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One North Carolina City Leads The Country In Tips For Uber Eats Drivers

A lot of us count on food delivery apps to satisfy our cravings, and some people aren’t afraid to ask for the weird stuff they want.  But it turns out,…

Uber eats bag

(Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images)

A lot of us count on food delivery apps to satisfy our cravings, and some people aren’t afraid to ask for the weird stuff they want.  But it turns out, what happens on Uber Eats doesn’t always stay there. Sometimes, it gets shared with the world in the Uber Eats Cravings Report. I found the report, which also tells us what the top Uber-tipping city is. A North Carolina city is the top Uber-tipping city in the country! The most generous tippers in the country are in Olympia, Washington; Asheville, North Carolina; and Bismarck, North Dakota. Way to go Asheville!

The fifth annual report has just come out, revealing the most popular and most unusual special requests of 2023. These are some of the surprising trends Uber Eats has seen in the last few months:

  • Americans want more heat - People are asking for hot sauce more than any other condiment this year.
  • As American as apple pie - The top dessert order of 2023 is apple pie, and Uber Eats delivered almost 2-million apple pie orders.
  • Beyond fast food - The top three most popular non-food items ordered are Scott Unscented Toilet Paper, Plan B One-Step Emergency Contraceptive and COVID-19 Antigen Home Tests.
  • Midnight munchies - Between study sessions and nights out on the town, college cravings often hit late. Penn State is the college with the most late night orders (midnight to 4 a.m.), followed by University of Iowa.
  • Manners matter - The most polite cities are San Francisco and Richmond, Virginia, where people say “please” and “thank you” most in their instructions.

As for the top food orders:

  • The most popular delivery requests in the U.S. are no onions, dressing on the side, Ranch, extra soy sauce and spicy.
  • The most ordered item is French fries, then garlic naan and Pad Thai.
  • The most popular delivery combos are burrito bowl + cheese, French fries + salt, and chicken sandwich + shredded lettuce.
  • There are a lot of surprising food combos ordered, with the most unexpected being steak + jelly, followed by cottage cheese + mustard, and condensed milk + avocado.
  • The most frequently paired food and alcohol is ribeye + vodka, cheeseburger + frozen margarita, and chicken + frozen piña colada.

The most unique delivery requests include:

  • “Extra cheese sauce please 🙂 I’ll pay for it. I’m also drunk asf so if you load it up you’d make me the happiest drunk girl ever.”
  • “Sauce on everything. I mean it. Literally drown my food in that amazing nectar.”
  • “I’m very serious about my spice so please make it super super super hot, fire spicy. Like make me cry 😢 🥵 hot!!! More 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Please make me hurt! Let’s get as spicy as possible. Hotter the better!!!”
  • “Put it in a box instead of a circle container. I refuse to eat any food if presented in a circle container. Please don’t ruin my meal for me.”
  • “Please drench the whole bowl in white sauce with a spiral of red sauce!!!! Thank you so much!!!! Just do what I ask.”
  • “Could you please write a note on the coffee saying ‘Hope you have a great day Jojo, I’m proud of you <3.’ It’s for a girl I really like. Thanks a lot!”

3 North Carolina Cities Named Best Southern Cities By Southern Living

We know there is a lot to love in North Carolina. The state is full of some fantastic places to live whether you are looking for small-town living or city-dreaming. We report a lot about the fantastic small towns our state is home to. But now it's time for some of our best cities to shine. And shine is just what they are doing. Southern Living Magazine recently released its 2023 The South's Best Cities list and three North Carolina cities were featured. The list is voted on by the publication's readers, and I have to say they did a good job selecting. The number one and two best southern cities are Charleston and Savannah which epitomize southern hospitality.

But Charleston wasn't the only South Carolina city to make the list. Another, increasingly popular, city came in at number 7 on the list. I'll give you a hint that ranks higher than both Charlotte and Raleigh who fell back to back on this list. Keep reading to see which of the North and South Carolina cities were named as some of the best southern cities. You'll also find the top 10. Read more about them and how this list was curated on Southern Living's website.

North Carolina

12. Raleigh, NC

North Carolina

Raleigh, North Carolina, USA downtown skyline.

Coming in at number 12 on the list is Raleigh. Our state's capital city is home to a number of wonderful restaurants, museums, festivals, and of course, the North Carolina State Fair which happens every October. It's also home to the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team, and several universities.

11. Charlotte, NC

Charlotteskiserge1/Getty Images Plus

Back to back are Charlotte and Raleigh the two largest cities in the state. And while I don't buy into the "rivalry" between the two cities this time Charlotte one-upped Raleigh. An ever-growing city Charlotte is home to breweries, renowned restaurants and shopping, Carowinds, and the US National White Water Center. And for the sports lovers, there is the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Football Club, Charlotte Knights, and NASCAR is a short drive north in Concord.

3. Asheville, NC

AshevilleSean Pavone/Getty Images Plus

All the way at number 3 is the mountain paradise of Asheville, NC. It eclipses destinations such as New Orleans, Nashville, and Austin Texas. Which are heavy hitters. But Asheville's beauty and culture can't go unrecognized. Whether it's the incredible culinary scene, attractions like Biltmore and the Grove Park Inn, hiking, or the arts culture there is something for everyone to love in Asheville. Visit in October during leaf season? You're in for an even bigger treat!

South Carolina

7. Greenville, SC

Greensville South Carolina City Park

Once a dilapidated section of Greenville, South Carolina, Falls Park on the Reedy is now a beautiful urban park space with walking trails, falling water, surrounded by art galleries and restaurants.

Greenville has had quite a revival of late and has positioned itself as a destination city in South Carolina. From festivals to the bustling downtown, parks, trails, and more after a visit you'll be saying what the locals say "Yeah, that Greenville". 

1. Charleston, SC

Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina (SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images Plus)

I'd be shocked if Charleston didn't top this list. The city received (deservedly so) accolade after accolade and is a popular vacation destination for people all over the country. The gorgeous scenery, historic downtown, world-class restaurants, bars, and more make it what it is.  And in my, completely biased opinion, is there a better example of a quintessential southern city? I think not.

Top 20 Southern Cities

    ManeyEditor
    Steve Maney’s radio career has taken him all over the US, from interning with Howard Stern to working with Elvis Duran, this radio veteran now calls Charlotte and Kiss 95.1 home. He is Kiss’ staple entertainment guy writing about his thoughts on local news and funny topics like the name of the male Karen. It’s so much to know, but Maney will deep dive into any topic to get you a great piece to read.