I browse Groupon for restaurant deals around here and as a local, I would not trust any of the restaurants in this area that are currently on Groupon. But I always buy the Al Di La groupon when it shows up twice a year
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Your best bet for nicer restaurants is to go at lunch. Smaller portions but cheaper, and most places are open for lunch (a few aren't, so it's something you want to check before you show up). The other good option is to go and sit in the bar, some of them have exclusive bar menus and happy hour food specials, and some do special nightly deals such as burger night, etc.
If you have a special place in mind, definitely check them out on social media because that's where they advertise nightly specials or deals.