriving culinary environment, DoorDash, UberEats, Instacart, GoPuff, and GrubHub serve as key contributors to reshaping how residents experience dining. Through the strategic use of these reputable delivery apps and judicious money-saving approaches, individuals can relish the city’s diverse culinary landscape without compromising financially. This practical guide aims to assist you in navigating Chicago’s food culture efficiently and economically, ensuring a satisfying dining experience tailored to your budgetary considerations. Happy dining!