Food delivery has become a regular part of life for a lot of people. Whether you’re craving pizza, sushi, or just don’t feel like cooking, there’s probably an app on your phone that can help. In this article, we’re taking a look at the most popular food delivery apps in the USA, what makes them stand out, and why people keep going back to them.
1. DoorDash
DoorDash is a food delivery app in the U.S. that offers access to thousands of local and national restaurants. The platform connects users with nearby options and allows them to place orders for delivery or pickup. Users can browse by cuisine, rating, or delivery time, helping them narrow down their choices quickly.
In addition to restaurant meals, DoorDash also offers convenience store and grocery delivery in certain areas, expanding the types of items users can order. The app includes features like real-time tracking and the option to schedule orders in advance.
Key Highlights:
- Offers delivery and pickup from a wide range of restaurants
- Available in most U.S. cities and suburbs
- Includes convenience store and grocery options
- Option to schedule deliveries or order on demand
Who it’s best for:
- People looking for quick access to local and chain restaurants
- Users in both big cities and smaller towns
- Anyone who wants flexible delivery and pickup options
2. Uber Eats
Uber Eats is a food delivery platform that connects users with nearby restaurants through a familiar interface. Built by the team behind the Uber ride-sharing service, it uses a similar approach for ordering meals. Users can explore menus, customize orders, and track delivery in real time. The app supports both individual meals and group orders, making it useful for solo dining or larger gatherings.
It’s available in most major cities and many smaller areas across the U.S. Uber Eats also includes options for grocery and convenience store deliveries, depending on location.
Key Highlights:
- Covers a wide range of restaurants and food types
- Built-in real-time delivery tracking
- Offers grocery and convenience delivery in some areas
- Available in most U.S. regions
Who it’s best for:
- Users who already use the Uber ride-share app
- People who want multiple delivery options from one app
- Anyone who values real-time updates on their orders
3. Instacart
Instacart focuses on grocery delivery, connecting users with local supermarkets and stores in their area. Instead of delivering restaurant meals, the app sends personal shoppers to fulfill orders from stores like Safeway, Costco, Kroger, and others. Users can shop by category, brand, or dietary needs, and even request specific substitutions if items are out of stock.
The platform is helpful for people who want to skip in-store shopping but still choose their own groceries. In some areas, Instacart also partners with non-grocery retailers like pharmacies and pet stores. Delivery windows are flexible, and users can schedule their groceries for same-day or later delivery.
Key Highlights:
- Partners with major grocery chains and local stores
- Personal shoppers handle each order
- Option to set preferences and request substitutions
- Same-day or scheduled delivery available
Who it’s best for:
- Busy people who want groceries without the trip
- Families needing regular grocery restocks
- Anyone looking for flexible delivery times
4. ChowNow
ChowNow is a food ordering platform designed to support local, independent restaurants. Unlike most apps, it focuses only on pickup and delivery from small businesses, skipping the usual big chains. The app offers users a way to browse local menus, place orders, and avoid additional service fees in some cases.
It’s available in select U.S. cities and tends to feature restaurants that may not appear on larger delivery apps. ChowNow gives customers direct access to their favorite spots while helping those places maintain more control over their orders.
Key Highlights:
- Focuses on independent, local restaurants
- Offers pickup and delivery options
- Lower fees for restaurants
- Available through mobile app or restaurant websites
Who it’s best for:
- People who want to support local restaurants
- Users looking for food not found on big apps
- Anyone avoiding high delivery service fees
5. Delivery.com
Delivery.com provides a range of services beyond restaurant delivery, including groceries, alcohol, laundry, and dry cleaning. It’s designed to give users access to multiple local services through a single app. Restaurant orders still make up a big part of the platform, with options for delivery or pickup from various cuisines and neighborhoods.
The app operates in several U.S. cities and allows users to earn rewards points with each order, which can be used for discounts. Delivery.com is useful for people who want more than just meals from a delivery app, combining several errands into one platform.
Key Highlights:
- Offers food, grocery, alcohol, and laundry delivery
- Available in many U.S. metro areas
- Earn rewards points with each order
- Works on both mobile and web platforms
Who it’s best for:
- Users who want more than just food delivery
- People in cities looking for local services
- Anyone who likes earning rewards from regular use
6. Seamless
Seamless is a food ordering platform that offers delivery and pickup from restaurants in the U.S. It is part of the same company as Grubhub and provides a similar experience. Users can search by location, cuisine, and delivery preferences to place an order from participating restaurants.
