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Restaurant.com review: This company is a scam! 71

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Author of the review
12:00 am EDT
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This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

Hello,

I recently bought some certificate from restaurant.com. The purchase was paid with my credit and but I didn't not receive any certificate. I try to contact the company about the certificate through multiple emails and phone calls. I didn't get a reply through email and when I try to call no one pick up the phone. I hope that no one will do business with this company because it is all just a scam.

DK

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71 comments
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Chris Cooley
, US
Nov 20, 2018 2:17 am EST

I have tried to contact someone who can refund my money after they withdrew it off my card. They have no way to contact upper management because they thieves. Don't trust them .

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Lisa Coons
, US
Nov 20, 2018 5:33 am EST

I purchased 2 certificates the restaurant will not validate.

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Melanie O
, US
Nov 11, 2018 9:50 pm EST

This is insane. This is the 2nd time I have tried using a Restaurant.com certificate at a restaurant and they said they no longer participate in it. What is the point of trying to save by buying certificates in advance to use at a restaurant when you are about to pay and the waiter tells you they don't take it?

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Cherinedwards
, US
Nov 04, 2018 4:53 pm EST

I tried to redeem a $25 Restaurant.com card. What really happens is they get all your contact info and no certificate is ever issued. No email address is offered for customer service, only two phone numbers that continually ring busy. There is no recourse except to sit back and wait for the flood of junk email. What a horrible rip off.

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Biswas13
, US
Oct 31, 2018 8:14 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I got a $25 gift card from T mobile. Which was able to redeem once within 24 hour. I redeem that to use

Namaste Chautari Restaurant & Bar
7415 Roosevelt Ave
Queens, NY 11372
[protected]

Then I went there and then they refuse to take my certificate.
When they r on d list they should take d certificate.

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Ivette 17
, US
Sep 10, 2018 12:11 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I can never login in to the website or on my phone through the app. It will have the circular motion on the app and web as if it's loading my login and nothing ever happens...this has been going on for months and I am not able to redeem my certificates

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JeaneTurner
, US
Sep 01, 2018 9:18 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

My plate has a black stone on the beans. I was very hungry and it was my lunch hour. So I eat the rest of my food. The manager didn't give me a solution but replacement of the same kind of beans.

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iceangel1981
, US
Aug 28, 2018 11:27 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Bad food request free food from those places China wok golden garden marios pizza they have been extremely unfair cruel towards me always rolled at me never cared about my feelings at all

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iceangel1981
, US
Feb 16, 2018 4:51 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Unfair cruel towards me always yelled at me bad food request free food from those places make it happen right away right thing to do on their end

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iceangel1981
, US
Feb 15, 2018 4:55 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

China wok golden garden marioes pizza
Three places have been extremely unfair rude towards me request free food delivery from China wok golden garden marioes pizza hurt stomach make this happen Right away for my sake here
Contact those places right away here

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JessicaM2013
Lakewood, US
Jun 17, 2016 5:12 am EDT

We purchased a coupon from Restaurant.com for the Nite Owl Bar and Grill. The coupon cost $10 for $25 certificate. We previously visited this place for their Sunday all-you-can-eat. Today, we had a server/bar tender that I have never seen since we only go on Sundays. When we went to use the coupon towards our bill she said she never heard of it and that none of their coupons are accepted on weekends. Well, that's not what it says on my coupon! She then said "what do you want a free meal and have me cover the rest because that's what going to happen." I was so insulted. The worst customer service I have ever seen and we will NEVER go back to this place ever again! It was not her fault originally, not ours- however, she handles this situation so inappropriately and so rude! Thanks for the insult just because you didn't want to take a stupid coupon!

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theonion
, US
Jun 10, 2016 7:36 am EDT

I'm hoping someone can help me find a number to call to stop my subscription without having to give them my debit card number. Any suggestions?

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Drew Charles
, US
May 04, 2016 6:35 am EDT

Purchased a certificate to a restaurant that refused to honor it. Restaurant staff said Restaurant.com never asked for permission and the restaurant never signed up. What a ripoff...

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Oggole
, US
Mar 21, 2012 6:41 am EDT

The overwhelming majority of the restaurants offered are not very good: bad service, bad food, over priced.

Restaurant.com doesn't care. If they did, they would not offer such horrible places and would have some sort of standard to not have such awful places on their site.

Restaurant.com does not offer any refunds, only credit for exchanges. Their website does not offer you enough information about the restaurant, only boiler plate descriptions ex: "For good times and great food, come to XXX".

I made the mistake of buying several certificates and after trying the first few, decided to research the remainder through Yelp.com and found ALL OF THEM RATED AS 3 STARS OR LESS! On Yelp, anything with less than 3 stars is bad. I've NEVER found any places on restaurants.com that had 4 stars and certainly not 5 stars (highest rating).

