Save on Delivery Fees! Restaurants with FREE (or Cheap) Delivery in 2024

Struggling with high delivery fees? Ditch the frustration and discover how to enjoy delicious meals from popular restaurant chains without breaking the bank. In this guide, we explore the best chains offering free or affordable delivery in 2024. We'll also unveil valuable tips on finding promotions, coupons, and minimum order requirements to save you money.

From pizza to fast food and casual dining, you'll find a variety of options to satisfy your cravings without hidden delivery costs. Stay vigilant, explore your favorite chains' websites and apps, and you might just score a steal on your next delivery order.

Image credit: Pexels

Unleash Budget-Friendly Eats: Local Restaurants with Free or Discounted Delivery (Year)

Pizza Chains with Delicious Deals

Domino's Pizza: Frequently offers promotions that may include free delivery or discounts on larger orders. Don't forget about their free emergency pizza!

Papa John's: Keep an eye out for their special deals that often come with a waived delivery fee.

PRO TIP: Learn how to get FREE Pizza!

Save on Delivery Fees! Restaurants with FREE (or Cheap) Delivery in 2024 style=

Image credit: Pexels

Fast Food and with a Side of Savings

McDonald's: Through their food app, they often provide deals that reduce delivery costs.

Burger King: Offers promotional codes that might include free food delivery options.

Wendy’s: If your Wendy’s order through their app is $20 or more, you’re in for a treat with a $4 discount. This deal may not make the delivery entirely free, but it's a pretty good hack to slash those delivery costs.

Popeye’s: Spend $20 or more on the Popeye’s app, and get your food delivered for free.

PRO TIP: Learn how to get free food at restaurants without complaining!

Image credit: Pexels

Casual Dining That Won’t Break the Bank

Applebee's: Sometimes has free delivery promotions, especially during special events or holidays.

Panda Express: Order Panda Express through DoorDash, and delivery is free for your first order.

Subway: Order through the Subway app or website, and get it delivered for free. You can even get the Subway BOGO deal and score a free footlong!

Chili's: Get your meal delivered for free when you spend over $15 and sign up for a 30-day free trial with Uber One, Uber Eats custom subscription program.

Shake Shack: Order Shake Shack through DoorDash, and delivery is free for your first order.

Cheesecake Factory: DoorDash program offers free delivery on your first order. Simply download the DoorDash app and select Cheesecake Factory for your inaugural order to enjoy zero delivery fees.

Bob Evans: Enjoy complimentary delivery every Friday when you order through the Bob Evans website or mobile app, with the delightful bonus of no minimum spend required.

Noodles & Company: You can get free food delivery if you earn 350 points via the Noodles & Company rewards program.

Bojangles: Sign up for Postmates Unlimited 30-day free trial and get free delivery at Bojangles when your order is $15 or more.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Enjoy BOGO wing deals on Tuesdays and Thursdays with no delivery charge on Grubhub+ orders over $12.

McAlister’s Deli: As rewards members are in for a treat with complimentary delivery through the McAlister’s Deli app or website from July 2nd to 4th. Please be aware that a convenience fee and a service fee will still be applicable.

Taco Bell: Order Taco Bell through DoorDash, and delivery is free for your first order.

California Pizza Kitchen: Order through DoorDash, and delivery is free for your first order.

Cinnabon: Newbies ordering through DoorDash can enjoy their first delivery without a fee on orders exceeding $15, though a small convenience charge applies. Additionally, Cinnabon periodically offers free delivery for orders placed via their app or website, so it's worth checking for current promotions before placing your order.

Del Taco: Use the code DELTACONOW when ordering through Postmates, and you’ll get free delivery.

Chipotle: Get free delivery on orders over $15 at Chipotle with Uber Eats.

Carl’s Jr.: When you sign up for Postmates Unlimited 30-day free trial, you get free delivery on orders $15 or more at Carl’s Jr.

