Summary
Using discount certificates from Restaurant.com can save money when eating out in Los Angeles. These are DISCOUNT certificates applicable towards a greater amount and differ from Groupon, Living Social, or other social buying programs. While reliability may vary across different regions, experiences in LA have generally been positive. It’s advisable to call restaurants to confirm acceptance of certificates before making a purchase.
Pros
- Easy to buy and use
- Discount on nice restaurants
- Good selection of restaurants across various price ranges
- Flexible dining options, regardless of group size
- Gift Certificates are available
- Mobile app for convenience
Cons
- Limited representation in some neighborhoods
- Fewer options on weekend nights
- Gift certificates may be less useful in areas with limited restaurant choices
- If you’re outside of the LA area, some certificates may not be accepted, so it’s best to call ahead.
Description
- Discount Dining Certificates
- Available for printing at home
- Various denominations offered
Guide Review
Restaurant.com is a marketing website that provides discounted dining certificates, functioning similarly to a coupon for dollar discounts off a greater amount, for various popular and lesser-known restaurants nationwide. You purchase a dining certificate for less than its face value and redeem it for the full value at participating restaurants. For example, a $25 dining certificate might be available for only $10, allowing a savings of $15 on your meal. Additionally, special discount codes may offer even greater savings.
It’s important to note that the entire amount you pay does not go to the restaurant; rather, it serves as a marketing fee for driving customers, and consequently, each restaurant sets its minimum purchase requirement. Therefore, to utilize a $25 certificate, one typically needs to order food worth $35-$50 (excluding alcohol), with taxes and tips based on the total pre-discount amount. Be aware that certain terms may apply regarding when certificates can be redeemed, as many restaurants disallow their use during peak dining times such as Friday or Saturday evenings. Certificates priced at $10 are commonly valid for lunch only.
The convenience of utilizing Restaurant.com cannot be overstated. It allows users to effortlessly access the website, input a zip code to locate dining options, review menus and pricing, and purchase certificates for immediate printing. Moreover, the experience has been streamlined with the introduction of a mobile app.
For instance, during a visit to Long Beach, I purchased a certificate for a restaurant while away from a printer. While initially concerned about redemption, I was able to email the certificate and access it using my iPhone. Eventually, despite the restaurant initially being unable to scan directly from my device, the owner facilitated the printing process on his computer. The experience was gratifying, as we enjoyed a delightful dinner at a fraction of the cost.
It is essential to keep in mind that tips should be calculated based on the full bill amount prior to any discounts, and many establishments automatically add an 18% gratuity. Although my experiences redeeming restaurant certificates in the Los Angeles area have been favorable, others in different regions may have faced challenges.
Note: Always check the menu prices before deciding on a certificate, as you may find more cost-effective options for dining for two than the minimum purchase stipulation.
