Uber Eats is a food delivery app where you order from restaurants through your phone, and a driver brings the food to your door
Uber Eats connects you to thousands of restaurants in your area — from chains to local spots — through a mobile app or website. You browse menus, add items to a cart, pay through the app, and a delivery driver picks up your order and brings it to you. The whole process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on how busy the restaurant is and how far away it is from you.
You don't need an account with the restaurant itself. Uber Eats handles the payment, and the restaurant sees only what you ordered. The driver is an independent contractor who uses their own car, bike, or scooter to make deliveries.
Key Takeaways
- You pay for the food, a delivery fee (usually $2 to $5), and sometimes a small service charge, all through the app before the driver arrives.
- Delivery times vary widely based on restaurant busyness and distance, and you can track your order in real time once the driver picks it up.
- If your order arrives wrong or cold, you can report it in the app and Uber will refund you or credit your account.
- Tipping the driver is optional but expected; most people add 15% to 20% on top of the total.
How to place an order
Open the Uber Eats app or go to ubereats.com and enter your delivery address. The app shows you which restaurants deliver to that location. Browse menus, add items to your cart, and review your order before checkout. You'll see the subtotal, delivery fee, service charge, and any promotions or discounts that apply.
At checkout, you enter or confirm your payment method — credit card, debit card, or a linked bank account. You can also add delivery instructions (like "leave at door" or "ring the bell twice") and a tip. Once you confirm, the order goes to the restaurant, and you'll see a confirmation screen with an estimated delivery time.
What the fees actually are
The total cost includes four separate charges: the food price, a delivery fee, a service charge, and your tip. The delivery fee typically ranges from $2 to $5 depending on distance and demand. The service charge is a percentage of your food subtotal — usually 10% to 15% — and goes to Uber, not the driver.
Some restaurants offer promotions like "$5 off your first order" or "free delivery on orders over $15." These discounts apply to the food subtotal, not the fees. If you have an Uber One membership (a paid subscription), you get free delivery on may be able to access orders and lower service charges, which can save money if you order frequently.
Tracking your order and what happens next
Once the restaurant accepts your order, you'll see a timer showing how long until it's ready. When the driver picks it up, the app switches to a map view where you can watch them drive to your address in real time. You'll get push notifications at key moments: when the restaurant starts preparing your food, when the driver is on the way, and when they're about to arrive.
The driver will text or call if they can't find your building or need clarification on where to leave the food. Most deliveries are left at your door or in a lobby. If you're not home when they arrive, they'll wait a few minutes and then follow your delivery instructions — usually leaving the order in a safe spot.
What to do if something goes wrong
If your order arrives incomplete, with wrong items, or cold, open the app and tap the three-line menu, then "Help." Select your order and choose "Report an issue." Describe what happened — missing items, wrong order, food quality — and Uber will usually refund you or credit your account within a few days. You don't have to return the food.
If the driver never shows up or is extremely late, you can cancel the order in the app and get a full refund. If you paid cash and the driver didn't arrive, contact Uber support through the app to report it. Keep screenshots of your order confirmation and any messages with the driver, as these help Uber investigate.
Tipping and how it affects your order
Tipping is optional but affects how quickly a driver accepts your order. Drivers see the tip amount before they decide whether to take the delivery. A $0 tip order may sit unassigned for a while, especially during slow times or in areas with many delivery requests. Most people tip $2 to $5 for nearby orders and more for longer distances or large orders.
You can add or change your tip up to one hour after the driver picks up your food. If you forgot to tip and want to add one, open the app, find the order, and tap "Add tip." If you're unhappy with the service, you can reduce the tip, though this is rare.
Privacy and account security
Uber Eats requires your name, phone number, email, and delivery address to create an account. Your payment information is stored securely and encrypted. The driver can see your name, phone number, and delivery address but nothing else from your account.
If you're concerned about privacy, you can use a nickname instead of your full name, and you can add delivery instructions asking the driver not to contact you unless necessary. Your order history is private and visible only to you and Uber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order alcohol through Uber Eats?
Yes, but only from restaurants and stores that have a license to sell it. The app shows which merchants offer beer, wine, or spirits. You must be 21 or older, and the driver will check your ID at delivery. Some areas restrict alcohol delivery by law, so it may not be available where you live.
What if I'm not home when the driver arrives?
The driver will follow your delivery instructions — usually leaving the order at your door or with a doorman. If you've asked them to call or text, they will. If you're running late, message the driver through the app to let them know. Most drivers will wait a few minutes, but they're not required to.
How do I know if a restaurant is actually open?
The app shows restaurant hours and will only let you order during times they're open. Some restaurants close their Uber Eats ordering before their physical location closes, so you might not be able to order even if they're still serving in-person customers. The app will tell you when they reopen.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind after ordering?
If the restaurant hasn't started preparing your food yet, you can cancel in the app and get a full refund. Once they've started cooking, cancellation may not be possible, and you might lose your money. The sooner you cancel after placing the order, the better your chances.
Why is my delivery fee so high?
Delivery fees depend on distance from the restaurant and current demand. During busy times — lunch, dinner, or bad weather — fees go up because more people are ordering and fewer drivers are available. Ordering from restaurants closer to you or during slower times will lower the fee.