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What is a Restaurant Voucher?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

A restaurant voucher is a coupon or certificate that grants the holder the right to a specific discount or special offer at a restaurant. Vouchers may be offered as a means of advertising for a restaurant, through discount websites, as gifts, or as prizes. Using restaurant vouchers is a great way to try out new places and dine at great restaurants for significantly less money.

There are many different services that a voucher may guarantee. Some offer a free menu item, free meal, or free meal with the purchase of another meal. Others work as a discounted gift certificate, for instance, a voucher worth $50 US Dollars (USD) at the restaurant might be sold through a discount website for $25 USD. Vouchers may give diners access to a special menu not offered to regular customers, or may give access to a special event at the restaurant.

When using a restaurant voucher, the waitstaff should be tipped on the check total before any discount is applied.
When using a restaurant voucher, the waitstaff should be tipped on the check total before any discount is applied.

Finding vouchers is often half the fun of using them. Some are available in local newspapers and magazines; these often offer a discounted meal or a discount on additional meals with purchase. For those who live in areas popular with tourists, check out brochures and tourist pamphlets for deals on local places. Many areas occasionally send out a packet in the mail with information about local participating businesses in an effort to drum up business; these packets are often a great place to find a restaurant voucher.

Restaurant vouchers may be limited to specific foods or drinks.
Restaurant vouchers may be limited to specific foods or drinks.

One of the best modern ways to find a restaurant voucher is by signing up for a discount offer website. These websites are usually free to join, and send out daily emails with a few select deals based on the zip code of the account holder. While a restaurant voucher may not appear every day, they are quite common offerings. Vouchers offered through discount sites are usually not free, and tend to offer a deal or discount on gift certificates or specific services.

Finding restaurant vouchers is often half the fun of using them.
Finding restaurant vouchers is often half the fun of using them.

Another easy way to find a restaurant voucher is to check the website of the restaurant itself. These web pages often have a section that lists current deals, discounts and offers. Some may feature downloadable vouchers that can be printed and presented at the restaurant.

When using a restaurant voucher, it may be a good idea to inform the wait staff of the voucher before ordering. This can help ensure that the deal is still valid, which can prevent considerable confusion when the check is presented. According to etiquette experts, regardless of the discount or free items, tips should be based on the amount of the entire check before the voucher is applied; otherwise, the wait staff, hosts, and kitchen staff may receive lower tips for the same amount of work and care.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a SmartCapitalMind writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a SmartCapitalMind writer.

Learn more...

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    • When using a restaurant voucher, the waitstaff should be tipped on the check total before any discount is applied.
      By: Kablonk Micro
      When using a restaurant voucher, the waitstaff should be tipped on the check total before any discount is applied.
    • Restaurant vouchers may be limited to specific foods or drinks.
      By: volff
      Restaurant vouchers may be limited to specific foods or drinks.
    • Finding restaurant vouchers is often half the fun of using them.
      By: Ana Blazic Pavlovic
      Finding restaurant vouchers is often half the fun of using them.
    • A restaurant voucher is a good way to dine at an expensive restaurant without spending too much money.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      A restaurant voucher is a good way to dine at an expensive restaurant without spending too much money.