EatClub vs First Table vs Groupon? Which one is king….
Let’s be honest. Eating out as a family is fun, but it can get expensive very quickly. Between kids’ meals, snacks, drinks, and desserts, the bill adds up faster than you expect.
That’s where restaurant deal apps like EatClub, First Table, and Groupon come in. Each promises to help you save money while still enjoying quality dining experiences. But which one actually works best for families with young kids?
After researching each app—and checking what real diners have shared online—here’s my honest breakdown of the pros and cons for families in 2025.
Quick Comparison Table
| App | How It Works | Savings | Best For | Cons | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EatClub | Last-minute deals; pay with EatClub Pay in Apple/Google Wallet and discount auto-applies (incl. drinks). | 30–50% | Spontaneous family meals. | Coverage varies by suburb; time windows; can’t stack with other promos. | ★★★★☆ |
| First Table | Pay ~$10 fee to book first sitting; 50% off food for 2–4 diners (drinks full price). | 50% (food) | Early-dining families (toddlers). | Early times; 2–4 people only; fee reduces value on small bills. | ★★★★☆ |
| Groupon | Prepaid vouchers for set menus or packages; book and present voucher. | 30–70% | Planned occasions & birthdays. | Expiry risk; fixed menus; booking required. | ★★★☆☆ |
EatClub – Spontaneous Family Dining
How It Works
EatClub gives families access to last-minute discounts—typically 30–50% off the entire bill, including drinks. When you claim a deal, you’re issued a digital EatClub Pay card in your Apple or Google Wallet. You simply tap to pay, and the discount is applied automatically.
Pros for Families
- Big discounts covering both food and drinks.
- Seamless, “invisible” payment—no coupons to show.
- Great for spontaneous family nights out.
- Encourages families to try new pubs, cafés, and restaurants.
Cons
- Not all suburbs or family venues are covered.
- Deals can sell out fast.
- Some exclusions apply (e.g., happy hour or specials).
Community Insights
Families online often describe EatClub as a game changer for casual dining. Many use it weekly, reporting reliable savings and smooth transactions. Parents appreciate that the discount applies automatically, so staff don’t even need to know. A few noted minor hiccups (like a restaurant forgetting to turn on their device), but refunds were issued quickly. Overall, EatClub is widely seen as the most flexible and family-friendly option.
Best For Families
Families who want flexibility and spontaneity. Perfect for busy parents who decide to eat out last-minute.
First Table – Early Bird Dining
How It Works
First Table lets you pay a $10 booking fee to reserve the first sitting at a restaurant, giving you 50% off food for 2–4 people. Drinks aren’t discounted, and punctuality is important—arrive more than 15 minutes late and you lose the deal.
Pros for Families
- Reliable 50% discount on food.
- Perfect for toddlers or young kids who eat dinner early.
- Easy to book up to 7 days in advance.
- Can unlock premium restaurants at half price.
Cons
- Only applies to 2–4 diners (not larger families).
- Discounts don’t include drinks.
- Early seating times (often 5:30pm) can be restrictive.
- $10 booking fee reduces value for smaller bills.
Community Insights
Families who already eat early love First Table. It’s particularly popular with parents of toddlers because it fits naturally into bedtime routines. However, many pointed out that the $10 fee can feel steep if you’re only dining as a couple. Others said the restaurant selection isn’t as wide as EatClub, and the fixed time slots can be tough for families juggling work, school, and activities. Still, for families who are early birds, it’s a dependable way to save.
Best For Families
Best suited for families with young kids who eat early and can make the most of the 50% discount on food.
Groupon – Prepaid Vouchers & Big Savings (with Conditions)
How It Works
Groupon sells prepaid vouchers for restaurants, often with 30–70% discounts. You buy the deal in advance, book a table, and present the voucher at the restaurant.
Pros for Families
- The largest potential savings overall.
- Huge range of restaurants and dining experiences.
- Great for special occasions or planned celebrations.
Cons
- Prepaying is risky—if you don’t use the voucher, you lose money.
- Strict expiry dates.
- Many deals come with set menus, which don’t always suit kids.
- Some families feel the service can be less attentive when using Groupon.
Community Insights
Parents noted that Groupon works best for planned occasions like birthdays, where you can commit to the time and menu. It’s less practical for everyday family meals because of the restrictions and risk of wasted vouchers. Some families also shared that the dining experience didn’t always feel the same when paying with Groupon, making it more of a “sometimes” option than a go-to app.
Best For Families
Groupon is best for special events and celebrations, rather than everyday family dining.
Verdict – Which App Wins for Families?
- For Spontaneity: EatClub is the most flexible, with automatic discounts and strong community trust.
- For Early Birds: First Table shines if your family eats early and you’re dining with 3–4 people.
- For Big Discounts: Groupon offers the largest savings, but only if you’re organised and can plan ahead.
My Tip: Download at least two apps. Use EatClub for casual, spontaneous meals, First Table for early dinners, and keep Groupon for birthdays or planned nights out.
Tips for Parents to Maximise Dining Savings
- Read the fine print—kids’ meals and drinks may be excluded.
- Check the time slots—EatClub deals and First Table bookings are time-specific.
- Watch for surcharges on weekends and public holidays.
- Stack savings with cashback credit cards or loyalty programs.
- Match your lifestyle—EatClub for flexible nights, First Table for structured routines, Groupon for big events.
Final Thoughts
Eating out as a family doesn’t have to break the budget.
- Love last-minute flexibility? EatClub.
- Eat early with toddlers? First Table.
- Want huge discounts for special occasions? Groupon.
With the right mix, you can enjoy more family meals out—without the bill shock at the end.
If you liked this content, please check out my review on EatClub.
FAQ: EatClub vs First Table vs Groupon
Is EatClub safe to use?
Yes. EatClub uses a secure virtual card (via Apple Pay or Google Pay) called EatClub Pay. You tap to pay as normal, and the discount applies automatically. Families online report it’s reliable, and customer support is quick to fix any rare issues.
Does EatClub include drinks in the discount?
Most of the time, yes—EatClub discounts usually apply to your entire bill, including drinks. However, some venues exclude specials or happy-hour pricing, so always check the offer details in the app.
Does First Table’s 50% discount include drinks?
No. First Table’s 50% discount only applies to food items on the menu. Drinks are always charged at full price.
Why does First Table charge a $10 booking fee?
The fee reserves the restaurant’s first table of the night and unlocks the 50% food discount. For groups of 3–4, the savings usually outweigh the cost of the fee. For couples or small bills, the value can feel less significant.
Do Groupon deals expire?
Yes. Groupon vouchers always have expiry dates—typically within 3–6 months. If you don’t use them in time, you lose the value. That’s why Groupon is better for planned occasions rather than spontaneous meals.
Do restaurants treat you differently when using Groupon or EatClub?
Most families say EatClub feels seamless because staff don’t even know you’re using it—the discount is built into the payment system. Groupon, on the other hand, requires you to present a voucher, and some diners have reported feeling like they received less attentive service.
Which app saves the most money for families?
- EatClub: Great for everyday spontaneity (30–50% off, includes drinks).
- First Table: Perfect for early dinners with young kids (50% off food, $10 fee).
- Groupon: Biggest discounts (up to 70%) but best for planned events due to set menus and expiry dates.
