Food, The Frugalista Life

Where to Eat in Tampa on Thanksgiving

Fortunately for me, I’ve managed to get a Thanksgiving Day off this year without having to switch my schedule around. Thanksgiving Day has been huge for me and Robert the last couple years because we hosted and our folks came over. This year we’re doing it a little differently: we’re not hosting anything this year. Instead, we’re going to our friend’s house for a Friendsgiving-type of thing.

Because a lot of us won’t be going home for Thanksgiving, plenty of restaurants are opening their doors for their own Thanksgiving dinner. Figuring out where to eat in Tampa on Thanksgiving isn’t a difficult task anymore. I put together a list of places in the Tampa Bay area that are sharing special meals and combos with guests choosing to dine elsewhere.

To read more of the list, click the link to “A Guide to a Stress-Free Thanksgiving”. Here are a few places that are open:

4 Rivers Smokehouse The barbecue joint accepts holiday orders on sides and the centerpiece protein. Turkeys, which can feed a family of 14 to 16, are brined, seasoned and slow hickory smoked; accompaniments include Southern green beans and sweet potato casserole. The seasonal Pilgrim sandwich has also arrived for the month. $10-$130. Through Nov. 17. Various locations, Tampa Bay. 4rsmokehouse.com.

400 Beach Seafood & Taphouse A salad table, carving and hot food stations, and a dessert area make up this Beach Drive stalwart’s Turkey Day buffet. Make reservations by phone. 400 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-896-2400, 400beachseafood.com.

717 South A SoHo hotspot doing new twists on classics for Thanksgiving. Look no further than the cranberry- and cornbread-stuffed turkey or the sweet corn pudding. Expect regular dinner items, too. $28 adults, $15 kids. 4-10 p.m. 717 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. 813-250-1661, 717south.com.

Aqua Prime Chef Jason Vargo prepares slow-cooked rotisserie turkey with a quartet of down-home fixings. Not into green beans? Go with the full menu instead. Seating is limited. $25. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 213 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach. 727-330-7724, aquaprimeflorida.com.

Élevage Pick your own three-course feast at the upscale find, whether you kick it with old-school plates or give some one-of-a-kind dishes a try. Choices include Hubbard squash risotto, roasted turkey tenderloin and pumpkin bread pudding. We’d go the reservations route. $48-$64. 5-10 p.m. 1207 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. 813-999-8726, epicureanhotel.com.

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood A traditional (and splurgy) take on the holiday spread, in addition to the regular bill of fare. $42 adults, $15 kids. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 4400 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa. 813-877-7290, eddiev.com.

Fork & Hen The specialty food hall’s newest stall takes preorders on its dinner combo — house-smoked turkey, Yukon Gold mash, turkey gravy, country stuffing, cranberry relish and green bean casserole — that serves six to eight. Dinner combo: $135; turkey only: $65. Through Nov. 19. The Hall on Franklin, 1701 N. Franklin St., Tampa. 813-405-4008, thehallonfranklin.com.

What are your plans for Thanksgiving this year? Do you have any traditions?