If you had a $100 OpenTable gift certificate, how would you use it in the Bay Area?

[vulber]

All those reservations finally paid off.....

Have left this question intentionally vague.

[Ian F]

I saved my $100 and used it La Folie. Didn't make it cheap, but took a little of the sting out of the bill.

[scooterams]

Not sure if you're aware...
But that "dining cheque" from Open Table is just like any other check. You can endorse it on the back and just deposit it in your bank account/ATM. That's what I do. =)

[sundeck sue]

really???

[scooterams]

Yes, really! lol
I've been doing it (depositing it in my checking account) for years. If you look at it (front and back) it's just a regular ol' check. There's a space/line for notarizing it on the back like a regular check. =)

[hyperbowler]

My jaw just dropped.

I'd been wondering whether restaurants were able to recoup the full cost of the check. Thanks!

[sundeck sue]

So I just went to look at the OT check I have in my drawer that I need to remember to use.

The letter that's attached says: "The fine print: This Dining Cheque is not redeemable for cash...."

That said, you're absolutely right that it looks like a regular check on front and back.

[CarrieWas218]

Dang.... learned something new! Thanks, Scooterams!

[Robert Lauriston]

If you forget to use it, it expires.

[tjinsf]

For the folks that do use them in restaurants, have you had any problems with restaurants taking them? After seeing this thread I checked and realized I have a ridiculous amount of points but have never bothered to use them.

[budnball]

I use 'em all the time. Never had a problem I usually get the $50 checks which are more flexible and pay the balance of my bill and tip with cash. Just make sure you are in an open table restaurant. Or you may have an embarrassing moment.

[ceekskat]

Just got my first check...this is probably the best tip I've received on CH!

[budnball]

I usually cash 'em in at the $50 mark and use at the next Open Table reservation I make.

[CarrieWas218]

Great thread - I've been sitting on my certificate for a while and forget its in my wallet!

Wolfe recommended Cafe Gibraltar and I love that place. I haven't been to Seven Hills yet and will move it up on my list...

[Cindy]

Same here, just remembered I forgot to bring mine out the last time we had dinner at an OT restaurant - gonna check it now!

[wolfe]

2 places that are on the new Zagat top 50 list that would like to try.
http://www.opentable.com/seven-hills?scpref=110
http://www.opentable.com/cafe-gibralt...

[Robert Lauriston]

I'd use it at the next place with OT service where I was spending that much.

The last time I had an OT gift certificate, it expired, so next time I'm not dawdling.