How to Save on Food Delivery in Long Beach

Long Beach, with its vibrant coastal culture and diverse culinary scene, has become a hub for food delivery services. From authentic Mexican tacos in the Belmont Shore neighborhood to gourmet sushi in Downtown, the city offers an unparalleled variety of dining options—all just a few taps away. But with rising delivery fees, service charges, and minimum order requirements, many residents find themselves spending more than they intended on convenience. The good news? Saving on food delivery in Long Beach is not only possible—it’s achievable with the right strategies. Whether you’re a student on a budget, a busy professional, or a family looking to cut monthly expenses, this guide reveals proven, practical, and locally relevant methods to enjoy your favorite meals without overspending.

Food delivery has transformed how we eat, but it hasn’t always been kind to our wallets. In Long Beach, delivery platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Postmates often add fees that can increase the final bill by 20–40%. Add in tips, surge pricing during peak hours, and subscription costs, and the savings vanish quickly. However, by understanding local promotions, leveraging neighborhood-specific deals, timing orders strategically, and using free tools, you can reduce your food delivery expenses by up to 50%—without sacrificing quality or variety.

This comprehensive tutorial walks you through every actionable step to save money on food delivery in Long Beach. You’ll learn how to identify hidden discounts, combine loyalty programs, avoid common pitfalls, and even access free delivery in high-demand areas like the Pike Outlets, Shoreline Village, and the Arts District. Real examples from Long Beach residents, curated tools, and best practices based on local trends make this guide uniquely valuable to anyone living in or visiting the city.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sign Up for Multiple Delivery Apps and Claim Welcome Bonuses

One of the easiest ways to start saving is by taking advantage of new-user promotions. Each major food delivery platform—DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Postmates—offers substantial discounts to first-time users. In Long Beach, these can range from $10 to $20 off your first order, often with no minimum spend or free delivery for orders over $15.

For example, DoorDash frequently offers $20 off your first order of $20 or more. Uber Eats may give you $15 off with free delivery on your initial order. Grubhub often pairs a $10 discount with waived service fees. The key is to sign up for all platforms using different email addresses and phone numbers (if allowed) to maximize your savings.

Pro Tip: Use a secondary email like “longbeachfooddeals@gmail.com” to avoid cluttering your primary inbox. Many users overlook this step and miss out on future promotional emails that include exclusive local deals.

2. Use Student, Military, and First Responder Discounts

Long Beach is home to California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), and several military installations, including Naval Base Long Beach. Many delivery services offer verified discounts for students, active-duty personnel, veterans, and first responders.

DoorDash and Uber Eats both provide 50% off delivery fees for students through UniDAYS or Student Beans. You can also receive up to $20 in credits per month for military and first responders via ID.me verification. These discounts stack on top of other promotions, making them especially powerful.

To qualify, simply link your .edu email address or upload your military ID through the app’s “Offers” or “Account” section. Once verified, you’ll see discounted rates automatically applied during checkout. These savings are ongoing—not one-time—so keep your verification active.

3. Order During Off-Peak Hours to Avoid Surge Pricing

Surge pricing is one of the most overlooked cost drivers in food delivery. In Long Beach, peak demand occurs between 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (lunch) and 5:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m. (dinner), especially on weekends and during events like the Long Beach Grand Prix or the Pike Outlets’ Friday Night Lights.

To save significantly, shift your ordering window. Try placing orders between 2:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. or 9:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m. You’ll notice lower delivery fees, reduced minimums, and sometimes even waived service charges. Restaurants are less busy during these hours, so they’re more likely to offer promotions to move inventory.

Check the app’s estimated delivery time. If it says “15–20 minutes,” you’re likely in a low-demand window. If it says “45+ minutes,” expect higher fees. Use this as your real-time indicator.

4. Combine Restaurant Promotions with Delivery App Discounts

Many Long Beach restaurants run their own promotions that are independent of delivery apps. For instance, The Fish Market in Long Beach Harbor often offers “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” on appetizers, while Baja Fresh in the Lakewood Village Center gives 20% off orders over $25. These deals are usually listed on the restaurant’s website or social media pages.

Here’s how to combine them: First, find a restaurant deal (e.g., 15% off your order). Then, use a delivery app coupon (e.g., $10 off). If the app allows you to apply multiple discounts, stack them. Even if they don’t, you can still benefit—place your order during off-peak hours to avoid surge pricing, and use a free delivery pass.

Pro Tip: Follow your favorite Long Beach restaurants on Instagram and Facebook. Many post exclusive promo codes like “LBC15” or “Beach20” that aren’t listed on delivery apps. Use these codes in the app’s promo field during checkout.

5. Leverage Free Delivery Passes and Subscriptions

Subscription services like DoorDash DashPass, Uber Eats Pass, and Grubhub+ offer unlimited free delivery for a monthly fee—usually $9.99 to $14.99. But are they worth it in Long Beach?

