Mmmmmm, tasty food for less...

If you're up for trying out new restaurants or like getting a bargain at your favorite eating hangout, then you should try out Restaurant.com. They sell gift certificates for various restaurants in your area at up to 60% off the face value. You buy them online and then print them out on your computer right away. No fuss, no muss, no waiting.

I just purchased a $25 gift certificate from Restaurant.com for a local Italian restaurant. The cost for the $25 certificate would have been $10, but I had a 60% off coupon code, so I only paid $4. for it (I used code 51325 but that expires June 30,2005; check Fatwallet.com forums for newer coupon codes).

There are several restrictions so read the fine print. Typically, you can only use one gift certificate per visit, there has to be at least two people eating, and you have to spend a minimun of $35. But even if your total bill came to $40 before taxes (make sure you tip on the total), you would have only spent $19 ($40 - 25 = $15, plus the $4 for the gift certificate). Not too shabby.

You could also use those coupon books that are available like the Entertainment book, but you have to buy those and, unless you eat out a lot, you may not get your money's worth. But those coupon books can be a good deal if you buy them near the end of the year, where typically you'll pay about $10 for a book. Right now they're free if you buy next year's book which is not too bad if you split it with a friend.

So, don't forget to use a coupon to buy a Restaurant.com Gift Certificate, and enjoy good eats, cheap ;)