If you’re sick of cooking, ran out of your favorite ingredients or simply don’t want to go to the grocery store again, Chicago’s food industry is still here for you. Though Governor J.B. Pritzker has shuttered dine-in options for restaurants and bars, most local food establishments are still available for families not wanting to cook or wanting to keep their money local.
Know your terminology
Curbside: Curbside pickup means that someone will walk to your car from the restaurant and put the order in the back of (or side of) your car. You don’t have to go into the restaurant or leave your car.
Take-out: Take-out pickup means that you’ll enter the restaurant (usually at a pickup counter or pickup point) and take the items to your car yourself.
White-glove delivery: Delivery to your front door from a delivery driver wearing gloves to keep your food or items clear and clean.
Porch dropoff: Delivery to your porch from a driver who will drop the items and ring your doorbell, then leave. You won’t have direct contact with the driver at any time.
Delivery Services
Caviar: Founded in 2012, Caviar is offering $0 delivery fees this month. When making your order, you can also request no-contact delivery and leave a note in the app to indicate where you’d like your order left.
DoorDash: In addition to local, independent businesses, DoorDash also delivers from chain and fast food restaurants. There is a $0 delivery fee on the first order for new customers.
GrubHub/Seamless: Enter your address and GrubHub or Seamless (merged in 2013) will find restaurants close to you for delivery. Some restaurants have a minimum purchase requirement for delivery.
Postmates: Order for pickup or delivery from Postmates, including 7-Eleven, Walgreens and other non-traditional restaurants. Delivery fees vary by location, but using a code SAVE100 will allow new customers free delivery for their first $100 in fees.
Uber Eats: Just like Uber car service will pick you up, Uber Eats will pick up your food and bring it to you. Watch for deals on the app, like $0 fees from some restaurants or money back for spending over a threshold amount (i.e. $3 back if you spend $15).
Direct from Restaurant: Contact and order from the restaurant directly. Some have their own delivery drivers or are only accepting takeout orders.
If you want to know what’s open in your area, find a restaurant close to you on a new website, Dining at a Distance, created during the pandemic for restaurants to advertise their options. You can also check a restaurant’s social media for daily specials and deals.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
