Let's face it: eating out in cities like San Francisco can be very expensive. But since San Francisco has some of the nation's best restaurants, it seems a shame not to take advantage of the city's culinary delights as often as your wallet will allow.

One way to stretch your restaurant buying power is to sign up for one of the restaurant discount cards which seem to be proliferating around the city. The following is a summary of what each one costs, what it offers, and where to call for more information.

Bon appetit!

Rewards Network
Price: $49/year.
How it works: Eat at any participating restaurant and charge the cost with one of the credit cards you have registered with the Rewards Network (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover). Within 10 days you will receive a credit on your credit or debit card statement for 20% of the total cost (including tax, tips and beverages) you have charged.
Number of restaurants participating: Thousands nationwide.
Advantages: Since you pay with your regular credit card, no one has to know you're saving money but you! In addition to saving money in restaurants, you can receive a 15% rebate on hotels, too.
Disadvantages: Some restaurants limit the days/time of their Rewards Network participation, so check the listings carefully.
Sign up: at their website or by calling 1-877-491-3463.

In Good Taste (IGT)
Price: 2 levels: free or $25/year.
How it works: Eat at any participating restaurant and charge the cost with your IGT card. Your monthly statement will show a discount of 25% of the total cost of all food and beverages.
Number of restaurants participating: 2,000 in major US cities.
Advantages: No restrictions on time or day of week. Membership also includes savings on rental cars, magazines, restaurant certificates, and long distance phone calls.
Disadvantages: Not as discreet as the Rewards Network program since you use a special card.
Sign up: at their website or by calling 1-800-4-IGT-USA.

A Key Consideration
The main disadvantage to both of these programs is the constant change among the participating restaurants. Since each establishment that participates must pay a high commission to the program provider (usually 50%), most restaurants only sign on when they are new and trying to attract business. Once they develop a following, they often drop out of the program. This constant change among participating restaurants may not be a problem for you if you are an adventurous diner and enjoy trying new places all the time. But if you sign on hoping to get a discount at all your favorite spots, you may be disappointed.