Craving that toasted ravioli but stuck at home? Maybe you’re dreaming of a gooey butter cake without leaving the couch? Or perhaps you just had a long day and the thought of cooking is simply unbearable. In the vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of St. Louis, deliciousness is now just a few taps away. Food delivery has transformed the way we experience dining, offering unparalleled convenience and access to an incredible array of flavors.
St. Louis boasts a rich food scene, from the classic comfort food that defines the Midwest to innovative culinary creations pushing boundaries. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the Gateway City, navigating the St. Louis food delivery landscape can feel overwhelming. Which service is best? What restaurants offer delivery near you? How can you ensure a smooth and satisfying experience?
This ultimate guide is your comprehensive resource for all things St. Louis food delivery. We’ll explore the most popular services, uncover local favorites, share essential tips for ordering, and help you discover the best flavors St. Louis has to offer, all from the comfort of your own home. Get ready to say goodbye to kitchen chaos and hello to deliciousness delivered right to your doorstep!
Popular National Food Delivery Services in St. Louis
The St. Louis food delivery scene is dominated by a few key players that operate nationwide. These services offer a vast selection of restaurants and cuisines, making them a convenient choice for many. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular options:
- DoorDash: DoorDash has become a household name when it comes to food delivery. The company offers a user-friendly app and website, a wide selection of restaurants in the St. Louis area, and a readily available delivery network. Some of the benefits are the quick delivery times that are often accurate, and their “DashPass” subscription that waives delivery fees for frequent users. Some downsides are the fluctuating delivery fees, which can be quite high during peak hours, and occasional issues with order accuracy. On DoorDash, you can find nearly any type of cuisine including local favorites like Imo’s Pizza and Lion’s Choice, as well as national chains such as Chipotle and McDonald’s.
- Uber Eats: Uber Eats leverages Uber’s established network to provide a seamless food delivery experience. One of the upsides with Uber Eats is their integration with the Uber app, which many people already have installed. They also allow you to track your driver in real time and their rewards program can lead to discounts over time. Some downsides are that the restaurant selection might not be as extensive as other platforms, and surge pricing can apply during busy times. The app also features an easy to use platform, with a familiar layout to what most customers use. Many of St. Louis’s best restaurants are available, including Pappy’s Smokehouse for some authentic BBQ.
- Grubhub: Grubhub has been in the food delivery game for a long time, and they have established themselves as a reliable option in St. Louis. Grubhub prides itself on its partnerships with local restaurants, and often has exclusive deals and promotions for Grubhub users. One of the benefits is that they have a “Perks” program that rewards loyal customers, and a vast selection of cuisines. Some downsides are that customer service can sometimes be slow to respond, and their fees can be higher than other services. On Grubhub, you can explore options like Gioia’s Deli for some amazing sandwiches and blues city deli for fantastic cajun.
While using these national services, be sure to look for promotions and discounts. All three companies frequently offer deals for new users, specific restaurants, or during holidays. A quick search online for “DoorDash promo code St. Louis,” “Uber Eats coupon St. Louis,” or “Grubhub discount St. Louis” can often yield significant savings.
Local St. Louis Food Delivery Options
While the national giants dominate the market, St. Louis also has local options to consider. By choosing local, you support your community and might discover some hidden culinary gems.
Many restaurants offer delivery with their own in-house delivery drivers. This can lead to better service, more direct communication, and sometimes, lower fees. For example, some popular pizza places in the St. Louis area use their own delivery network and can be a better option than using the other apps.
Choosing restaurants that handle their own deliveries can be a great way to support local businesses directly. Check your favorite restaurants’ websites or call to inquire about their delivery options.
Types of Cuisine Available for Delivery in St. Louis
One of the best things about St. Louis food delivery is the sheer variety of cuisines available. No matter what you’re craving, you’re likely to find it.
Italian
St. Louis has a long and proud Italian heritage, and the city is home to countless fantastic Italian restaurants. From classic pasta dishes to wood-fired pizzas, you can enjoy a taste of Italy delivered right to your door. Many restaurants on the Hill offer delivery and can bring you mouthwatering pasta dishes without you needing to leave the house.
