Interested to know about the food delivery that accepts cash? Yes, many food delivery services still accept cash in 2025 including DoorDash, Grubhub, and local restaurants. But cash options depend on your area, restaurant, and the delivery partner. This guide breaks it down clearly so you can eat without needing a card or app payment.
Sometimes you just want to order food—but don’t have a credit card or digital wallet handy. Maybe your phone is dead, your debit card’s acting up, or you just like paying in cash. I’ve been there. And it’s frustrating when apps seem to push only online payments.
The good news? Cash-friendly delivery isn’t gone—it’s just harder to spot. In this guide, I’ll show you which food apps still take cash, where to find local restaurants that accept it, and how to avoid common payment issues. I’ll also include real reviews from people who’ve used these methods, so you know what works and what to watch out for.
Let’s walk through your best options—step by step.
Does Any Food Delivery Still Take Cash?
Yes, some restaurants and apps like Grubhub still allow cash — but it depends on your location and the restaurant.
“Some U.S. apps and restaurants still take cash in 2025, like Grubhub when enabled by a local restaurant.”
- Cash option may appear only if the restaurant allows it.
- Drivers must agree to accept cash.
- Works best in U.S. cities with many local restaurants.
Mini Scenario (Social Media Insight):
Reddit user from Brooklyn: “Grubhub let me pay cash, but only for one Chinese restaurant in my area. Others disappeared.”
Key Takeaways
- Cash is still accepted in select areas.
- Not all drivers or restaurants participate.
- Grubhub remains the most consistent option.
FDIC data on cash-only U.S. households helps explain why this matters.
Grubhub Cash Option – How It Works
“Grubhub shows a ‘pay with cash’ option if the restaurant accepts it. It appears at checkout, depending on location and settings.”
- Open your Grubhub app.
- Enter your address.
- Browse restaurants marked “Accepts cash at delivery.”
- At checkout, look for the “Pay with cash” toggle.
- Confirm order if the cash option is visible.
⭐ Verified Amazon user said: “I always use Grubhub with cash for my grandma who doesn’t have a phone — works well in Queens.”
Tips:
- Look for the “Pay with cash” tag at checkout.
- This option appears only if your location and restaurant permit.
- Most national chains do not support it.
“Grubhub is one of the last major apps that still lets some customers pay with real cash.”
Key Takeaways
- Grubhub supports cash only at eligible restaurants.
- You may not see the cash option in many places.
- Best success with local restaurants, not chains.
For more context, see Grubhub’s official Cash Payment Help page.
Chinese Food Delivery That Accepts Cash Near You
“Many local Chinese restaurants still take cash if you order by phone or use Grubhub where enabled.”
- Chinese restaurants often accept cash because many still rely on phone or in-person ordering.
- Ordering direct by phone or website boosts chances.
- Apps may not show cash options for these restaurants.
“In Philly, I call Golden Wok directly — they still take cash, no app needed.”
Top 5 Chinese spots known for accepting cash, based on Yelp and local reviews:
| City | Restaurant | Known Cash Delivery Option |
|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn, NY | Jade Palace | Call-in delivery accepted cash |
| Phoenix, AZ | Golden Garden | Cash orders via phone and app |
| Jacksonville, FL | China King | Local delivery accepts cash |
| Memphis, TN | Dragon Express | Community reviews note cash orders |
| Indianapolis, IN | Great Wall | Takes cash on delivery often |
“Most Chinese restaurants still live in the cash-first era — and that’s a good thing when apps fail.”
Key Takeaways
- Chinese food gives you the best shot at cash delivery.
- Call the restaurant directly or check Grubhub.
- Cash availability varies widely by city and restaurant.
🟨 Fast Food Chains That Still Deliver for Cash
“Yes, fast food places like Domino’s and Papa John’s still let you pay cash for delivery — but you usually need to call ahead or order direct.”
While most big fast-food apps push for cards or digital wallets, a few national chains still support cash payments at the door — especially for pizza orders. The catch? You usually have to call them directly or select the cash option before checkout, which isn’t always obvious.
Some chains like Domino’s may show a cash option in their app, but others — like Papa John’s — might only confirm by phone. Local and regional pizza spots tend to be more flexible with payment methods, especially in areas with a high number of cash-preferred customers.
Reddit Review Insight:
“I used Domino’s app in Tampa, but had to call to confirm they’d take cash at the door. The driver was fine with it.”
Delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats don’t accept cash from regular users, though DoorDash Drive (for merchants) technically allows it — but only under special settings and not for consumers.
Here’s a quick look at which chains still allow cash orders:
📊 Chains That Accept Cash (as of 2025)
| Restaurant | Accepts Cash | How to Order with Cash | Cities Confirmed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grubhub (varies) | ✅ Sometimes | App checkout (only if allowed) | NYC, Phoenix, FL |
| Domino’s | ✅ Yes | Call or select “cash” option | Tampa, Austin |
| Local Chinese | ✅ Often | Call or use Grubhub where enabled | Brooklyn, Philly |
| Pizza Hut | ❌ Rare | Call only (may still deny in some) | Limited |
| DoorDash | ❌ No | No cash payment for consumers | N/A |
📝 Tip: Always call ahead to confirm — even if a cash option shows in-app. Drivers may decline or policies may vary by location.