If you order food delivery at least twice a week, yes. For example, if you spend $30 per order and save $4–$6 in delivery fees each time, you break even after just 3–4 orders. After that, every order is pure savings.

Look for limited-time trials: DoorDash often offers 3 months of DashPass for $1. Uber Eats has given 6 months of free delivery to new users in Southern California. Sign up during these windows to lock in long-term savings.

Important: Only subscribe if you use it consistently. If you only order once a month, skip the subscription and rely on one-time coupons instead.

6. Order from Restaurants With No Delivery Minimums

Many Long Beach restaurants waive minimum order requirements, especially those located in high-density areas like Downtown, the Pike, or the East Village Arts District. These spots are used to high delivery volume and don’t need to enforce minimums to cover costs.

Use the app’s filter: On DoorDash and Uber Eats, select “No Minimum” under “Delivery Options.” You’ll find dozens of local favorites like Thai Spice in Belmont Shore, El Taquito in North Long Beach, and The Sandwich Spot in Bixby Knolls—all offering delivery with no minimum spend.

This is especially helpful for solo diners or those wanting a quick snack. Instead of ordering a $25 meal just to qualify for free delivery, you can order a $12 burrito and pay nothing extra.

7. Split Orders With Neighbors or Roommates

One of the most effective—but underused—strategies in Long Beach is group ordering. If you live in an apartment complex, condo building, or neighborhood like Naples or Rancho Del Mar, coordinate with neighbors to combine orders.

Example: You and three neighbors each want different meals. You order one large pizza from Giovanni’s Pizzeria, two bowls of ramen from Ramen Kaze, and two tacos from Tacos El Gordo. Total: $80. Instead of four separate delivery fees ($24 total), you pay one $6 fee. That’s $18 saved per order.

Use WhatsApp, Nextdoor, or Facebook groups for your neighborhood to organize. Many Long Beach residents already do this. You’ll also get more variety, larger portions, and the chance to try new restaurants together.

8. Use Cashback and Rewards Apps

Third-party apps can amplify your savings. Rakuten, Ibotta, and Honey offer cashback on food delivery purchases. For example, Rakuten currently gives 5–10% cashback on DoorDash and Uber Eats orders in California.

Here’s how to use them:

• Install Rakuten on your browser or mobile app.
• Before placing your order, click through Rakuten to DoorDash or Uber Eats.
• Complete your purchase. Cashback is credited within 1–7 days.

Some credit cards also offer rewards. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card gives 3x points on food delivery. The American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card gives 6% back at supermarkets and select delivery services. If you already use these cards, make sure your delivery orders are charged to them.

Pro Tip: Use Honey to automatically find and apply coupon codes at checkout. It works on all major platforms and often uncovers codes you didn’t know existed.

9. Order Directly From Restaurants (When Possible)

Many Long Beach restaurants have their own websites or phone lines for ordering. When you order directly, you avoid platform fees entirely. For example, The Lobster Place in Alamitos Bay accepts orders via phone or their website with no extra charges. Same goes for Bistro 33 in Downtown and Mosaic Thai Cuisine in North Long Beach.

Check if the restaurant offers:

• Free delivery within a certain radius
• Discounts for direct orders (e.g., “Mention this guide for 10% off”)
• Loyalty punch cards or digital rewards

Some even offer faster delivery because they’re not dependent on third-party drivers. Use Google Maps or Yelp to find direct ordering links. Look for “Order Online” buttons on restaurant websites—they often lead to their own delivery system.

10. Time Your Orders Around Local Events and Holidays

Long Beach hosts dozens of food festivals, cultural events, and holiday promotions that trigger special delivery deals. For example:

• Long Beach Seafood Festival (June): Participating restaurants offer 20% off delivery for festival attendees.
• Fourth of July: Many restaurants waive delivery fees for orders over $30.
• Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May): Local Vietnamese and Filipino restaurants run “Buy One, Get One Free” deals.
• Black Friday/Cyber Monday: DoorDash and Uber Eats offer $10–$25 credits to users who place orders during the holiday weekend.

Subscribe to the Long Beach Post or follow @longbeachfoodie on Instagram for real-time updates. Many restaurants announce these deals 24–48 hours in advance. Set a calendar reminder for major local events to plan your orders ahead.

Best Practices

1. Always Compare Prices Across Apps

The same meal can cost $5–$15 more on one app versus another due to different commission structures, delivery fees, and dynamic pricing. Never assume one app is cheapest. Always open two or three apps and compare the total cost—including tax, tip, and delivery fee—for the same item.

Example: A California roll from Sushi Go in Downtown might cost $18 on DoorDash with $5 delivery, but $16 on Uber Eats with $2 delivery and a $3 coupon. That’s $8 saved.

