Want proof that we're all hunting for good restaurant deals? Look no further than the 2 million free breakfast meals given out by Denny's on Feb. 3. After its TV ads ran Feb. 1 during the Super Bowl, the company's website got more than 40 million hits, causing it to crash.
Other than Ikea offering free breakfasts during its "Seize the Days" monthly offers, I haven't noticed many other companies hopping on the free-meal train. But restaurant specials are easier to find in this economy. "People still want to eat out and have fun," said David Garvis of Twin Cities Originals, a group of independently owned restaurants. "They just want a little economic incentive to do so."
Anyone with a Happenings book is used to buy-one-get-one-free deals, but some of the new incentives are almost giveaways. Restaurant.com, for example, occasionally sells $25 gift certificates for $5, an 80 percent savings. How can a restaurant afford it? Joe Kaplan, owner of Joe's Garage in Minneapolis, said he doesn't receive even the $5. "We get free advertising on the site and hope that we get first-time diners who will spend more than the minimum and come back," he said.
But there is no guarantee. Kaplan dropped out of one discount program after noticing that many of its customers ordered only the BOGO and water. He's hopeful that his restaurant will hold its own with entrees under $20.
We compiled a list of restaurants and websites offering incentives, but because it's only a sampling, feel free to send in your own tips or dining deals for a possible followup. When all else fails, call and ask the restaurant about specials, early or late dining deals, half-price-wine nights, happy hours and kids-eat-free specials. And remember to tip on the full amount of the check when using discount coupons.
WHERE TO FIND DEALS
Your mailbox. Open the envelope of coupons from Valpak or go to www.valpak.com. The blue Valpak envelope of coupons I received in last week's mail had three coupons for restaurants in my neighborhood. The site had online-only offers.
Daily newspapers and neighborhood weeklies. Check out the Star Tribune on Mondays for the 50-percent-off weekly deal at one featured restaurant. Past deals have included Palomino, Bloomington ChopHouse, Chez Daniel and Tryg's. Go to www.startribune.com/halfpricedining. Neighborhood weeklies such as Sun papers always have coupons.
Restaurant.com. Type in your ZIP code for restaurants in your area. You can get 50 percent discounts all the time, but for better deals, sign up for e-mail alerts when the discounts increase to 60, 70 or 80 percent. Selection is usually best on the first of the month when a new allotment of gift certificates is posted. Later in the month, the discounts increase if you use the discount code provided. Currently, use the discount code ENJOY to receive 70 percent off. In other words, a $50 gift card costs $15. The program is national, but more than 40 Twin Cities restaurants are listed, including Conga Latin Bistro, McCormick & Schmick's, Country Kitchen in New Hope, and Dangerfield's in Shakopee. The deals can be amazing, but check the fine print at each restaurant. The discount might apply only on certain weeknights, and there might be a minimum purchase amount or a limit of one certificate per table.
