There's quite an easy solution to using a Groupon without compromising your experience: don't disclose that you're using it until you're completely served. I strive to hand it to the server during the final bus, so that they don't have to print the bill twice. If I'm slipped the bill unexpectedly early, I put down the Groupon with my payment to similarly avoid an extra round trip (and I mention that it's there, not let the server discover it at the POS station).
Most, but not all, Groupon deals have fine print prohibiting this by stipulating that the Groupon be disclosed on arrival or while making a reservation. I disregard this because I would much rather give the restaurant the opportunity to not honor the discount (I will pay in full including tip, and use the Groupon properly on a return visit) in exchange for uncompromised service.
I have never had restaurant staff so much as hint any sort of disapproval when I slip them the Groupon late, let alone reject it. Not even close. I think it's because they get it - it makes sense to do this.
(The above applies only to full-menu fixed-discount deals such as "$50 to spend on food and drinks". Obviously I cannot and do not use this method when the deal involves anything along the lines of a prix fixe menu, because in those cases one must be treated differently upon arrival.)
I tip based on the pre-discounted bill and generally the service is great enough (thanks to this technique) to hit the 18-20% mark. If I disclosed the Groupon earlier and received subpar service as a result, I'd give an appropriately low tip.
Most, but not all, Groupon deals have fine print prohibiting this by stipulating that the Groupon be disclosed on arrival or while making a reservation. I disregard this because I would much rather give the restaurant the opportunity to not honor the discount (I will pay in full including tip, and use the Groupon properly on a return visit) in exchange for uncompromised service.
I have never had restaurant staff so much as hint any sort of disapproval when I slip them the Groupon late, let alone reject it. Not even close. I think it's because they get it - it makes sense to do this.
(The above applies only to full-menu fixed-discount deals such as "$50 to spend on food and drinks". Obviously I cannot and do not use this method when the deal involves anything along the lines of a prix fixe menu, because in those cases one must be treated differently upon arrival.)
I tip based on the pre-discounted bill and generally the service is great enough (thanks to this technique) to hit the 18-20% mark. If I disclosed the Groupon earlier and received subpar service as a result, I'd give an appropriately low tip.