And again, Restaurant.com will NOT PROVIDE ANY REFUNDS, only exchanges to more mediocre restaurants in their listings!

SO, if you want to save money and don't mind bad food and bad service, then by all means, use restaurant.com.

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Reviewer75960
,
Feb 05, 2016 9:25 am EST

Restaurant.com has listed us on their website and is selling certificates that we did not authorize. We, Issi's Place have NEVER spoken to a representative of this website and NEVER signed any agreement with them. They are frauds!

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Barbara Coles
, US
Feb 22, 2016 6:35 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I was given a gift of $25 worth of food gc for doing my taxes..i used credit for 2 gift cards to match total and now they are gone and i never eben got to use them! Very disappointed..thought this site was a good deal but i see its really not

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Reviewer12972
,
Jan 05, 2016 3:14 pm EST

SCAM! My experience is similar to those described here. There is no benefit to the consumer to purchase these. You're much better off just using coupons. When you have a problem, the company is impossible to reach and if you are fortunate enough to finally make contact, the company offers ZERO resolution!

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Reviewer32734
,
Dec 16, 2015 11:49 am EST

For everyone who is pissed off for being ripped off here is more information regarding their scam http://www.loopnorth.com/news/lawsuit0714.htm The owners names are Ellen Chessick Kenneth Chessick and reside in illinois :-)

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Koomlade
, US
Oct 03, 2012 8:23 am EDT

DISASTER AND FRUSTRATION. same story as others. STAY AWAY.

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Dariode
, US
Mar 08, 2012 10:34 am EST

Horrible deal for all. No restaurants even close to us were participating. No refunds either.

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datadawg
Cape Coral, US
Jun 17, 2016 5:12 am EDT

Wow, the girl was being truthful about you buying a bunk coupon and I can imagine your attitude at the eatery was probably the same as on this board.. The eatery does not owe you a meal because you got taken in, and the waitress surely makes little to begin with to take care of her family that she really need not take care of you.
Deal with the company that sold you the bunk coupon because the world doesn't owe you a thing.

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BJBH
St. Charles, US
Jun 04, 2013 1:49 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

To all complainers--quit complaining! It is a good deal, and a reputable company! Go find another "deal" if you don't like this one! And yes, you can print your own certificates. And yes, it is a good idea to read all the instructions and follow the guidelines and rules. If you don't want to do that, then just don't use them but don't bad mouth them. Also, why not call the restaurant before you go to make sure it is still accepting the Restaurant.com certificates. If not---don't go there and send Restaurant.com an e-mail about it and they will give you an exchange certificate to use at another restaurant. It has happened twice to me where I took friends that I was entertaining and I ended up paying the whole bill because they no longer take Restaurant.com Gift Certificates--but I learned to check first and I have not had any problems since then. Also, why does 18% sound unreasonable to you who mentioned it? And shame on you if you don't leave much of a tip---shame, shame, shame! Nowadays, most people pay that much or more. I, myself, pay 20% for the tip, and I am a single older woman and don't make a huge income, but I feel that servers do deserve a decent tip. I have a girlfriend that will only give 10%, but that was so embarrassing to me that I always covered the difference. And she had a lot more money than me, but it is the principle. Now I just never go out to eat with her anymore. She also will not belt her seatbelt because she does not want anyone telling her what to do---so---I don't let her ride in my car anymore. She would say that if that isn't good enough (her 10%), let them go find another job! But I say that if you don't want to pay them a decent tip, than just avoid the tip by going to a fast food restaurant! People have a right to earn money the best way they know how and deserve to be compensated for their time. And have you ever waitressed? It is hard work and I wouldn't want to do it! So quit complaining!

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Philly tavolilla
Tuckahoe, US
Sep 09, 2012 7:51 am EDT

I have used restaurant.com on many many occasions and have been thrilled to try new and even upscale restaurants for the first time at such a bargain rate. I have never had a problem using any restaurant.com coupon and have recommended them to most people I come in contact with. And if a restaurant does drop out of the program, I have been asked to do an "exchange" for another one and it has always worked like a charm...Philly Tavolilla

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HannaR
Clarskville, US
Jul 19, 2012 9:29 am EDT

Restaurant.com is scam. Restaurant owners need to run away once they contact you. What kinds of high cost advertisement is this website. Imagine, customer brings $50 coupon for $75 purchase - it barely covers the food cost what about the labor cost!. versus just they making money for doing nothing... Again, scam scam scam, rep. for restaurant.com knows how to trick restaurant owners to sign on their "IPAD" they don't even bring agreement for hard copies... Be carefull owners... Restaurant.com needs to stop its scam and nonesence...

