Craving takeout but your wallet’s feeling a little light? We’ve all been there. The allure of a delicious meal delivered right to your door is strong, but the rising cost of food delivery can make it a tough choice. Between menu prices, delivery fees, service charges, and tips, that seemingly affordable burger can suddenly balloon into a budget-busting expense. Fear not, fellow foodies! This article is your comprehensive guide to navigating the world of cheap food places that deliver, equipping you with the knowledge and strategies to enjoy convenient meals without breaking the bank. We’ll explore affordable chain restaurants, clever ways to leverage delivery apps, hidden local gems, and practical tips to significantly reduce your overall delivery costs. Get ready to satisfy your cravings without emptying your bank account!
Defining “Cheap” and Managing Expectations
Before we dive into specific restaurants and deals, it’s crucial to define what “cheap” actually means in the context of food delivery. It’s not just about the price of the food itself. You need to factor in delivery fees, service charges, minimum order requirements, and even potential surge pricing during peak hours. What might seem like an inexpensive meal at first glance can quickly become pricey once all the additional costs are added.
Furthermore, the definition of “cheap food places that deliver” can vary significantly depending on your location. Living in a major metropolitan area like New York City or San Francisco generally means higher prices across the board compared to a smaller town or rural area. We want to emphasize that this guide focuses on providing value for money. We aim to find the best balance between affordability, quality, portion size, and overall satisfaction. It’s not necessarily about finding the absolute lowest price possible, but rather discovering delicious and satisfying meals that won’t put a strain on your budget. Keep your location in mind as you explore these tips!
Affordable Food Chains with Delivery Options
Several well-known chain restaurants offer delivery services and feature menu items or deals that cater to budget-conscious customers. Here are a few examples:
Dominos
Domino’s is a pizza powerhouse known for its fast delivery and competitive prices. They consistently offer deals and coupons that make it an excellent option for a cheap eats delivered experience.
- Cheap Item Highlight: The “Mix and Match” deal, which allows you to choose two or more items from a select menu for a set price, is a great way to create an affordable meal. Consider ordering a medium pizza and an order of breadsticks.
- Delivery Options: Domino’s primarily uses its own delivery drivers, which can sometimes result in lower delivery fees compared to third-party apps.
- Saving Money Tip: Join Domino’s Piece of the Pie Rewards program to earn points on every order and redeem them for free pizza. Always check for online coupons and promotions before placing your order.
Pizza Hut
Similar to Domino’s, Pizza Hut provides a wide range of pizza options and frequently features deals and discounts. Keep an eye out for their specials!
- Cheap Item Highlight: Pizza Hut’s “Big Dinner Box” offers a complete meal at a reasonable price, perfect for feeding a small group or enjoying leftovers.
- Delivery Options: Pizza Hut offers delivery through its own website and app, as well as through third-party delivery services. Compare prices across platforms to find the best deal.
- Saving Money Tip: Sign up for Pizza Hut Rewards and receive exclusive offers and discounts. Look for coupons online and in local newspapers.
Subway
Subway offers a healthier alternative to traditional fast food and often has promotional pricing on its footlong sandwiches.
- Cheap Item Highlight: Subway’s rotating “Sub of the Day” deal provides a discounted price on a specific footlong sandwich each day of the week.
- Delivery Options: Subway primarily utilizes third-party delivery apps, so fees can vary.
- Saving Money Tip: Keep an eye out for email offers and promotions. Customize your sandwich with free veggies to maximize value.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell is a go-to option for affordable Mexican-inspired fast food. Their menu features numerous items at very reasonable prices.
- Cheap Item Highlight: The “Cravings Value Menu” features a variety of tacos, burritos, and other snacks at extremely low prices.
- Delivery Options: Taco Bell primarily relies on third-party delivery apps, so delivery fees can vary depending on the time of day and demand.
- Saving Money Tip: Download the Taco Bell app for exclusive deals and rewards. Take advantage of the happy hour menu for discounted drinks and snacks.
Leveraging Delivery Apps for Budget Meals
Delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub can be invaluable tools for finding cheap food places that deliver. However, you need to use them strategically to maximize your savings.
Using Filters and Sorting
Most delivery apps allow you to filter restaurants by price range. Take advantage of this feature to narrow your search to options that fit your budget. Also, explore the “deals” or “promotions” sections within the apps. These sections often highlight restaurants offering discounts, free delivery, or other incentives. Some apps will even offer specific promo codes within this part of their platform!
Comparing Prices Across Apps
Don’t assume that the same restaurant will offer the same prices and fees across all delivery apps. Take the time to compare prices on multiple apps before placing your order. You might be surprised to find significant differences in delivery fees, service charges, and even menu prices. A few minutes of comparison shopping can save you a good chunk of change.
