Food Delivery Is Booming in Joliet
Food delivery apps have changed how Joliet residents eat. Busy parents, remote workers, students at Joliet Junior College and the University of St. Francis, and shift workers at local warehouses and hospitals increasingly rely on apps to order restaurant meals and groceries. With a few taps, residents can get tacos from a local taqueria, Italian beef from a Chicagoland favorite, or a full week of groceries delivered to their doorstep.
This guide reviews ten food and grocery delivery apps available to Joliet residents. We evaluated restaurant and store selection, delivery speed, fees, app usability, membership value, and customer support.
1. DoorDash
DoorDash is the largest restaurant delivery platform in the United States and offers a wide selection of Joliet restaurants, from national chains to local favorites. Its DashPass membership reduces delivery fees, and the app also supports grocery, convenience store, and pharmacy delivery.
2. Uber Eats
Uber Eats offers restaurant and grocery delivery with a clean, user-friendly app. Its Uber One membership provides discounts on both food delivery and rides, which is convenient for residents who use both services.
3. Grubhub
Grubhub was founded in Chicago and remains a strong option in the region. It offers restaurant delivery and pickup, and its Grubhub+ membership includes free delivery on eligible orders. Students may find special perks through campus partnerships.
4. Instacart
Instacart partners with grocery stores such as Jewel-Osco, Mariano's, Aldi, and Costco to deliver groceries, often on the same day. Personal shoppers select items and communicate substitutions in real time. Instacart+ membership reduces delivery fees.
5. Shipt
Shipt, owned by Target, provides same-day delivery from Target and other retailers. Its shoppers handle groceries, household items, and essentials, making it a convenient option for busy families.
6. Walmart+
Walmart+ membership includes free grocery delivery from local Walmart stores on qualifying orders. Its competitive prices and broad selection make it a budget-friendly way to get groceries and household goods delivered.
7. Amazon
Amazon offers grocery delivery and fast shipping on pantry staples, snacks, and household items. Prime members benefit from additional grocery delivery perks in eligible areas.
8. Domino's
Domino's app is one of the most polished restaurant ordering experiences available. Its real-time tracker shows when your pizza is being prepared, baked, and delivered, and its loyalty program rewards frequent orders.
9. Jewel-Osco App
The Jewel-Osco app allows shoppers to order groceries for delivery or curbside pickup directly from the store. Customers can apply digital coupons and earn rewards while shopping from home.
10. Portillo's App
Portillo's app makes it easy to order Chicago-style favorites for pickup or delivery. Italian beef, hot dogs, and chocolate cake are just a few taps away, and the app often features exclusive offers for loyal customers.
Delivery Trends in Joliet
Grocery delivery has grown significantly, with many residents combining weekly grocery orders with occasional restaurant deliveries. Subscription memberships have become common, as frequent users save money on fees. Restaurants increasingly offer direct online ordering through their own apps and websites to avoid high third-party commissions.
Faster delivery options are expanding, including convenience store deliveries in under an hour. At the same time, consumers are more aware of fees, service charges, and menu price markups, prompting many to compare apps or choose pickup to save money.
Tips for Saving Money on Delivery
Compare prices across apps, since menu prices and fees can vary. If you order frequently, a membership may pay for itself within a few orders. Look for promotions and first-order discounts. Choosing pickup instead of delivery can save both fees and tips while still offering convenience.
Ordering directly from local restaurants through their own websites or by phone often means more of your money supports the business. Many Joliet restaurants appreciate direct orders and may offer special deals.
Supporting Local Restaurants
Delivery apps help local restaurants reach new customers, but high commission fees can strain small businesses. Leaving reviews, tipping drivers fairly, and occasionally dining in or picking up orders all help Joliet's independent restaurants thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which food delivery app is cheapest in Joliet?
Prices vary by restaurant, time, and promotions, so comparing apps before ordering is the best strategy. Frequent users often save the most through memberships such as DashPass, Uber One, Grubhub+, or Walmart+.
How much should I tip delivery drivers?
Many customers tip a percentage of the order total or a flat amount, adding more for bad weather, large orders, or long distances. Drivers often rely on tips as a significant part of their earnings.
Is grocery delivery worth it?
For busy households, grocery delivery saves time and reduces impulse purchases, often offsetting delivery fees.
Final Thoughts
Food delivery apps give Joliet residents unmatched convenience. From DoorDash and Uber Eats for restaurant meals to Instacart and Walmart+ for groceries, there is an option for every need and budget. Compare features, choose memberships wisely, and remember to support the local restaurants that make Joliet's food scene special.