Look online at the restaurants before you get the groupon and make sure there is a place you want to go. I find that I don't really want to go to any of them (usually they are average places or ones that aren't doing well), or that there is a catch -- usually that the meal doesn't include alcohol so it is hard to get to the deal level unless you have a bigger group (eg, you spent $50 to get $100 worth of food only, but that is a lot of food for 2 people as usually entrees at these places are in the $20 range). Every now and then there is a sushi place and I find that to be a good deal. Also, if you see a restaurant you like, buy the restaurant certificate asap as it lasts for a year and a week later it may no longer be on the restaurant.com website. Also a lot of time you spend $35 for $50 worth of food, so an ok deal if you like the restaurant.

You know those "deals" that come through groupon or wherever to spend $50 for a $250 gift card to Restaurants.com?
I always assumed it was a scam, and the only participating restaurants were like Applebees. But if anyone has a good experience doing this, please share.
I can use an extra $200 for a night out!