My thoughts on these two shops, because they are two of my favorites.
With Texas Roadhouse, I just stopped doing the bar shop at the $25 reimbursement and only take the $35 reimbursement, which I always stay under. Neither shop requires an appetizer, so just don't order one. I get lemonade, not alcohol, unless they are running the margarita special (I think Wednesdays). Then we each get the 6 oz sirloin (8.99 if you dine before 6pm, which is possible with the bar shop, 9.99 if you dine after 6pm, which is required for the $35 reimbursement shop). Simple. With this, I am happy and it costs about $33 with the 15% tip. I also buy $200+ in their gift certificates on Black Friday (every $50 gets you a free entree coupon or similar) and then use those to pay for the shops and use the coupons on my own. This report is so easy, I don't think I spend 30 minutes on it.
For the A Closer Look shop, I went over about $10 just last weekend. But, I bought gift cards from Cardpool at 16.5% off, so I was at least break even. I got one beer at the bar, glass of wine for me and beer for guest at the table, two desserts, a cheaper appetizer ($6.80), and two meals (one was $20.50 and one was $23.50 - I think the salmon is excellent and it is a cheaper entree). Plus two of the mini desserts. I also include the tip in that. The report takes me one hour, and I could probably do it quicker if I didn't dilly dally. It took me longer the first time or two, but I have done the shop at least 10 times.
Different strokes for different folks. I love my free meals and do very little of the shops that pay money - banks, mattresses, whatever they are.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/07/2015 03:41PM by gtrgrl22.