Cheapest Food Delivery in Chicago (2026): Beat the Markup

Chicago is one of the most expensive cities for food delivery — and not because the food costs more. Between DoorDash's fees, Uber Eats' service charges, and Chicago's own delivery taxes, a $15 meal can easily cost $28+.

But here's what most Chicagoans don't realize: most of your favorite restaurants have their own ordering systems with lower prices and fewer fees.

Chicago's Delivery Tax Problem

Chicago has something other cities don't: a specific tax on food delivery. The city charges a $0.75-$1.25 per-order fee on third-party delivery apps. Combined with Illinois sales tax (10.25% on prepared food in Chicago), the tax alone can add $3-4 to your order.

When you order direct from the restaurant, you still pay sales tax — but you skip the Chicago delivery surcharge and the app's inflated menu prices.

Price Comparisons: Chicago Favorites

Chicago Restaurants With Direct Ordering

Chicago-Specific Tips

• Chicago's delivery surcharge ($0.75-1.25) only applies to third-party apps — not when ordering from the restaurant directly
• 10.25% sales tax on prepared food is applied on the inflated DoorDash price, so you're paying extra tax on the markup
• Portillo's and Lou Malnati's both have excellent delivery from their own sites — often free over $20
• UChicago/DePaul/Loyola students: direct ordering 3x/week saves ~$700/semester in Chicago due to higher base prices

Annual Savings in Chicago