Restaurant Gift Cards + Bonuses

If you’re planning on getting restaurant gift cards for friends or family this Christmas, buy from a restaurant that’s going to give you some “money” back. Or, what am I saying, go buy gift cards for yourself!

Let’s say I go to QDoba once a month (understatement), if I buy 2 - $25 gift cards, I will get 2 - $5 bonuses for use in Jan/Feb. That's like 2 free burritos! If there is a restaurant you’re more than likely going to visit in January or February (when most of the bonuses are valid), plan ahead and buy the gift cards now and use the bonuses + gift cards throughout the year!

Besides QDoba, I think my favorite offer listed below is at Smokey Bones. Dine in and receive $5 off your meal when buying a gift card AND get a $10 bonus for future use! SB often has BOGO coupons or $10 off coupons online and in the paper, plus all apps are 1/2 price before 6pm during the week! The SB GC is also good at Red Lobster and Olive Garden which always have $3+ coupons in the paper. So you’re getting big savings either way you go here!

Here’s what I’ve collected! Let me know if you see any more deals out there!

Applebee's: Buy $50 gift card, get $10 bonus card free. (and they have that awesome deal for 1 app + 2 entrees for $20!)

Bravo's: Buy $50 gift card, get $10 bonus card free. Bonus card valid 1/1/10- 3/15/10

Buca di Beppo: Buy $100 in gift cards, receive a $25 bonus for use 1/1 – 3/31

Cheesecake Factory: Every $25 worth of gift cards purchased receive a card for a free slice of cheesecake. No additional purchase is necessary when redeeming the free slice of cheesecake card.

Denny's: Buy $25 gift card, get $5 gift card. (lots of newspaper coupons you could use with the GC!)

Famous Daves: Buy $25 in gift cards receive a $5 bonus

Little Ceaser's: Buy $25.00 GC get a $5.00 GC. Apparently, you can use the $5 GC after 24hrs (Needs 24 hrs to be activated). That’s 5 - $5 pizzas + one free!

Macaroni Grill: Buy a $25 GC get a $5 bonus for use 1/10-2/28 (sign up for their e-mail updates and get an occasional $5 off 2 entrees coupons)

Mitchells Fish Market: Buy $100 in gift cards receive a $20 bonus, more than likely for use in Jan/Feb

Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, and Bonefish Grill: $20 bonus card for every gift card purchase of $100. Bonus cards valid 1/1 - 2/10.

Penn Station: Buy $30 in gift cards receive a free small sub on your next visit (Tuesdays are BOGO nights)

QDoba: Buy $25 in gift cards receive a $5 bonus for use in January & February

Red Robin: Buy $25, get $5 bonus card free for use in January.

Ruby Tuesdays Buy $25 GC get a $5 coupon. Coupon good Jan-Feb 2010. (there are often BOGO coupons in the paper – PS their brunch is yummy but like $13 a plate, yikes.

Smokey Bones: Buy $25.00 gift card and get $5.00 off your meal instantly when dining in AND a $10 gift card valid 1/1-2/28. SB gift cards also valid at Red Lobster, & Olive Garden.

Uno Chicago Grill: Buy $25 gift card, get $5 promo card. Bonus promo card valid from 1/1/10 to 3/31/10.

Winston's at Sullivan On Saturday, December 12th only, purchase a $50 gift certificate for $25, valid for use 1/7/10 – 7/7/10 (they’re open Fridays & Saturdays only).

Also, don’t forget about Restaurant.com. They are so easy to use and there are over 80 restaurants in the Louisville area. Because the certificates have a minimum food purchase, I would buy a $25 GC, and give the person the additional cash. For instance, if you buy a $25 GC for Seviche the minimum food purchase is $35, so give the person $10 cash too. Restaurant.com has restaurants all over the country, so think of out of towners too! The current coupon code available is “present” for 70% off, so a $25 GC would cost you just $3, you may use the code through 12/8

Another gift certificate source is Half Off Depot. Buy now for Christmas because they mail the GCs to you!

**NEW** O'Charleys: Receive a $5 egift card for every $20 egift card you buy. I'm not quite sure how the gift card is received - they may send a printable e-mail to the recipient or something. Either way, good deal for you or someone else!