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drpepper78759
, US
May 04, 2012 6:06 am EDT

The reason it is a scam is because every penny of what you pay goes to restaurant.com, not the restaurants themselves.

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Gozer908
Sumarian, US
Mar 09, 2012 8:33 pm EST

So why would you buy it if there are no restaurants close to you?

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lindalou619
Deltona, US
Sep 08, 2011 12:19 am EDT

I have been purchasing restaurant.com gift certificates for over 3 years and have never had a problem. Occasionally, a restaurant does go out of business or chooses not to accept the certificates any longer. In eitheer of these cases, all you have to do is call the customer service # provided on the website and they will process an exchange. Read the terms and conditions first, which are always evident before you make your purchase. My boyfriend and I have had a wonderful time discovering new restaurants and we love the fact that restaurant.com makes that possible in this poor economy. All of you doubting Thomases, to stay away is your choice and it leaves more for the rest of us to enjoy : )

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appletreasures
Clayton, US
Jun 25, 2011 6:59 pm EDT

I've been using Restaurant.Com for many years. Never had a real problem.
As many have mentioned:
1) Read before you buy.
2) Understand before you buy.
3) Comply with the terms and restrictions.
4) Call ahead before you go to use it to verify hours and ensure current ownership honors deal.

I have had some old certificates be unusable because of closing or change of ownership. Restaurant.com gave me a credit for future use.

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mj-d
Lake Worth, US
Apr 27, 2011 6:50 pm EDT

as an attorney who represents many restaurants, please consider this free legal advice. STAY AWAY. the contract is predatory and as a matter of law, unenforceable. however, the venue language could make u spend money in legal fees to defend in chicago courts. the coupons are unnumbered and undated. if u are planing to terminate under the terms of the agreement, there is language that states the business must continue to honor the coupons. absurd. don't fall for their strong arm tactics. the last bit of advice is always read the fine print.

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FreddyGoombah
Hell, US
Mar 13, 2011 7:06 pm EDT

JOANNA PERKINS: What a snotty little poopy pants! Who elected you Captain Nasty?

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joanna.perkins101
, US
Dec 27, 2010 12:37 am EST

I have shopped multiple times and have had no problems at all! I guess there are always dumb people that have no idea how internet shopping works. You should just keep off the internet and let us use the bandwidth!

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prudent shopper
, US
Nov 18, 2010 7:29 pm EST

I purchased eight coupons for a restaurant I frequently attend. When I went to use one of the coupons, I was told that they are no longer in the program. When I alerted restaurant.com of this, they gave me two $75 gift cards. The restaurant in question is no longer on their web site. I am very pleased with this company.

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Asupervet
Miami, US
Oct 07, 2010 9:40 pm EDT

I feel like the company is also a scam but for another reason. I just recently bought 4 $25 gift certificates. NOWHERE on the order form did they specify conditions - NOWHERE! I am one of those that will read all terms and conditions before I sign on to something. Once you buy them, on your printed version, it specifies that you can only use one per restaurant per month per party. And it only includes dine-in. Now, my situation involves a family of four going to Disney and we wanted to take advantage of the hotel's reastaurants breakfast during our 3 night stay. As you can see, that is a shot deal! Now I am stuck with 3 gift certificates as I will use ONLY one during that 3 night stay (and obviously ONLY for dinner). Below is the distorted order form. Now you tell me where I find these terms and conditions. YES, this is a scam. I can see how a business person or someone who wants the occasional dinner can find this convenient but not placing the terms and conditions on the form is a SCAM!

Back to Restaurant.com Search Results Overview | Menu | Wine List | Chef's Bio | Email to a Friend | Join the Club — It's FREE Gift Certificates
$25 Gift Certificate
YOUR PRICE: $10.00 $25 Gift Certificate
Your Price $10*

$50 Gift Certificate
Your Price $20

1234
Minimum purchase of $35. 18% Gratuity added prior to discount. 1 certificate per party.JOIN THE CLUB
JOIN THE CLUB — IT'S FREE
Click the button below to enjoy the benefits of becoming a registered user of Restaurant.com. Choose to receive our special promotions and save even more!

Giraffe Cafe at the Royal Plaza Hotel
1905 Hotel Plaza Blvd.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
[protected] phone

View this restaurant's other website
menu | map Do you like this restaurant? Cuisine Type
European
American
Hours of Operation

Breakfast: Daily from 6:30am-11am Dinner: Daily from 5:00pm-10:00pm
Reservations
Not Required

Payment Methods
Mastercard
Visa
Amex
Discover
Cash

Cost
This restaurant's average entree cost is Moderate

Restaurant Description
Enjoy a delicious meal in a relaxed atmosphere. There are plenty of dining options available to satisfy every craving at the Royal Plaza in Downtown Disney. You can find traditional American favorites at the Giraffe Cafe, enjoy a cold beer at the Giraffe Lounge, or have a casual meal at our deli-style café offering snacks and light meals. There's even a tropical pool-side bar! Royal Plaza Dining Options: Giraffe Cafe- casual atmosphere featuring our All U Can Eat breakfast buffet including an omelet station. Also serving dinner. Giraffe Lounge-full service bar with sports, pool, and darts Grab-n-Go-deli style café offering self-serve snacks and light meals Sips Pool Bar-full service poolside bar with appetizers, snacks, and sandwiches Kids 10 & under eat FREE for breakfast and dinner in the Giraffe Cafe. Valid for one child per paying adult.

