• Value and Deals

Delivery Deals on DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub and How to Find Them

Food delivery apps have made it easier than ever to satisfy cravings without leaving the couch. But let’s be honest—between delivery fees, service charges, and tips, the total can add up quickly. The good news? There are smarter ways to order that keep both your taste buds and your wallet happy.

Whether you're eyeing a spicy chicken sandwich or planning a family feast, this guide will help you navigate the best delivery deals on DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub in 2026. Let’s break down exactly how to order smarter and save more.

 

TLDR – Quick Guide to Finding Delivery Deals

  • Use in-app filters to find restaurants offering discounts or free delivery.

  • Join DashPass, Uber One, or Grubhub+ for recurring perks.

  • Combine promo codes with restaurant offers when possible.

  • Opt for combo meals or family-style bundles to maximize value.

  • Explore pickup options to eliminate delivery charges altogether.

 

Detailed Breakdown

1. App-Specific Deals You Should Know About

Each delivery platform has its own rewards system, promotions, and subscription perks. Here's what to watch for on each app:

DoorDash

  • DashPass Membership: A monthly subscription that waives delivery fees and reduces service charges at eligible restaurants.

  • Exclusive Promotions: DoorDash frequently offers limited-time discounts, such as a percentage off your order or free delivery on your next three meals.

  • New User Perks: First-time users can often get major discounts, including savings on their first few orders or waived delivery fees.

Uber Eats

  • Uber One Subscription: This membership offers $0 delivery and additional discounts on eligible orders.

  • Buy One, Get One (BOGO): Uber Eats rotates BOGO deals regularly, especially during non-peak hours or special events.

  • Referral Credits: Invite a friend, and once they place their first order, both of you get credits to use on future meals.

Grubhub

  • Grubhub+ Membership: Offers free delivery on eligible orders, along with member-only deals and rotating specials.

  • Perk Icons: Look out for restaurants marked with perks like free drinks, sides, or delivery—these typically refresh daily.

  • Daily Specials: Grubhub frequently runs short-term offers like $10 off a $30 order or free items with select purchases.

 

2. Strategic Timing: When to Order for Maximum Savings

If you want to save, timing is everything. Certain times of the day and week are more promo-heavy than others.

  • Midweek Wins: Tuesdays and Thursdays often have better deals, as platforms look to increase activity on slower days.

  • Happy Hour Deals: Late afternoons (between 2–5 PM) are prime time for special pricing and app-exclusive happy hour offers.

  • Event-Based Codes: Big sports events, holidays, and national food days often trigger special promo codes that can be applied to your entire order.

The trick is to browse the app early and time your order around the best available discounts.

 

3. Geo-Based Discounts: Why Your Zip Code Matters

Your location plays a major role in the deals you're offered. Apps run targeted promotions in high-density neighborhoods or regions with lots of participating restaurants.

  • Urban Advantage: City dwellers tend to see more frequent and aggressive deals.

  • Suburban Workarounds: If you're just outside the promotion zone, switching to a nearby pickup address can reveal hidden offers.

  • Address Hopping: Try toggling between home, work, or a friend’s address if you're flexible—it may uncover additional savings.

Some users even place pickup orders from restaurants near their commute route just to save on delivery fees.

 

4. Best Practices for Ongoing Savings

Smart ordering habits can save you hundreds over the course of a year. Here's how to stretch every dollar:

  • Enable Notifications: Yes, it’s annoying, but some of the best deals drop without warning, and they go fast.

  • Stick to One App: Consistency pays off. Apps tend to reward loyal users with surprise discounts, priority access, and hidden credits.

  • Follow Restaurants on Social Media: Some places offer app-exclusive promos or flash discounts through their social channels.

  • Don’t Forget About Pickup: Many restaurants offer special deals or eliminate service fees for pickup orders. If you’re close, it’s often worth the short trip.

 

5. Bundle & Save: Why Bigger Orders = Bigger Savings

Delivery apps encourage larger orders, and savvy users can benefit by ordering strategically:

  • Combo Meals: Many restaurants offer meal bundles that include an entree, side, and drink for less than ordering separately.

  • Family-Style Dishes: Larger, shareable items often hit free delivery thresholds and carry fewer service fees per portion.

  • Leftovers Strategy: Don’t be afraid to order big, refrigerate leftovers, and skip cooking the next day. You get two meals for the price of one delivery fee.

This approach is especially useful for group orders, parties, or game nights.

 

Key Takeaways

  • Memberships Save Money: If you order more than twice a month, subscriptions like DashPass or Uber One quickly pay for themselves.

  • Stack and Strategize: Combine promo codes, restaurant deals, and smart timing to unlock maximum savings.

  • Location Matters: Promo availability can change based on where you're ordering from—check multiple locations if possible.

  • Value Meals = Smart Meals: Combo orders and family-sized portions often deliver the best bang for your buck.

  • Stay Alert: Enable notifications and check your app frequently to catch limited-time discounts before they disappear.

 

FAQs

  1. Can I use multiple promo codes on the same order?
    Usually not. Most apps only allow one promo code per transaction. However, you can often combine that code with in-app discounts like free delivery or a restaurant-specific deal.
  2. What’s the best app for consistent delivery deals?
    It depends on your city and restaurant options. In general, DoorDash and Uber Eats tend to rotate deals more frequently, while Grubhub sometimes has better daily specials.
  3. How do I know if a restaurant offers a deal?
    Look for tags like “$0 Delivery,” “BOGO,” or “Special Offer” in the app. These labels help identify which restaurants are running promotions.
  4. Is it worth paying for DashPass, Uber One, or Grubhub+?
    If you order delivery more than twice a month, the savings on delivery fees and exclusive offers usually cover the monthly subscription cost.
  5. Can I still get deals if I choose pickup instead of delivery?
    Yes! In many cases, restaurants offer the same discounts for pickup orders, and you avoid the delivery and service fees altogether.