Shhh I'm using a coupon
For the thrifty diner who wants to save a buck at restaurants but not fiddle with coupons comes Rewards Network. You sign up on their Web site, register a credit card, then eat at one of the hundreds of restaurants that are part of the program. Each one has different perks but you can get up to 20% back on your entire meal, including alcohol and tax. The discount shows up a few days later on your credit card so you never have to show a membership card, mention a discount to the server, or say a word to your dining companions. Just pay with the card you registered.
Caveats: Rewards Network "retains" the first $49 in rebates each year but never charges you an outright fee. You don't get to see the specific benefits at each eatery until you join, which is kind of lame. Because you are giving them your credit card information, which is how they track your rebates, they can see where you are spending your moolah. If you are worried about privacy (read their privacy policy here) consider registering a credit card that you will only use for eating out.
Valley restaurants include The Rack at the Promenade mall in Canoga Park, Spazio in Sherman Oaks, many Baja Fresh locations and dozens of other restaurants. Browse the list of participating restaurants by zip code, cuisine, or state. Thanks, Stephanie!