O’Charley’s: Get free delivery on orders of $40 or more, ordered directly from ocharleys.com.

Panera: Panera's $1 delivery on any order placed online or via their mobile app. Keep in mind that orders must exceed $5 and are subject to an additional convenience charge. Panera Sip Club members can also score two months of free unlimited drinks when they join!

Sweetgreen: Offers seasonal promotions that can include free delivery for their fresh, healthy meals.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe: Enjoy zero delivery fees for orders exceeding $25 through the Tropical Smoothie Cafe app or website. Note that this promotion is limited to certain areas within the delivery radius and may not be combined with other rewards, offers, or discounts.

P.F. Chang’s: Subscribe to the Platinum rewards program at $6.99 per month for unlimited free delivery on all orders placed via the P.F. Chang’s website or app. This initiative is a part of a growing trend where restaurants are offering complimentary delivery services through their own subscription models.

Disclaimer: These deals are dynamic and location-specific. Always verify the latest offers on the restaurant's official app/website to avoid disappointment. Additionally, subscribe to their newsletters for exclusive deals and free delivery codes (where applicable).

Image credit: Pexels

Free Food Delivery: Top Strategies for App Users in 2024

Local Restaurants Go Mobile: Many restaurants have partnered with popular delivery apps like DoorDash, Grubhub, Postmates, and Uber Eats, making it easier than ever to enjoy your favorite meals at home. Even Amazon Prime members can score free Grubhub+ membership for a year!

Master the Apps & Score Free Delivery:

Promo Code Prowess: Stay alert for app-specific promo codes advertised on their homepage, newsletters, and social media.
First-Time Bonus: Take advantage of free delivery offers for new users on most apps.
Minimum Order Magic: Reach specific order minimums to waive delivery fees. Consider combining orders!
Restaurant Deals: Explore restaurant-specific promotions for free delivery on select menus or limited-time offers.
Subscription Savvy: Premium services like DoorDash's DashPass offer free delivery on qualifying orders for a monthly fee.
Referral Rewards: Refer friends and earn credits towards delivery fees for both of you.
Pick Up & Save: Choosing the "pick up" option can eliminate delivery fees entirely.

Image credit: Pexels

Beyond the Apps: Budget-Friendly Food Hacks for Local Chains (2024)

Master the Menu & Stretch Your Dollar: While delivery apps offer convenience, explore these additional strategies to save on your next meal at local restaurants:

Loyalty Perks: Sign up for restaurant loyalty programs and earn points towards free food or discounts.
Birthday Bonanza: Don't miss out on free birthday treats! Many chains offer them through newsletters or loyalty programs.
Social Media Savvy: Follow your favorite restaurants on social media. They frequently run contests and giveaways for free food or gift cards.
Survey Smarts: Check your receipts for offers of free items or gift cards in exchange for completing surveys.
Holiday Hot Deals: Take advantage of special holiday promotions like BOGO deals or free delivery.
Student & Military Savings: Check for discounts offered to students and military personnel at certain chains.

Combine these tactics with previously mentioned restaurant coupons to maximize your savings and potentially even score free food on your next local dining adventure.

Image credit: Pexels

Free Food Delivery: FAQs

Is the delivery fee the same thing as a tip?

The delivery fee is not a gratuity; it primarily offsets the restaurant's expenses associated with the delivery service. This fee is not passed on to the driver. When you're using food delivery apps from various restaurants and services (like Grubhub, Uber Eats, and others), they make it simple to add a tip to express gratitude to your delivery driver.

What delivery service is free the first time?

You can enjoy complimentary delivery on your initial order through DoorDash, providing an excellent opportunity to sample new restaurants without incurring additional charges.

How do you get free food on DoorDash without paying?

By staying active on social media and engaging with DoorDash’s promotions or contests, you have the opportunity to receive free food. Watch for gift cards, coupons, and complimentary offerings from restaurants or influencers that can lead to enjoying food at no cost through DoorDash.