Utilizing Promo Codes and Discounts
Promo codes are your best friend when it comes to saving money on food delivery. Search online for available promo codes before placing your order. Many apps offer discounts for first-time users, students, or members of specific organizations. Don’t be afraid to try multiple promo codes to see which one yields the biggest savings. Many apps also provide exclusive promo deals to users who subscribe to their email lists. Sign up and wait for the deals to start rolling in!
Group Ordering
Ordering with friends, family, or roommates can be a fantastic way to reduce delivery costs. By pooling your orders, you can easily reach the minimum order amount required for free delivery or reduced fees. You can also split the delivery fee and tip among multiple people, making the overall cost much more manageable. It’s a win-win situation: you get to enjoy a delicious meal with company, and you save money in the process.
Exploring Local and Hidden Gems
While chain restaurants offer convenience and predictability, exploring local and independent restaurants can often lead to cheaper and more flavorful options. These hidden gems are often overlooked but can provide excellent value.
Searching for “Mom and Pop” Restaurants
Look beyond the familiar names and search for “mom and pop” restaurants in your area. These family-owned establishments often have lower overhead costs and are more willing to offer competitive prices. Search online directories, read local reviews, or ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. You might discover a hidden gem serving delicious and affordable food that you never knew existed.
Looking for Lunch Specials
Many restaurants offer lunch specials that are cheaper than their dinner menus. Even if you’re ordering in the evening, check if the restaurant still offers its lunch menu for delivery. You might be able to score a significantly cheaper meal by ordering from the lunch menu instead of the dinner menu.
Consider Smaller Portions
Sometimes, ordering a smaller portion from a more upscale restaurant can be cheaper than ordering a larger meal from a less expensive establishment. Consider ordering an appetizer or a smaller entree from a restaurant with higher quality ingredients and preparation. You might find that the smaller portion is more satisfying and provides better value than a larger, less flavorful meal.
Checking for Free Delivery Deals on Specific Days
Many local restaurants will partner with delivery services to offer free delivery deals on specific days of the week. Keep an eye out for these promotions, as they can significantly reduce your delivery costs. Check the delivery apps regularly or follow your favorite local restaurants on social media to stay informed about these special offers.
Tips and Tricks for Saving on Delivery
Beyond choosing the right restaurants and utilizing delivery apps strategically, there are several practical tips and tricks that you can employ to save money on delivery.
Opting for Pick-Up
Whenever possible, opt for pick-up instead of delivery. Picking up your order yourself eliminates delivery fees and service charges altogether. Many restaurants offer online ordering for pick-up, making the process quick and convenient. If you have the time and means to pick up your order, it’s the most cost-effective option.
Choosing Free Delivery Options
Many restaurants offer free delivery with a minimum order amount. Take advantage of these offers whenever possible. Before placing your order, check if the restaurant offers free delivery and if you meet the minimum order requirement. Sometimes, adding a small, inexpensive item to your order can push you over the minimum threshold and qualify you for free delivery.
Avoiding Peak Hours
Delivery fees often surge during peak hours, such as lunchtime, dinnertime, and weekends. To avoid these higher fees, try ordering during off-peak hours, such as mid-afternoon or late evening. You might also experience shorter delivery times during these less busy periods.
Tipping Appropriately
While tipping is an important part of the delivery process, it’s also an area where you can potentially save money. While the app will provide suggested tip amounts, these are often above the normal tipping range. A standard tip amount is 15% or 20%, although tipping more for deliveries in bad weather or to drivers who provided exceptional service is always appreciated. Balance your generosity with your budget considerations.
Subscribing to Delivery Services (Carefully)
Delivery services like DoorDash DashPass or Uber One offer subscription plans that provide benefits such as free delivery, reduced service fees, and exclusive discounts. These subscriptions can be worthwhile for frequent users, but they might not be cost-effective for occasional orders. Carefully weigh the costs and benefits of subscribing before committing to a plan. Consider how often you order delivery each month and calculate whether the subscription fees will offset the savings you receive.
Conclusion
Finding cheap food places that deliver is entirely possible with a little planning and strategy. From exploring affordable chain restaurants to leveraging delivery apps and uncovering local gems, there are numerous ways to satisfy your cravings without emptying your bank account. Remember to be proactive, compare prices, utilize promo codes, and explore all available options. By implementing the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you can enjoy the convenience of food delivery while staying within your budget. So, start saving on your next delivery meal today and experience the joy of delicious food without the financial guilt!