American (Burgers, BBQ)
Sometimes, you just need a juicy burger or some smoky barbecue. St. Louis has you covered. Many burger joints and BBQ restaurants offer delivery, so you can satisfy your craving without firing up the grill. From the famous BBQ of Pappy’s Smokehouse to the classic burger spots around the city, you are guaranteed to find exactly what you want.
Asian (Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese)
From spicy Thai curries to savory Chinese stir-fries, Asian cuisine is a popular choice for food delivery. Many Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese restaurants in St. Louis offer delivery services, allowing you to explore the diverse flavors of Asia. Many delivery apps will let you tailor your order to your taste if you have allergies, or want to make sure your spice level is exactly where you want it.
Mexican
Craving tacos, enchiladas, or burritos? Many Mexican restaurants in St. Louis offer delivery, so you can enjoy a fiesta from the comfort of your own home. The delivery apps are sure to contain restaurants with exactly what you are craving, and will get them delivered to you fast.
Other Cuisines
Beyond these popular choices, St. Louis food delivery also offers a wide range of other cuisines. You can find Indian restaurants serving flavorful curries, Mediterranean restaurants offering delicious kebabs, and Soul Food restaurants serving up hearty comfort food.
No matter your dietary needs, you can find delivery options in St. Louis. Many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options, as well as gluten-free choices. Use the filters on delivery apps to find restaurants that cater to your specific needs. Many restaurants will offer alternative menus for customers with dietary restrictions.
Tips for Ordering Food Delivery in St. Louis
To ensure a smooth and satisfying food delivery experience in St. Louis, keep these tips in mind:
Optimizing Your Delivery Experience
- Checking Delivery Zones and Hours: Before placing your order, make sure the restaurant delivers to your address and that they are open during the time you want to order. Restaurants, especially local ones, may have limited delivery zones or operating hours.
- Reading Reviews and Ratings of Restaurants: Before choosing a restaurant, take a look at the reviews and ratings from other customers. This can help you avoid restaurants with a history of slow delivery times, inaccurate orders, or poor food quality.
- Understanding Fees and Tipping Practices: Be aware of the fees associated with food delivery, including delivery fees, service fees, and taxes. Also, remember to tip your driver! Tipping is customary in the United States, and it’s a way to show appreciation for their service.
Ensuring Accurate and Safe Delivery
- Providing Clear Delivery Instructions: In the delivery instructions section, provide clear and concise information about your location. This includes your building number, apartment number, and any specific instructions for finding your door.
- Specifying Dietary Restrictions and Allergies: If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, be sure to specify them when placing your order. This will help the restaurant prepare your food accordingly and avoid any potential health issues. Most of the apps allow you to flag ingredients in your order that you would like removed from your order.
- Using Contactless Delivery Options: Contactless delivery options are becoming increasingly popular. These options allow you to have your food delivered without direct contact with the driver, which can help minimize the spread of germs.
Dealing with Issues
- If there is an issue with your order (e.g., missing items, incorrect order, late delivery), contact the delivery service’s customer support immediately. Most services have online chat or phone support available to help resolve any problems.
Conclusion
St. Louis food delivery has revolutionized how the city eats, offering unparalleled convenience and an astonishing variety of culinary choices. From the national powerhouses to beloved local eateries, there’s a delivery option for every craving and occasion.
By understanding the different services, exploring diverse cuisines, and following these essential tips, you can master the St. Louis food delivery scene and enjoy delicious meals without ever leaving your home. So, ditch the dishes, embrace the convenience, and support the incredible restaurants that make St. Louis a culinary destination.
The world of St. Louis food delivery is ever-changing, always evolving to offer better service, wider selection, and more ways to satisfy your appetite. Whether you’re a seasoned delivery devotee or a curious newcomer, there’s something new to discover in the vibrant St. Louis food delivery landscape. Bon appétit!
