Uber Eats works in most cities, but not everywhere, and the restaurants and delivery speed depend on where you live
Uber Eats is available in thousands of cities across the United States, but coverage varies by neighborhood and changes over time. The app shows you which restaurants near you are currently taking orders and how long delivery will take from each one. If you open the app and see no restaurants, it means Uber Eats does not yet operate in your specific area — this is most common in rural zones and small towns, though some urban neighborhoods also lack service.
The restaurants you see depend on your exact address. A restaurant two miles away might deliver to your street but not to a neighborhood three blocks over. Delivery times range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on how busy the restaurant and delivery network are, how far away the restaurant is, and what time of day you order.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Uber Eats app or website, enter your address, and the app will show you which restaurants deliver to that location right now.
- Delivery fees, restaurant markups, and service charges vary by restaurant and location, so compare the total cost before you order.
- You pay through the app with a credit card, debit card, or linked bank account, and the driver receives your order details but not your payment information.
- If a restaurant closes or stops accepting orders while you are browsing, you will see a message in the app and can choose a different restaurant.
- Delivery times are estimates and depend on restaurant prep time, driver availability, and traffic, so plan for delays during peak hours.
How to search for restaurants and place an order
Start by opening the Uber Eats app or going to ubereats.com. Enter your delivery address in the search box at the top. The app will show you all restaurants that deliver to that address. You can browse by cuisine type, sort by delivery time or rating, or search for a specific restaurant name.
Tap or click on a restaurant to see its menu, read customer reviews, and check the estimated delivery time and fees. Add items to your cart, review any special instructions or dietary notes, then proceed to checkout. You will enter or confirm your delivery address, choose a payment method, and add any tip before placing the order. Once you submit the order, you will see a confirmation and can track the driver's location in real time.
Understanding delivery fees and total cost
The final price you pay includes the restaurant's menu price, a delivery fee (set by Uber), a service fee (a percentage of the order total), and any applicable taxes and tips. Delivery fees typically range from a few dollars to $5 or more depending on distance and demand. Service fees are usually 10 to 15 percent of your subtotal. Some restaurants also charge higher prices on Uber Eats than they do in person — this is called a platform markup and is common across delivery apps.
The app shows you the delivery fee and service fee before you check out, so you can see the full cost. During busy times or bad weather, delivery fees may increase. Some restaurants offer promotions or discounts through the app, which will reduce your total. If you have an Uber One membership, you may receive free or reduced delivery fees on certain orders.
Payment methods and how your information is handled
Uber Eats accepts credit cards, debit cards, and linked bank accounts as payment. You can also use gift cards or promotional credits if you have them. Your payment information is stored securely in the app and is not shared with the restaurant or the driver. The driver sees your delivery address and any special instructions, but not your credit card number or payment details.
If there is a problem with your order — the food does not arrive, items are missing, or something is wrong — you can report it in the app and request a refund or credit. Uber typically processes these requests within a few business days.
What to do if Uber Eats is not available in your area
If you enter your address and see no restaurants, Uber Eats does not currently operate there. You have a few alternatives. Check whether DoorDash, Grubhub, or Instacart deliver to your location — these apps cover different areas and may reach your neighborhood. Call restaurants directly to ask if they offer their own delivery service or partner with a local delivery company. Some restaurants use smaller regional delivery apps that do not have national reach.
Uber Eats coverage expands over time, so if you live in an area without service, check back in a few months. You can also contact Uber through the app to request service in your area, though this does not may provide they will expand there.
Tracking your order and what happens if something goes wrong
Once your order is confirmed, you will see a map showing the driver's real-time location. The app displays the estimated arrival time, which updates as the driver moves. You can contact the driver through the app's messaging system if you need to provide special instructions, like a gate code or parking information.
If the driver is taking longer than expected, the app will show you why — the restaurant may still be preparing food, or traffic may be heavy. If your order does not arrive within a reasonable time, or if items are missing or damaged, open the app, go to your order history, and tap "Help." You can report the issue and request a refund or reorder. Uber typically credits your account within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Uber Eats deliver alcohol?
Some restaurants on Uber Eats offer beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverages. These orders require a signature from someone 21 or older at delivery. Not all areas allow alcohol delivery, and not all restaurants participate, so check your app to see what is available in your location.
Can I schedule an order for later instead of ordering now?
Yes. When you check out, you can choose to schedule delivery for a specific time up to six days in advance. The restaurant will prepare your order closer to that time, and the driver will pick it up and deliver it at the scheduled window.
What if I need to cancel my order?
If you cancel before the restaurant starts preparing your food, you will receive a full refund. If the restaurant has already started cooking, you may be charged a cancellation fee. Open the app, go to your active order, and tap "Cancel Order" to see whether cancellation is still available.
Why is the delivery time so long?
Delivery time depends on how busy the restaurant is, how far away it is from you, driver availability, and traffic conditions. During peak meal times (lunch and dinner), waits are longer. If the restaurant is very busy, it may take 20 to 30 minutes just to prepare your food before a driver even picks it up.
Can I tip the driver after delivery?
You can add or change your tip up to one hour after the driver completes delivery. Open the app, go to your order history, find the completed order, and tap to adjust the tip amount.