We Test-Drive Restaurant Delivery Services

On-demand food delivery services have split the Dallas dining community. Some restaurateurs won’t participate because they can’t control the quality of the food once it leaves their kitchen. Others are happy for a new way to increase sales. But the trend isn’t going away. UberEATS is just getting started, and we hear that Amazon’s food delivery system will be a game changer. To see what it was all about, we compared five of the most popular services. We chose burger spots within 2 miles of our offices; all orders were placed on February 26 around 1 pm. We learned that faster doesn’t always mean better, and listed fees and actual fees charged can vary. It’s not cheap, but neither is taking a cab to eat at Whataburger.

Caviar

Partners with 64 restaurants. (It’s the only service sanctioned by Cane Rosso.) Three delivery rates based on proximity: free, $1.99, and $4.99. No surge pricing. Minimum order $15. Restaurants such as Bob’s Steak & Chop House, Komali, and Mesa require a pre-order. 

BUSINESS: Uncle Uber’s Sammich Shop

TIME ORDERED: 1 pm

TIME DELIVERED: 1:50 pm

DISH/PRICE: Two cheeseburgers with fries: $16.51 with tax

DELIVERY FEES: $2.75

TIP: $5

TOTAL: $24.26

REVIEW: Email confirmation estimated delivery between 2 and 2:30 pm. Our orderer forgot to add the tip, so she gave the driver $5 cash. Burger was warm, but bun and fries were soggy. 

DoorDash

Delivers only from 208 restaurants– on its site (Al Biernat’s, Lucky’s Cafe, Braindead). Claims “revolutionary logistics technology” ensures one-hour delivery. App allows constant contact with driver. No minimum, but delivery starts at $3.99 (tip not included). 

BUSINESS: Christies Sports Bar

TIME ORDERED: 1:04 pm

TIME DELIVERED: 1:32 pm

DISH/PRICE: Two Mini-burgers with fries: $26.71 with tax

DELIVERY FEES: $3.99

TIP: $3.73

TOTAL: $34.43

REVIEW: All deliveries in February were on special for $3.99. The food was delivered in cardboard containers. Fries were a little soggy, but burgers were medium hot.

Favor

App summons “runner” who will pick up anything (dry cleaning, etc.) except liquor. Diners are not limited to the partner restaurants listed on site (Torchy’s, Crushcraft Thai, Velvet Taco). $5 delivery fee plus 5 percent of total order. No minimum. Tip is extra.

BUSINESS: Uncle Uber’s Sammich Shop

TIME ORDERED: 1 pm

TIME DELIVERED: 1:25 pm

DISH/PRICE: Cheeseburger and fries: $7.33 with tax

DELIVERY FEES: $5.37

TIP: $5

TOTAL: $17.70

REVIEW: Food arrived hot in a Styrofoam container. Fries were still crisp. We were able to track the driver, who sent a text update with burger emojis. 

GrubHub

Site lists more than 250 “partner” restaurants with on-site ordering technology. Delivery charges range from an “industry-low” $1.50 to $3. Plenty of casual places alongside Terilli’s, City Cafe, and Rex’s Seafood. Minimum order is a range of $10 to $20. Tip is extra.

BUSINESS: Christies Sports Bar

TIME ORDERED: 1:01 pm

TIME DELIVERED: 2:17 pm

DISH/PRICE: Cheeseburger and fries: $14.86 with tax

DELIVERY FEES: $7.65

TIP: $4.50

TOTAL: $27.01

REVIEW: GrubHub claimed the $7.65 charge was added by the restaurant. A third party, Doorstep Delivery, brought cold food and said to call them directly for faster service.

Postmates

Runs 24/7. Does pick-up chores and has general store with school supplies, snacks, etc. Site lists 50 restaurants that cost $3.99 for delivery (Urban Taco, Ellen’s Southern Kitchen, East Hampton). Off-list incurs charge of $5 to $20. Also a 9 percent service fee, plus tip. No minimum.

BUSINESS: Whataburger

TIME ORDERED: 1 pm

TIME DELIVERED: 1:21 pm

DISH/PRICE: Two burger meals: $16.14 with tax

DELIVERY FEES: $5.75

TIP: $4.38

TOTAL: $26.27

REVIEW: Food was wrapped in paper that did nothing to keep it warm. Burger buns were cold, and meat and fries were barely warm. It’s easy to track the exact location of the driver.