Expanding your social circle can be quite difficult once you’re all grown up, but if you’re in the market for newfound friends, meetups over meals can provide a nice distraction should the conversation lull. That’s where the app Grubwithus, for iPhone and iPod Touch, comes in.
Started in 2010, Grubwithus is currently available in nine cities — including Chicago, San Francisco and New York — with more launches coming soon. The site arranges meals with dining establishments throughout your city and opens up the meal to anyone in the Grubwithus network. If you sign up in-app, you’ll need to create a dedicated account or connect with Facebook, but if you register at grubwithus.com, you can connect with Google or Twitter, too.
You’ll be able to see currently scheduled meals on the Grub page, along with who has already RSVPed and information if the event is for a specific cause. The earlier you reserve your spot, the cheaper your meal will be — what you’ll be eating is available on the event’s Menu button — so brave souls open to all company can save some cash while they socialize. Meal payment is done through the Grubwithus app, so there’s no sticky check-splitting needed for later on. Be sure to read the Grubwithus meal etiquette, available in account tab, so you know what’s kosher on your first time out.
The Grubwithus app is easy to use, but if I have one gripe it’s that its features are limited. For instance, the website offers profile customization and the ability to request your own Grubwithus event; neither is available in the app.
Definitely give Grubwithus a look if it’s available in your city. But be sure you can commit to a meal if you snag a seat — tickets are transferable, but cannot be canceled.
