DoorDash sometimes shows “pickup only” because the app is temporarily limiting delivery mode, usually due to not enough drivers (Dashers), app issues, or unsafe conditions like bad weather or heavy traffic.

Why orders are pickup only

There are a few common reasons why DoorDash might only let you pick up orders instead of getting them delivered:

  • Not enough Dashers nearby
    DoorDash relies on independent drivers (Dashers) to deliver food. If there are too few Dashers active in your area at that moment, the system can’t reliably promise delivery, so it falls back to “pickup only” to keep orders running.
  • App or system problems
    If the DoorDash app is having technical issues (like a recent update or outage), deliveries might be temporarily disabled. Pickup still works because the restaurant just needs the order details, not a Dasher assignment.
  • Bad weather or unsafe conditions
    During storms, heavy snow, or other dangerous conditions, DoorDash may switch to pickup only to protect drivers and ensure food doesn’t get lost or stuck. This also happens in areas with difficult access, like gated communities or poorly lit parking lots.
  • High demand or restaurant limits
    Some restaurants choose to disable delivery themselves during very busy times (like Friday night rush) or events, so they can manage their own staff and pace. Others may only support delivery within a certain distance, so farther customers see pickup only.

Restaurants’ role

Restaurants that partner with DoorDash can control whether they offer delivery, pickup, or both:

  • A restaurant may set its own delivery radius or hours and only allow pickup if you’re outside that zone.
  • Some restaurants are “pickup only” by design, especially quick-service spots where customers often grab food on the go.

What “pickup only” means for you

  • You can still order food through the app, but you’ll need to go to the restaurant to pick it up.
  • The menu, prices, and interface look almost the same; the only difference is that, instead of a delivery address, you select a pickup time and then head to the store.
  • It’s especially useful if you’re already nearby (e.g., on your way home from work) but annoying if you were counting on delivery.

What usually helps

If the app is suddenly “pickup only” and you want delivery:

  • Try again in 15–30 minutes
    Often, more Dashers come online or the app recovers, and delivery becomes available again.
  • Check other delivery apps
    Uber Eats, Grubhub, or a direct restaurant order might still offer delivery even if DoorDash doesn’t.
  • Look at store details
    Tap into the restaurant’s page in the app; sometimes it says “pickup only” because that’s how the restaurant is set up, not because of a temporary issue.

When this is normal

“Pickup only” isn’t always a glitch—it’s DoorDash’s way of keeping orders running when:

  • It’s very late at night or very early in the morning (fewer Dashers around).
  • You’re in a more rural or low‑density area where delivery zones are limited.
  • There’s a holiday, big event, or storm keeping drivers off the road.

Bottom line: DoorDash shows “pickup only” when it can’t safely or reliably promise delivery, usually due to driver availability, weather, or restaurant settings. It’s usually temporary, but some restaurants are just pickup-only by policy.