Chicagoans, New Yorkers Gain Access To UberEATS

In the hustle and bustle of the city, Uber has secured a spot in the daily vocabulary of many. Now, Chicagoans and New Yorkers may need to clarify which service it is that they are “Ubering,” as the on-demand cab service has most recently evolved to include UberEATS, a service offering curbside food delivery from a custom, daily menu.

On Wednesday (April 29), the company unveiled the dual expansion of UberEATS, which initially piloted in Los Angeles and Barcelona — markets where it will also remain active.

The service is available to all Uber app users who are within an EATS coverage area. New York’s boundaries fall between 14th Street and 40th Street, though the company notes that it plans to expand soon. In Chicago, UberEATS service is available to those in The Loop and River North.

The user simply needs to identify their delivery location, and select the desired meal(s). The food will be delivered to the user’s curb “within minutes,” and a tip is not necessary, Uber said. Regardless of how many meals are ordered, Chicagoans will pay a flat $3 delivery fee, while New Yorkers will pay a $4 fee.

“This week’s menu in New York City features an exclusive sandwich from American Cut, Kale Caesar salad from sweetgreen, steak sandwich from Num Pang, and more,” the company’s blog post explains. “In Chicago, we’ll be delivering the Pepito Torta from XOCO, Carne Asada Cemita from Cemitas, and more.” Meals will not be customizable at this time.

While Los Angeles offers dinner as well as lunch, NYC and Chicago models are sticking to lunch, with both Chicago and New York customers having access to the service from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Friday.

While UberEATS was the lone official rollout from the company this week, it’s not the only headline Uber has nabbed this week. On Tuesday, Uber news broke regarding what looks to be a stab at same-day delivery in other markets. And while the company has not made a formal announcement of where or when its next delivery expansion may occur, signs point to the company being in talks with high-end retailers including Neiman Marcus, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany’s, Cohen’s Fashion Optical and Hugo Boss.

Uber is not exactly a novice in delivery services, but it’s not exactly a veteran, either. In January, Uber shuttered its UberEssentials branch, which had offered everyday household products on-demand during a short-lived run in Washington, D.C.

But — legal battles and Uber antagonists aside — Uber seems to remain fearless, adopting a “try, try again” mentality that will surely continue to shape its ongoing evolution.