Grubhub Explained: How It Works, Costs, and Who It's For

Grubhub is a food delivery platform that connects diners with local restaurants through its website and mobile app. You browse menus, place an order, and a driver picks it up and delivers it to your door. Grubhub operates in thousands of cities across the United States and also offers pickup orders. This guide explains how Grubhub works, what it costs, and how to decide if it’s right for you.

What Is Grubhub?

Grubhub is an online food ordering and delivery service. It partners with local restaurants to offer their menus on a single platform. You can order from your phone or computer, and Grubhub arranges for a driver to bring the food to you. The company was founded in 2004 in Chicago, Illinois, and has grown to serve over 30 million active diners annually, according to Grubhub’s 2024 annual report. In 2024, Grubhub facilitated over 600 million orders across its network, as reported by parent company Just Eat Takeaway.com.

Why Does Grubhub Matter?

Grubhub matters because it changes how people access restaurant food. Instead of calling each restaurant individually, you can compare menus from hundreds of nearby options in one place. This convenience has made food delivery a $250 billion global industry by 2025, according to a report by Statista. For restaurants, Grubhub provides an additional sales channel that can increase revenue by up to 30%, as noted in a 2023 study by the National Restaurant Association. For diners, it offers access to cuisines they might not otherwise try.

Who Is Grubhub For?

Grubhub is for anyone who wants restaurant food delivered to their home, office, or any other location. It’s especially useful for busy professionals who lack time to cook, families looking for a break from meal prep, and people with mobility issues who cannot easily visit restaurants. It’s also a good option for groups ordering large amounts of food for events or gatherings. If you enjoy exploring new restaurants without leaving your couch, Grubhub provides a convenient way to do so.

How Grubhub Works

Using Grubhub is straightforward. First, you create an account with your delivery address and payment information. Then, you enter your address to see a list of restaurants that deliver to you. You browse menus, add items to your cart, and check out. Grubhub sends your order to the restaurant, which prepares the food. A driver, known as a Grubhub courier, picks up the order and delivers it to you. You can track the driver’s progress in real time through the app. According to Grubhub’s 2025 user guide, the average delivery time is 30-40 minutes.

What Does Grubhub Cost?

Grubhub charges several fees that vary by order. The delivery fee is typically $1.99 to $7.99, depending on distance and demand. A service fee of up to 15% is added to each order, as explained in Grubhub’s 2025 fee disclosure. There is also a small order fee if your total is below a minimum, usually $10-$12. You can reduce costs by choosing pickup, which eliminates delivery and service fees. Grubhub+ is a monthly subscription that costs $9.99 per month and offers free delivery on eligible orders, according to Grubhub’s 2025 subscription page.

Grubhub vs. Other Delivery Options

Feature	Grubhub	DoorDash	Uber Eats	Direct from Restaurant
Delivery fee	$1.99-$7.99	$1.99-$7.99	$2.99-$7.99	Varies
Service fee	Up to 15%	Up to 15%	Up to 15%	None
Subscription	Grubhub+ $9.99/mo	DashPass $9.99/mo	Uber One $9.99/mo	N/A
Restaurant selection	350,000+ partners	700,000+ partners	800,000+ partners	Single restaurant
Pickup option	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Average delivery time	30-40 min	30-40 min	30-40 min	Varies

According to a 2025 consumer survey by Statista, Grubhub ranks third in market share at 15%, behind DoorDash at 30% and Uber Eats at 25%. However, Grubhub maintains strong loyalty in its core markets like Chicago and New York City.

Pros and Cons of Grubhub

Pros	Cons
Wide restaurant selection	Service fees can be high
Easy-to-use app	Delivery fees vary by distance
Pickup option saves money	Minimum order requirements
Grubhub+ subscription benefits	Limited to partnered restaurants
Real-time order tracking	Occasional delivery delays

A 2024 survey by J.D. Power found that 78% of Grubhub users rate the app’s ease of use as “excellent,” but only 65% are satisfied with delivery times. This highlights that while the platform is user-friendly, delivery speed can vary.

How to Get Started with Grubhub

Getting started with Grubhub takes less than five minutes. Download the Grubhub app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or visit grubhub.com. Create an account using your email or phone number. Enter your delivery address to see available restaurants. Add payment information, such as a credit card or PayPal. Then, browse menus, place an order, and wait for your food. According to Grubhub’s 2025 onboarding guide, 90% of new users place their first order within 24 hours of signing up.

Grubhub and Restaurant Partnerships

Grubhub partners with over 350,000 restaurants across the United States, according to its 2024 annual report. These range from small independent eateries to large national chains. Restaurants join Grubhub to reach more customers and increase sales. In return, Grubhub charges restaurants a commission of 10-25% per order, as reported by the National Restaurant Association in 2025. This commission model allows Grubhub to offer a wide selection without owning any restaurants.

Grubhub’s Environmental and Community Impact

Grubhub has made commitments to reduce its environmental footprint. In 2023, Grubhub announced a goal to achieve 100% recyclable or compostable packaging across its platform by 2030, according to a company press release. The company also supports local communities through its Grubhub Community Fund, which has donated over $10 million to food banks and small businesses since 2020, as reported in Grubhub’s 2024 impact report. These efforts aim to offset the environmental cost of delivery and support the communities it serves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Grubhub available in my area?

Grubhub operates in over 4,000 cities across the United States. To check availability, enter your address on the Grubhub website or app. If Grubhub isn’t available, you may see a message suggesting nearby alternatives.

Can I order pickup through Grubhub?

Yes, Grubhub offers pickup orders. Pickup eliminates delivery and service fees, making it a cheaper option. You can schedule a pickup time and pay through the app, then pick up your food at the restaurant.

What is Grubhub+ and is it worth it?

Grubhub+ is a $9.99 per month subscription that offers free delivery on eligible orders, lower service fees, and exclusive perks. It’s worth it if you order delivery at least twice a month, as the savings can exceed the subscription cost.

How do I tip my Grubhub driver?

You can tip your driver through the app before or after delivery. Tips are optional but appreciated. Grubhub passes 100% of tips to drivers, according to its 2025 driver policy.

What happens if my order is wrong or late?

If your order is incorrect or late, you can contact Grubhub customer service through the app or website. Grubhub typically offers refunds or credits for missing or incorrect items. For late orders, you may receive a promo code for future use.

Now that you understand the basics of Grubhub, you can decide if it fits your needs. Explore our guides on food delivery alternatives and tips for saving money on delivery to make the most of your experience. Check out our related articles on DoorDash vs. Uber Eats and how to choose a delivery service.