So delivery apps – overpriced. We all know this. I’ve noticed that they partner with plenty of restaurants to offer deals in an attempt to mitigate the price of delivery.
Now scratch the whole delivery part.
These apps will still allow you to lock in some of these food deals for pickup orders through them. For example both Popeyes and Five Guys near me have “2 for 1” deals on delivery apps. ~$6 for two Popeyes sandwiches and ~$12 for two five guys burgers. Both let you pick it up yourself and not have to pay delivery!
I know there’s plenty of caveats: apps for fast food spots often have deals of their own. Also the obvious – just cook at home. Been doing that plenty in 2026 with my out-of-home food purchases below 5 so far.
Curious if anybody else uses this when they’re short on time
(Side note: first post here, hope this hasn’t come up too many times. Thanks for having me!)
Barely eat out, nothing worth it – found a way to cut some corners when I do
byu/mman55 inFrugal
Posted by mman55
5 Comments
I don’t give it much thought, because I also rarely eat out. Part of the convenience for me is to save on thinking and planning; see something yummy and I buy. I’m more interested in the economy of frequently repeated actions/items.
Call me old fashioned (and you’d be right) but food delivery is not for me. If I can’t get off my ass and go get it then I don’t deserve it. Special exception for people who don’t have a car and there’s nothing walkable nearby.
Agreed as long as you always do pickup. Also check Instacart which uses Uber Eats. Thai restaurant has BOGO on certain dishes. Makes the prices much more reasonable.
This isn’t cutting corners but Panera is offering free unlimited drinks for $3 monthly subscription (regularly $14). It’s available for 3 months at $3 each month, then goes back to regular price. You can get as many drinks as you want, you just have to wait 2 hrs in between orders.
I use it for coffee in the morning and a drink (lemonade, tea, or soda) in the afternoon. It paid itself in the first drink. I will cancel after 3 months, in the meantime it’s a really good deal. I think the promo ends today.
A number of restaurants in our area offer lunch specials with very generous portions. We pick up and usually order two each which easily provide enough for six meals.