The platform operates in a range of cities and suburban areas. It includes features such as order scheduling and group ordering. Seamless is used for accessing meals from restaurants that have opted into the system, including local spots and national chains.
Key Highlights:
- Offers restaurant delivery and pickup
- Available in various urban and suburban locations
- Supports group orders and scheduled deliveries
- Part of the Grubhub network
Who it’s best for:
- Users ordering from restaurants in urban areas
- People looking for delivery or pickup options
- Groups placing shared food orders
7. Caviar
Caviar is a food delivery service that connects users with restaurants that have opted into the platform. It includes a range of dining options that vary by region. Restaurants are selected based on platform criteria, which may limit the number of available options in some areas.
Caviar operates in several major cities and includes options for both delivery and pickup. It is owned by the same company that operates DoorDash but maintains its own branding and structure. Users browse and order meals through the app interface or website.
Key Highlights:
- Offers meals from participating restaurants
- Delivery and pickup options available
- Operates independently from DoorDash
- Limited to select U.S. cities
Who it’s best for:
- Users in areas where Caviar is available
- People ordering from restaurants within the network
- Individuals looking for delivery or pickup alternatives
8. Home Chef
Home Chef is a service that provides meal kits containing pre-portioned ingredients and instructions. It is used by individuals who prefer to prepare meals at home. Users select recipes from a weekly menu, which are then delivered as ingredient bundles.
This service differs from traditional food delivery in that it focuses on uncooked meals. It includes options that account for dietary preferences and cooking times. Home Chef operates on a subscription model with customization features for serving sizes and ingredients.
Key Highlights:
- Delivers meal kits with ingredients and recipes
- Weekly menus with adjustable options
- Subscription-based service
- Offers dietary filtering options
Who it’s best for:
- Users interested in cooking meals at home
- People who prefer pre-planned ingredients and recipes
- Households managing specific dietary preferences
9. GoPuff
GoPuff is a delivery platform that distributes packaged food, drinks, and household items. It operates its own distribution centers, which allows orders to be processed and delivered directly to customers without relying on third-party retailers.
The platform includes a range of products such as snacks, frozen foods, and non-food essentials. GoPuff is available in multiple U.S. cities and delivers during extended hours, including late nights in some areas.
Key Highlights:
- Delivers packaged foods and general goods
- Uses owned warehouses for distribution
- Available in select U.S. regions
- Includes extended delivery hours
Who it’s best for:
- Users ordering snacks or convenience items
- People placing orders outside typical store hours
- Customers seeking single-platform delivery for household goods
10. Favor
Favor is a regional delivery service operating in select parts of the U.S., with a strong presence in Texas. It offers delivery from local restaurants, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Orders are handled by personal delivery assistants called “Runners,” who manage communication, pickup, and drop-off.
Favor includes both restaurant meals and everyday items, depending on the area. Users can place custom orders for items not listed in the app, adding a level of flexibility. The platform allows users to track delivery progress and communicate with the assigned Runner during the order process.
Key Highlights:
- Offers restaurant and store delivery in select regions
- Orders fulfilled by personal delivery assistants
- Includes real-time communication and tracking
- Supports custom item requests
Who it’s best for:
- Users in Texas and other supported areas
- People wanting both food and general item delivery
- Customers who prefer one-on-one order handling
11. EatStreet
EatStreet is a food delivery service focused on connecting users with local restaurants, especially in small to mid-sized cities and college towns. It operates in specific regions rather than nationwide, and offers both delivery and takeout from participating restaurants.
The platform is structured to make ordering from nearby spots simple. Users can browse by cuisine, restaurant, or menu item, and track the order once placed. EatStreet works with local businesses and campus dining options in supported cities.
Key Highlights:
- Works with local restaurants in smaller markets
- Offers both delivery and takeout
- Searchable by food type or restaurant
- Includes order tracking features
Who it’s best for:
- People living in small or mid-sized cities
- Students and campus communities
- Users ordering from locally owned restaurants
12. FoodJets
FoodJets is a regional delivery app that provides food delivery from restaurants and local eateries. It operates in select U.S. markets and uses a fleet of drivers to fulfill orders. The app focuses on simple ordering and clear delivery windows.