Service Type
Sit Down

Specialties
Non Smoking Area
Booster/High Chairs
Wheelchair Access
Children's Menu

Atmosphere
Family / Children

Meals
Breakfast
Dinner

Banquet
10 - 20 People

Amenities

Attire
Casual

Bar Info
Full Bar
Beer
Wines

Parking
Valet
Parking on Site

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NorthShoreBean
Reading, US
Oct 01, 2010 4:16 pm EDT

I have used them many times over the past year, and a couple of the restaurants have changed ownership/names, and the new restaurants have also honored the certificates. Never had a problem. (Last year the $25 GCs were .80!)

Becky, check your bank account/credit card, because the $25 certificates at MOST should cost $10, becuase that is the full retail for the certificate. If you entered the current code (WOW), then it should have been $1! Maybe that is the circle that was chosen by mistake rather than the $50 one?

It seems to me that each restaurant sets their own minimum spending, and rules for use. Some require $35 for a $25 GC, some $50, some say minimum of 2 guests, some list holidays that they are not eligible, and some are only good certain days of the week, etc. All this is listed on the right side as you choose the amount of your GC... like the $10 ones sometimes say minimum of $25 spending, but when you click into the next circle, then it will change to the $25 GC conditions, and so on as you choose the higher amounts... Like right now, there are $100 ones out there that are selling for $4(with the code)! The rules are usually somewhere around, must spend $200...so if you are going out for a large family dinner/celebration, and plan on spending $200, it's like getting $96 off! I don't see how anyone can see that as not worth it!

I never signed up for any subscription, so have never been charged any monthly fee.

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BeckyOlives
Shirley, US
Oct 01, 2010 10:07 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

The ad I read said, for $20 dollars you get a $50 dollar gift certificate.

A restaurant near me was on the list and again it said, $20 gets you a $50 gift certificate. I paid the $20 and got the link to the gc, only then did it say you have to spend a minimum of $50 and the gift card is only for $25 plus you pay 18% gratuity.

Ummm the restaurants two for one would be cheaper then this deal. I'm basically out of pocket $75 bucks to get $25 off plus tips whether the service is good or not. FALSE ADVERTISING and for you condescending [censor]s I did read the fine print...did not say bait and switch.

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Robert456
, US
Sep 30, 2010 7:17 pm EDT

So much astroturfing. Oh my god. There is not a single reasonable person who is not getting otherwise compensated that would take Restaurant.com's side in this issue.

If you sell coupons and label them gift cards, you are [censor]ting your customers no matter what the fine print (which nobody reads anyway) says. It is highly unethical, and very possibly illegal.

STAY AWAY FROM RESTAURANTS.COM

Unless, of course, you like fraud.

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natldiner
Woodstock, US
Sep 30, 2010 1:07 pm EDT

Restaurant.com is selling certificates for a restaurant that has gone out of business in Roswell, GA - Moksha. I contacted Restaurant.com to point out their error weeks ago & they said they would take care of it, yet I still see certificates for this restaurant being sold on their website. Buyer beware.

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Joyous song
, US
Sep 19, 2010 1:14 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have used restaurant.com for 2 years without any trouble. At times a restaurant will close before I use the certificate. Restaurant.com always allows me to find another restaurant I like and they replace the unusable certificate for free for the restaurant of my choice. They ALWAYS respond to my emails. Wise up and learn how to use the program. You are missing out on a great thing!

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cottonwood19
, US
Sep 18, 2010 11:40 am EDT

I presented my coupon at the end of the meal and the restaurant told me they don't honor them. They have been trying to have their name removed from restaurant.com for months. I would call the restaurant and confirm before purchasing.

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Fayzee
Hastings, US
Sep 01, 2010 2:03 pm EDT

As has been stated, all rules are CLEARLY stated before you hit that buy button. And, of course, you must PRINT them yourself. Since restaurants sometime drop out of the program, I always call first just to be sure. This has happened several times (usually because restaurant goes out of business). I have NEVER EVER had a problem getting credit back from Restaurant.com and it all happens very easily via email. You just have to give them your Certificate number and the reason it is no good or was not accepted.

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