2. Avoid “Recommended” Items

Delivery apps prioritize items with the highest commission margins—not the best value. “Recommended for You” or “Popular” items are often overpriced or have inflated markups. Instead, scroll to the bottom of the menu and look for “Value Meals,” “Lunch Specials,” or “Combo Deals.” These are usually the most cost-effective options.

3. Skip the Upsells

Apps aggressively push add-ons: drinks, sides, desserts, sauces, and “premium” toppings. These can add $5–$12 to your order. Ask yourself: “Do I really need this?” Most of the time, the answer is no. Decline everything except the main dish and maybe one side. You can always buy a drink or snack separately for less.

4. Use Cash Instead of Credit When Possible

While this isn’t always possible with delivery apps, some Long Beach restaurants accept cash for pickup or direct delivery. If you order directly and pay cash, you avoid credit card processing fees that get passed on to you as higher prices. Plus, you’re less likely to overspend when paying with physical money.

5. Plan Weekly Meals in Advance

Impulse ordering leads to higher spending. Instead, plan your meals for the week. Choose 3–4 delivery days and stick to them. Create a simple list: Monday—tacos, Wednesday—ramen, Friday—pizza. This reduces decision fatigue and prevents late-night, overpriced cravings.

Use Google Keep or a notes app to save your favorite meals and restaurants. Label them “Budget-Friendly,” “Weekend Treat,” or “Family Meal.” This helps you stay intentional.

6. Tip Strategically

Tipping is generous in Long Beach, but you don’t need to tip 20–25% on every order. The app suggests a tip, but you can adjust it. A $2–$3 tip is fair for small orders under $20. For larger orders, 10–15% is sufficient. Consider tipping in cash when you pick up, or use the app’s “Tip Later” option to assess the driver’s service after delivery.

7. Don’t Order During Bad Weather Unless Necessary

Heavy rain, high winds, or extreme heat in Long Beach often trigger surge pricing. Delivery drivers may also delay orders due to safety concerns. Wait until conditions improve unless it’s an emergency. You’ll save money and get faster service.

8. Cancel Unused Subscriptions

Many users forget they’ve signed up for a delivery subscription. Check your bank statements monthly for recurring charges like DashPass or Grubhub+. If you haven’t used it in 30 days, cancel it. You can always re-subscribe later when you’re ordering more frequently.

9. Support Local Restaurants With Lower Margins

Smaller, family-owned restaurants in Long Beach (like La Casita in Los Altos or Sabor Latino in West Long Beach) often have lower delivery fees and fewer markups. They rely on volume, not commissions. Choosing them over chain restaurants can save you 15–30% per order while supporting the local economy.

10. Review Your Order History Monthly

Most apps let you view your order history. Go through it once a month. Ask yourself:

• Which restaurants do I order from most?
• What’s my average spend per order?
• Am I paying more than I should for delivery?

This audit helps you identify spending patterns and make adjustments. You might discover you’re spending $150/month on delivery—when you could cut it to $80 with smarter choices.

Tools and Resources

1. Local Long Beach Food Blogs and Influencers

Follow these trusted sources for real-time deals:

• Long Beach Foodie (Instagram: @longbeachfoodie) – Daily posts on new promotions, hidden gems, and discount codes.
• Visit Long Beach (visitlongbeach.com) – Official tourism site with curated food events and restaurant partnerships.
• Long Beach Post Food Section (longbeachpost.com/food) – Weekly roundups of delivery deals and new openings.

2. Coupon Aggregators

Use these sites to find verified promo codes:

• RetailMeNot – Search “DoorDash Long Beach” or “Uber Eats CA” for active codes.
• Honey – Browser extension that auto-applies coupons at checkout.
• Promocodes.com – Updated daily with Long Beach-specific offers.

3. Price Comparison Tools

Use these to compare the same meal across apps:

• OrderUp – Aggregates menus from DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub in one view.
• MenuPages – Shows real-time pricing and delivery fees for Long Beach restaurants.

4. Budgeting Apps

Track your food delivery spending with:

• YNAB (You Need A Budget) – Create a “Food Delivery” category and set a monthly limit.
• PocketGuard – Automatically categorizes your delivery charges and shows spending trends.

5. Neighborhood Facebook Groups

Join these active local groups:

• Long Beach Food Swap & Deals
• Belmont Shore Community Group
• North Long Beach Residents

Members frequently post: “Anyone want to split a $50 order from Thai Spice?” or “Free delivery from El Mariachi today—DM me!” These groups are goldmines for local savings.

6. Google Alerts for Long Beach Food Deals

Set up a free Google Alert with the keyword: “Long Beach food delivery deal”. You’ll receive daily emails with new promotions, blog posts, and news articles. This keeps you informed without having to search constantly.

