Present coupon to server when seated

I don't like coupons for that reason. I expect the service to be less than what I would like; perhaps the portion size will be reduced. I have purchased a 'Groupon' for the first time and it is for a local restaurant. If I wait until after the food is ordered, will they refuse to accept it? Wait until the check is presented, will they refuse to accept it?

I've never had that happen. Even though restaurant.com cert. say to present before ordering, I wait for the bill and I have never had any problems.

Ellen,

Yes, they could refuse to accept it . At a minimum, it becomes a hassle and extra work for them /delay for you to have the ticket corrected.

I have redeemed many ( higher end) restaurant coupons and Groupons, and I've never had a problem with lesser service. The whole point of the coupon is to introduce you to their business, so it would be very short-sighted of them to treat a coupon customer as "less". The kitchen won't know about a coupon, so there is no risk of a small portion. Just make sure to tip on the full amount that you would have paid without the coupon.

Deb

I have had the same dilemma. I generally present coupons (Groupon, Louisville Originals GCs, etc.) at the beginning, but 50% of the time, the server says something like, "Oh, you can just give that to me when you pay." So it confuses me, and I end up feeling like a silly old Girl Scout for following directions to the letter.

Don't feel silly! From a FOH perspective, even if they want them at the end, the server appreciates knowing in advance purely for computer purposes. As for BOH, while we sometimes see tickets marked as VIP or COMP in the kitchens, I have never seen a ticket that advises me the customer is using a coupon. We are all looking at remembering temp and other requests. You should be fine either way, though.

We normally hand over the coupon after dinner and before ordering (or declining) dessert, so the server can put it in the system prior to closing out the check . . . never had a problem. Believe there were some older computer systems in which it was easier to input the coupon up-front, but think most now have no trouble afterwards.