New York City might be the financial capital of the world, but in 2025, “Cash is King” still holds true for many of its best local eateries.
While high-end spots in SoHo or Hudson Yards have gone “Card Only,” the real flavor of Manhattan—the dollar slices, the late-night halal carts, and the basement dumpling houses in Chinatown—often still prefers, or exclusively accepts, cash.
If you are stuck with cash in hand and an empty stomach in the Big Apple, here is your guide to finding delivery that accepts paper currency, and how this unique ecosystem compares to the rest of the world.
Why NYC Restaurants Still Love Cash
Unlike London, which has moved almost entirely to digital payments, New York City has a unique legal landscape. In fact, NYC passed legislation requiring brick-and-mortar stores to accept cash to prevent discrimination against the unbanked.
For delivery, however, the rules are looser. Restaurants prefer cash to:
- Avoid Credit Card Fees: That 3% swipe fee adds up for a $4 slice of pizza.
- Immediate Liquidity: Small business owners need cash flow daily to buy ingredients.
The Best Platforms for Cash Delivery in NYC
Not all apps work the same in the five boroughs. Here is the breakdown:
1. Grubhub / Seamless (The NYC Staple)
Seamless (owned by Grubhub) is ingrained in NYC culture. It is the most “cash-friendly” of the major apps.
- The Trick: Filter your search by “Cash” (if available) or look for the “Pay with Cash” option at checkout.
- Availability: High in Upper West Side, Harlem, and the Lower East Side.
2. Delivery.com
Often overshadowed by the giants, Delivery.com has a stronghold in New York for laundry and food. They often support local bodegas and delis that rely on cash transactions.
3. The “Old School” Direct Call
In neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little Italy, the best food isn’t on an app.
- How to do it: Search Google Maps for “Chinese takeout” or “Pizzeria.”
- The Rule: If they have their own delivery guy (usually on an e-bike), they almost always take cash. This is the exact same strategy that works for ordering food with cash in India—bypassing the app to save on fees.
Top Neighborhoods for Cash Delivery
If you are searching for “Cash delivery near me,” your location matters.
- Chinatown (Manhattan): The highest density of cash-only businesses. Many dim sum and noodle houses do not use third-party apps to avoid commissions.
- East Village: Famous for late-night munchies (pizza, falafel) where cash speeds up the transaction.
- Washington Heights: Many Dominican and local spots prefer cash transactions for direct delivery.
Global Context: It is fascinating to see that while NYC holds onto cash for small businesses, other regions are debating its future. Read our deep dive on Is Cash on Delivery Dying? to see how global trends are shifting away from paper money.
NYC Tipping Etiquette (Cash vs. Digital)
Even if you manage to pay for your order digitally, tipping in cash is the golden rule in New York City.
- The Norm: Delivery workers prefer cash tips because they get the money instantly, rather than waiting for the app’s weekly payout.
- The Amount: Standard NYC delivery tip is $3–$5 minimum, or 15-20% for larger orders, especially during bad weather (rain/snow).
Summary
Finding cash delivery in Manhattan is about knowing which app (Seamless) to use and which neighborhoods (Chinatown/East Village) to target. While the world goes digital, NYC’s local food scene keeps the dollar bill alive.
Looking for more options? Check out our master list of Food Delivery Apps That Accept Cash to see which services work in other major cities.
