Getting food delivered - how far is reasonable to get delivery?

[bcla]

We haven't been to Chili's in a while and right now my kid is cooped up and would really like some (really loves the baked potato soup) right about now. I found they have free delivery, although I don't really live that close to any of their locations. It still looks like they can deliver from about 16 miles away and it's free delivery now, although there's $3.99 delivery fee if any 3 for $10 item is in there. And it doesn't become free delivery if I add something else.

I'm not sure if I should even though it looks like I can. They're doing it through DoorDash and I'm not sure if this is fair to the driver who ends up coming in and making that long a drive. I'm also not sure if their payment to the driver is related to the distance.

 

[starry_solo]

As long as you give the delivery driver a good tip, it should be fine. I'm considering signing up for Uber Eats or something similar.

 

[kdonnel]

I think as long as you tip appropriately(30-40%) for the distance/time required and Covid-19 risks, the driver will be happy to make the delivery.

Back when working from the office was a real thing, we had lunch delivered every Thursday through DoorDash. Some of the restaurants we ordered from were 15 or so miles away.

 

[AMW86]

If you order through DoorDash, you should tip in cash, not on the app.
https://qz.com/1659475/the-merits-of-tipping-your-doordash-delivery-worker-in-cash/

 

[bcla]

At least with Chili's they have a few moving parts that affect delivery. I noted that if any 3 for $10 item is in the order then it's not eligible for free delivery. Same thing if any lunch special item is in the order. But the paid delivery fee is only $3.99. They also have their rewards program with a free drink or chips & salsa, but normally I can choose either that or free delivery. But they have a current special where all orders can have free delivery.

 

[supercarrie]

I use DoorDash several times a week. Tip well, and the drivers don't mind. They accept or decline the jobs that are offered as well.

While tipping in cash is good advice, I personally am choosing no contact deliveries at this point - the drivers here seem to prefer that, too. If you can safely leave cash outside, then tip in cash, if not, I wouldn't sweat it for now. If you leave cash safely outside, you can text them to let them know.

 

[mjkacmom]

I don’t think places here will go more than 5 miles, but there are SO many restaurants.

 

[bcla]

I may have been wrong. I did a test order that I didn't place yesterday and I could get delivery to my address. But I'm trying again now and it's saying I'm outside the delivery area. I'm wondering if the delivery area changes daily.

 

[kdonnel]

I may have been wrong. I did a test order that I didn't place yesterday and I could get delivery to my address. But I'm trying again now and it's saying I'm outside the delivery area. I'm wondering if the delivery area changes daily.

It may vary by how many DoorDash drivers are online at a given moment.

 

[NYCgrrl]

I may have been wrong. I did a test order that I didn't place yesterday and I could get delivery to my address. But I'm trying again now and it's saying I'm outside the delivery area. I'm wondering if the delivery area changes daily.

Here, food delivery from restaurants or stores is generally determined by a zone defined by the business.
Never known it to change daily but hey keep trying.

Maybe Door Dash, UberEats are game changers but I've never used them so can't say.

Here's a recipe for the soup but never tried the recipe or dish. Seems simple enough to make at home and reads well as far as end product:

https://www.keyingredient.com/recipes/1475315036/loaded-baked-potato-soup-chilis-copycat-recipe/

 

[loves to dive]

We live sorta out in the country, it is 8 miles either direction to the closest town. Then probably about 5 miles to the closest restaurant once you get into town. There is one Chinese restaurant that will deliver to us and Dominos will but only if you call in and not order on line. Uber eats won't come out here, although regular Uber does. My son uses Uber all the time and last time we went to WDW he used Uber from his house to ours (it takes about 30 min.). I'm guessing even if anyone did deliver it would be cold once it gets here since things we go pick up and bring home are. I wish they did deliver, we'd be happy to pay a delivery fee.

 

[bcla]

I live in a reasonably densely populated suburb, so there's plenty of delivery options. However, my kid really likes the Chili's baked potato soup and we take every opportunity to get that even though it's out of the way. Would have been nice if they could have delivered. I was ready for a half order of baby back ribs if they would deliver.

 

[easyas123]

I hate to be simplistic, but why not just call them (Chili's) and ask if you are in the delivery area?
Yes - okay, then order delivery
No - okay, decide how much you (family, collectively) want it and then someone go pick it up

 

[L&Lfan]

I love simplicity!

I’d probably go get it myself just to get out of the damn house and have some alone time with some music. But that’s just me...

 

[QueenIsabella]

Sounds like way too much effort for potato soup. This would be an excellent time for you to teach your child to make it. It would be way cheaper, too.

 

[bcla]

Sounds like way too much effort for potato soup. This would be an excellent time for you to teach your child to make it. It would be way cheaper, too.

I figured I'd make my own version of their Cajun chicken pasta. I had part of a Costco rotisserie chicken, milk, butter, and Tony Chacere's Creole Seasoning. I had to do some shopping and got green onions and white mushrooms. Just made a white sauce (thanks for all the suggestions on the mac & cheese thread) and tossed it with the pasta and grilled chunks of the chicken with the green onions and sliced mushrooms. I think all the ingredients cost about $5 with enough to fee four people. Not sure what to do with the rest of the pasta since I cooked the whole bag.

 

[NYCgrrl]

I figured I'd make my own version of their Cajun chicken pasta. I had part of a Costco rotisserie chicken, milk, butter, and Tony Chacere's Creole Seasoning. I had to do some shopping and got green onions and white mushrooms. Just made a white sauce (thanks for all the suggestions on the mac & cheese thread) and tossed it with the pasta and grilled chunks of the chicken with the green onions and sliced mushrooms. I think all the ingredients cost about $5 with enough to fee four people. Not sure what to do with the rest of the pasta since I cooked the whole bag.

Make a pasta pie. Or if the pasta is the spaghetti type, cold sesame noodles. Googling with bring up lots of recipes.

 

[bcla]

Make a pasta pie. Or if the pasta is the spaghetti type, cold sesame noodles. Googling with bring up lots of recipes.

Not sure I'm going to like this because I'm starting to stress eat. But at least this is giving me more opportunities to try different things.

 

[disneychrista]

My opinion - if the restaurant allows delivery to your area you are good.