It provides delivery from a curated list of restaurant partners and allows for easy reordering of past meals. FoodJets focuses on timing and reliability, offering estimated windows before an order is placed. Its availability varies by city.
Key Highlights:
- Regional restaurant delivery in specific U.S. cities
- Provides estimated delivery windows
- Offers simple reordering of past orders
- Uses local driver network
Who it’s best for:
- Users in FoodJets-supported regions
- People looking for consistent delivery timing
- Repeat customers who order from the same places
13. FreshDirect
FreshDirect is a grocery delivery service that brings fresh produce, prepared meals, and everyday items directly from its own facilities. It operates in select metro areas, primarily in the Northeast. The platform specializes in scheduled deliveries with a wide selection of groceries and household essentials.
It includes a variety of food categories such as fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and frozen meals. FreshDirect allows users to choose delivery windows and plan grocery needs in advance, making it different from restaurant-focused apps.
Key Highlights:
- Provides grocery delivery in select metro regions
- Offers fresh produce, pantry items, and prepared meals
- Uses scheduled delivery windows
- Operates from centralized distribution facilities
Who it’s best for:
- Users in supported Northeast metro areas
- People planning regular grocery deliveries
- Customers seeking both fresh and packaged foods
14. Ritual
Ritual is a food ordering app focused on takeout from local restaurants. Rather than traditional delivery, the platform emphasizes ordering ahead and picking up food without waiting in line. It’s often used in busy downtown and commercial areas where quick service is a priority.
Ritual includes group ordering and a social element that lets coworkers or friends join orders for pickup. Users collect loyalty points with each order, which can be applied to future meals. The app supports a wide range of restaurant types, depending on the city.
Key Highlights:
- Focuses on order-ahead and pickup, not delivery
- Allows group orders and social pickup features
- Offers loyalty rewards with repeat use
- Available in business and downtown areas
Who it’s best for:
- Office workers and professionals ordering lunch
- People who prefer picking up food without waiting
- Groups coordinating orders from the same restaurant
15. Snackpass
Snackpass is a food ordering app that combines mobile ordering with social sharing. It focuses on pickup orders from local restaurants and is commonly used in college towns and campus areas. Users can earn rewards and send digital gifts to friends through the app.
The platform integrates features like group ordering and personalized discounts based on activity. Rather than offering delivery, Snackpass centers on fast, in-person pickup with minimal wait times. It is designed to blend ordering with peer interaction.
Key Highlights:
- Emphasizes food pickup with social features
- Commonly used in college and campus areas
- Allows gifting and rewards sharing
- Offers discounts based on past orders
Who it’s best for:
- Students ordering from local campus spots
- People who prefer fast pickup over delivery
- Users who want to share perks with friends
16. Sunbasket
Sunbasket is a meal kit delivery service that sends pre-portioned ingredients and recipe cards to users’ homes. It focuses on meal preparation rather than ready-to-eat delivery. The platform offers various meal plans, including options for dietary needs such as vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-carb.
Users select meals from a rotating weekly menu and receive shipments on scheduled days. Sunbasket includes organic ingredients where available and offers both full cooking kits and pre-prepped meals. It functions differently from restaurant delivery apps but supports at-home dining with planned recipes.
Key Highlights:
- Sends meal kits and recipes to cook at home
- Offers a rotating menu with dietary options
- Includes both prep-free and cook-it-yourself meals
- Scheduled weekly deliveries
Who it’s best for:
- People who want to cook meals at home with guidance
- Users with specific dietary preferences
- Households looking for meal planning support
Conclusion
With so many food delivery apps available in the U.S., there’s something out there for just about everyone. Whether you’re ordering dinner from your favorite local spot, getting groceries dropped off at your door, or trying a meal kit to cook at home, the options are more flexible than ever. Some apps focus on speed and convenience, others highlight local restaurants, and a few are designed for people who want to spend more time cooking and less time planning.
The key is finding the app that fits your lifestyle. If you’re always on the go, you might lean toward apps that offer fast delivery and real-time tracking. If you’re trying to cook more at home, a meal kit service could be the better fit. And if supporting local businesses matters to you, there are apps for that too. No matter what your routine looks like, the right app can help make mealtime a little easier.