Real Examples

Example 1: The CSULB Student

Jessica, 20, is a junior at CSULB who lives in a dorm. She used to spend $60–$80 per week on food delivery. After applying the steps in this guide:

• She signed up for DoorDash and Uber Eats using her .edu email and got $15 off each.
• She activated her student discount for 50% off delivery fees.
• She started ordering during 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. to avoid surge pricing.
• She joined the “Long Beach Student Foodies” Facebook group and organized weekly group orders with 5 roommates.

Result: Her weekly spending dropped to $25–$30—a 65% reduction. She now saves over $200/month.

Example 2: The Working Parent

Mark and Lisa, both full-time employees, have two kids and live in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood. They used to order takeout 4–5 times a week, often paying $40–$50 per order with fees. They changed their habits:

• They started ordering directly from local restaurants like El Taquito and Baja Fresh, saving $5–$8 per order.
• They used Rakuten for 7% cashback on all delivery orders.
• They subscribed to Grubhub+ for $12/month and now order 3–4 times a week with free delivery.
• They plan meals on Sundays and avoid last-minute cravings.

Result: Their monthly food delivery spend dropped from $500 to $210—a 58% savings. They now have $290 extra per month for groceries or family outings.

Example 3: The Freelancer in Downtown

Ryan, a freelance graphic designer, works from home and used to order lunch and dinner daily. He spent $100+ weekly. He implemented:

• Ordering from restaurants with no minimums (e.g., The Sandwich Spot).
• Using Honey to auto-apply coupons.
• Timing orders for 9:00 p.m. when fees dropped.
• Using his Chase Sapphire card for 3x points on delivery.

Result: His weekly spending fell to $55. He now earns 300+ points monthly—enough for a free flight to San Diego.

FAQs

Can I really save 50% on food delivery in Long Beach?

Absolutely. Residents who follow the strategies in this guide consistently save between 40–60% on their monthly food delivery bills. It’s not about eating less—it’s about ordering smarter.

Which delivery app is cheapest in Long Beach?

There’s no single “cheapest” app. Prices vary by restaurant, time of day, and promotions. Always compare DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub side-by-side before ordering. Sometimes, ordering directly from the restaurant is the best option.

Do I need to pay a subscription to save money?

No. Subscriptions are only worth it if you order at least twice a week. If you order less frequently, use one-time coupons, cashback, and off-peak ordering instead.

Are there any free delivery options in Long Beach?

Yes. Many restaurants offer free delivery within 2–3 miles of their location. Look for “Free Delivery” filters on apps. Also, some apartment complexes have partnerships with delivery services for free service to residents.

Can I use multiple coupons on one order?

It depends on the app. Uber Eats allows one promo code per order. DoorDash sometimes lets you stack a restaurant coupon with a delivery coupon. Always test it at checkout.

What’s the best time to order in Long Beach to avoid fees?

2:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m. are the lowest-demand windows. Avoid 12:00–2:00 p.m. and 5:30–8:00 p.m. for the best rates.

Do local restaurants in Long Beach offer discounts for direct orders?

Many do. Call or check the restaurant’s website. Some say, “Order through us and get 10% off.” Others offer loyalty punch cards or free dessert after five orders.

Is it better to tip in cash or through the app?

Both are fine. Tipping in cash ensures the driver gets the full amount. Tipping through the app is convenient and traceable. If you’re unsure, tip $2–$3 for small orders and 10–15% for larger ones.

How do I find out about local food events with delivery deals?

Follow @longbeachfoodie on Instagram, check Visit Long Beach’s website, and join local Facebook groups. Many deals are announced 24–48 hours before the event.

Can I save money by ordering vegetarian or plant-based meals?

Often, yes. Plant-based dishes tend to have lower ingredient costs, so restaurants price them more competitively. Look for “Vegan Specials” or “Plant-Based Combos” on menus—they’re frequently the best value.

Conclusion

Saving on food delivery in Long Beach isn’t about sacrificing your favorite meals or settling for bland options. It’s about becoming a strategic, informed, and intentional consumer. By combining local knowledge with smart technology, timing, and community collaboration, you can enjoy the city’s incredible food scene without draining your bank account.

The methods outlined in this guide—from stacking welcome bonuses and using cashback apps to ordering during off-peak hours and supporting neighborhood restaurants—are not theoretical. They’re proven by real Long Beach residents who’ve slashed their delivery bills by half or more. Whether you’re a student, a parent, a remote worker, or a retiree, these strategies work for everyone.

Start today. Pick one step—maybe signing up for a student discount or checking out the “No Minimum” filter—and implement it. Then add another next week. Over time, these small changes compound into major savings. You’ll not only keep more money in your pocket—you’ll also develop a deeper connection to the culinary heart of Long Beach.

Remember: Convenience shouldn’t come at a premium. With the right approach, your next meal can be delicious, satisfying, and budget-friendly—all at the same time.