Questions people ask
Using MiBA
Is MiBA free?
Yes. Starting a gathering and voting in one cost nothing.
How do we decide where to eat as a group?
Start a gathering and share the link. Everyone answers a few questions, MiBA ranks the restaurants that suit the whole group, and the host puts up to five on a shortlist for everyone to vote on. Your group sees what you'd love; your no's, your diet and your budget stay private.
Which meals can we plan?
Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, late night, coffee and drinks. The host picks one, and everyone says which days they can't make.
How does MiBA find a date that works for everyone?
The host offers a few dates, each person marks the ones they can't make, and MiBA picks from what's left.
Which cities does MiBA work in?
Anywhere with restaurants. The host picks an area on the map, and MiBA looks at the restaurants there. That includes New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas and Jacksonville.
Can MiBA handle dietary needs like kosher, vegan, halal or gluten-free?
Yes. You set them once on your account, and every gathering you join takes them into account. Someone who must eat kosher is never sent to a place that can't show it's kosher. For other needs, places that show they cater come first, and MiBA says so when it couldn't confirm one.
Can we set a budget?
Yes. The host can set the group's budget, or leave it to each person to say what they'd like to spend. Places over the group's budget are left out.
How do I invite friends? Can I share it in iMessage, WhatsApp or Telegram?
Yes. Share the gathering's link anywhere: an iMessage group, WhatsApp, Telegram, a text or an email.
Do my friends need to download an app?
No. MiBA works in the browser on any phone or computer. Everyone signs in with an email link or a Google account.
What if the group can't agree on a restaurant?
If every place on the shortlist gets a no, MiBA brings the next places to vote on. If nothing fits, the host sees the closest options and what's in the way.
Does MiBA book the table?
No. Once the group decides, MiBA gives you a link or a phone number to book, and everyone hears where and when.
Will it show up in my calendar?
Yes. Once the host marks the table as booked, everyone coming gets a calendar invite by email.
Can I plan a team lunch or a birthday dinner with MiBA?
Yes, and any other meal out together. The host picks the meal, the days and the area, and MiBA finds the restaurants that suit the whole group.
Privacy
Who sees my answers?
Your group sees what you'd love, like the food and the vibe. Your no's, your diet, your budget and the days you can't make stay private.
Does everyone need an account?
Yes, to start a gathering or to vote in one. Signing in takes an email link or a Google account, and MiBA remembers your name and dietary needs for next time.
Why MiBA works this way
Why can't I see what others picked before I answer?
So nobody copies the first answer, and everyone says what they really want. Once you've answered, you see what the group would love. Your no's, your diet and your budget stay private.
Why does MiBA show only a few restaurants?
A short list gets decided; a long one tends to stall. MiBA ranks the restaurants that suit the whole group, and the host puts up to five on a shortlist for everyone to vote on.
Why does MiBA rank the places?
So the host chooses from what the group said, not from a hunch, and the group decides together. MiBA weighs every answer against real restaurants, the host puts up to five on a shortlist, and everyone votes.