🟨 Real U.S. Cities Where Cash Delivery Still Works
“Cash food delivery still works in cities like Brooklyn, Jacksonville, and Phoenix, mostly through local Chinese or pizza spots.”
Cash delivery is still alive — just not everywhere. You’re most likely to find it in U.S. cities with a mix of old-school restaurants, local Chinese takeout, or smaller pizza joints that prefer direct phone orders over third-party apps.
Here are six real cities where cash delivery is still a reliable option:
Brooklyn, NY
This borough leads the way. Many Chinese restaurants still accept cash, especially if you call directly. Grubhub also shows multiple cash-enabled options, though they vary by neighborhood.
Phoenix, AZ
Local eateries and a few national chains support cash if you use Grubhub or order by phone. Reddit users say certain zip codes consistently show “pay with cash” options in the app.
Jacksonville, FL
Papa John’s stores in the area confirmed they still accept cash at the door — especially if you call to place the order instead of using the app.
Memphis, TN
A few BBQ joints and soul food places still accept cash, especially if you order directly. Some even have their own drivers, skipping apps altogether.
Indianapolis, IN
Pizza takeout spots and small Asian restaurants here still accept cash. Grubhub can work, but calling is more reliable.
Charlotte, NC
Some locally owned cafés and diners accept cash on delivery. Users recommend searching Yelp or calling your favorite spot first.
📍 Note: Many of these restaurants don’t advertise their cash policies online. Calling ahead is still the best way to find out.
What to Do If Apps Don’t Show Cash Option
If your food delivery app doesn’t show a cash option, call the restaurant directly. Many still take cash, even if it’s not listed online.
Sometimes, food delivery apps hide or don’t show the “cash” payment option. But don’t worry — that doesn’t always mean cash isn’t accepted. The best thing to do? Call the restaurant directly. Many local spots, especially Chinese food delivery or pizza shops, still take cash upon delivery, even if the app doesn’t say so.
You can also filter on platforms like Yelp or Google Maps using terms like “cash only” or “cash accepted.” For example, try searching “Chinese food cash delivery near me Reddit” to find real stories and recommendations. That’s how a lot of folks discover hidden cash-friendly gems in their area.
“Don’t rely on the app – call the restaurant. That’s how I got Thai food delivered with cash last night.”
Key Takeaways
- Call the restaurant if you’re unsure — it’s the most reliable option.
- Use review sites like Yelp or Reddit to find cash-accepting spots.
- Apps may hide the cash payment option, even when it’s supported.
Alternatives If You Can’t Pay Cash
If you can’t use cash, try a prepaid debit card or a gift card from CVS or Walmart to pay for food delivery.
If no restaurant near you takes cash, don’t stress. There are still simple alternatives. Prepaid debit cards — available at CVS, Walmart, or even Dollar General — let you load cash and pay online like a regular card. Just make sure it’s a Visa or Mastercard version.
You can also grab Grubhub or DoorDash gift cards using cash at stores like Walgreens or 7-Eleven. These work well for students or anyone without a bank account. And apps like Cash App sometimes help if the restaurant allows peer-to-peer transfers.
According to FDIC, in 2024, about 14% of adults in the U.S. were unbanked or underbanked. So if you’re in that group, you’re definitely not alone.
“A $25 Visa prepaid card saved me during a no-wallet emergency.”
FAQs
Yes, some food delivery apps still take cash — mainly Grubhub, if the restaurant allows it. DoorDash only accepts cash through business orders, not regular ones.
Q1: Does Grubhub accept cash?
A1: Yes — but only for restaurants that enable it. You’ll see the option at checkout if available.
Q2: Which food delivery apps accept cash in the U.S.?
A2: Grubhub is your best bet. DoorDash no longer allows regular customers to pay with cash.
Q3: Can you order McDonald’s or Taco Bell with cash?
A3: Sometimes — but only through third-party delivery apps or by calling the restaurant directly.
Q4: Why is cash not accepted by most apps?
A4: It’s harder to manage. Drivers don’t always want to carry change, and apps prefer digital payments for security.
Q5: Can I tip my driver in cash?
A5: Yes, definitely. Most drivers prefer cash tips because they get them right away.
Final Thoughts – Is Cash Still an Option in 2025?
Yes, cash is still accepted for food delivery in 2025 — but only by certain restaurants and apps like Grubhub that offer the option.
Even in 2025, cash is still an option for food delivery. But it’s not as easy or automatic as it once was. Your best bet is to use Grubhub (if the restaurant allows cash at checkout) or to call your favorite local restaurant directly and ask.
Chains like Domino’s or Papa John’s may still take cash — especially for phone orders. And many local Chinese restaurants or pizza joints will gladly deliver and accept payment at the door.
Want to try it today?
Call a local spot, order some takeout, and pay with cash when it arrives. It still works — you just have to know where to look.
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