Area Restaurant Gift Cards Give A Little Extra For The Holidays

By Anthony Todd in Food on Dec 7, 2012 4:00PM

We're always looking for ways to get deals on dining out. As our inbox started to overflow with holiday gift card deals, it became obvious that almost all of them included some kind of "bonus," usually in the form of extra cash. If you're willing to invest a little money up front, you can end up making out pretty darn well during the holiday season. You can get the gifts for your friends or, if you're a little sneaky, just buy the gift cards for yourself and get all the rewards. Here are some of Chicago's best dining gift card bonuses.

There are two kinds of deals: cash bonuses (buy X, get Y extra) and other special gifts. The standard rate of return this season is about 25 percent - usually buy $100 and get $25 back. The best rate we've found is at Carnivale, which has a 35% bonus. If you're looking for a good gift and you don't know exactly what restaurant to go to, Lettuce Entertain You gift cards work for the entire restaurant group. If you know any better deals, let us know in the comments.

This can be a great gift to buy for someone on your list that has you stumped, or it can be a wonderful way to pre-pay for some of your 2013 dining. If you're looking to buy these gift cards, assume these deals end on December 24th. Some extend beyond that, but you should call to confirm.

Cash Bonuses

• Lettuce Entertain You: For every $100 in gift cards purchased, receive an additional $25 gift certificate.


• Socca: For every $100 in gift cards purchased, receive an additional $25 gift certificate.


• MK: For every $100 in gift cards purchased, receive an additional $25 gift certificate.


• Hash House A Go Go: For every $100 in gift cards purchased, receive an additional $25 gift certificate.


• Epic Burger: For every $50 in gift cards, receive an additional $5.


• Uncommon Ground: For every $100 in gift cards, receive an additional $20.


• Cafe 28: If you purchase $250 in gift cards, receive a $75 bonus.


• Gibson's: If you purchase $100 in gift cards from any Gibson's Group restaurant, get a $25 gift card to use at lunch.


• Porkchop: For every $100 in gift cards purchased, receive an additional $25 gift certificate.


• Luxbar: For every $100 in gift cards purchased, receive an additional $25 gift certificate.


• Kanela Breakfast Club: For every $100 in gift cards purchased, receive an additional $20 gift certificate.


• The Goddess and Grocer: For every $100 in gift cards purchased, receive an additional $20 gift certificate.


• Chicago Q: For every $100 in gift cards purchased, receive an additional $20 gift certificate.


• Carnivale: For every $100 in gift cards purchased, receive an additional $35 gift certificate.


• Burger Joint: For every $100 in gift cards purchased, receive an additional $25 gift certificate.


• LM: For every $100 in gift cards purchased, receive an additional $25 gift certificate.

Other Bonuses

• Chipotle: For every $30 in gift cards purchased, receive a certificate for a free entree.


• Coco Pazzo: For every $100 in gift cards purchased, receive a 375 ml. bottle of Coco Pazzo Olive Oil in its own gift bag.


• DMK Burger Bar, Fishbar, Ada Street: For every $25 in gift cards you buy at these restaurants, you will be entered into a raffle to win either a home brewing kit, an iPad mini or free burgers for an entire year.
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