Food, The Frugalista Life

Where to Go for Christmas Events, Dine-in and Takeout in Tampa Bay

Scrambling for gifts but need to find a spot to eat for a second? Take a load off at your fave spot and let them take over the kitchen.

Take a look at all the Christmas events, dine-in, and takeout options in Tampa Bay:

4 Rivers Smokehouse Indulge in a variety of proteins and sides for parties up to 20 with main courses and sides like Smoked Salmon or Smoked Turkey. Place orders by 12/20 to pickup Christmas Eve. $10.79-$199. Multiple locations. 4rsmokehouse.com.

American Social Stop by for holiday cocktails named Ho Ho-Jito, Navidad Old Fashioned, Sleigh My Name, Santa Claus-Mo, and Partridge in a Cosmo Tree until Jan. 15. $13.50-$150. 601 S Harbour Island Unit 107, Tampa, (813) 605-3333. americansocialbar.com.

Anchor & Brine Enjoy holiday classics with a twist either in the indoor dining space or waterfront terrace on the Riverwalk. 505 Water St., Tampa, (813) 204-6388. anchorandbrine.com.

Armature Works Grab the whole family and roast marshmallows around the fire pit every Wednesday between 5 p.m.-9 p.m. for s’mores. It’s first come, first serve so come early to not miss out. $10. 1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa, (813) 250-3725. eventbrite.com.

Bellwether Beach Resort Celebrate Christmas Day at Bongos Beach Bar & Grille and Spinners Rooftop Grille with your toes in the sand and enjoying seasonal favorites like Honey Ham and Pumpkin Cheesecake. $27-50. 12/25 noon-10 p.m. 5250 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, (800) 448-0901. bellwetherbeachresort.com.

Bob Evans The Bob Evans’s Farmhouse Feasts are available until 12/23 for any holiday gatherings of any size. Also available is a Holiday Hot Family Meal To-Go that feeds up to six. Feasts are available for pickup, delivery, or carryout. $69.99-149.99. Multiple locations. bobevans.com

C. 1949 Florida Beer Garden Come out, drink, and get your ho-ho-ho on with you besties at the Christmas Pajama Party with your besties. A s’mores station will be provided too! 12/21 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. 6905 N Orleans Ave., Tampa, (813) 990-8883. @c1949 on Facebook.

Columbia Restaurant Holiday specials include Lichen Asado, Baked Virginia Ham, and the Noche Buena (order before 12/20 to pickup 12/24 between 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) Wash it all down with a pitcher of Sangria de Cava. If you’re dining in, the regular dinner menu will be available. 12/25 11 a.m.-9 p.m. $8-$195. Multiple locations. columbiarestaurant.com.

Coyote Ugly Dress in your scariest holiday-themed costume for an evening of deathly decorations, drink specials, and live music from DJ’s D3Z, GHOST & TEX FLEX. 12/17 7 p.m.-2 a.m. 1722 E 7th Ave., Tampa, (813) 228-8459. @coyoteuglytampa on Facebook. 

Dignitary Tea & Kava House Join in the holiday spirit at the Merryjuana Christmas Party with a performance by TRC. Doors open 12/23 at 8 p.m. 4817 S West Shore Blvd., Tampa, (813) 999-4968. @dignitarycafe on Facebook.

Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar Enjoy their regular menu on Christmas Eve 5 p.m.-10 p.m. or A holiday-inspired three-course dinner featuring Potato-Wrapped Goat Cheese, Stuffed Pheasant Breast, and Coquito Creme Brûlée. $90 for adults, a special a la carte menu for children 12 and under. Reservations recommended. 12/25 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 1207 S Howard Ave., Tampa, (813) 999-8726. epicureanhotel.com.

Forbici Modern Italian Stop by for some menu specials like Sano Shrimp Wrap, Brie & Apple Pizza, and cocktails named Griswold Old Fashioned, Peppermint Patty, A Mistletoe & Thorns, and a Sgroppino De Gigante. Open for Christmas Eve 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 1602 W Snow Ave., Tampa, (813) 251-8001. eatforbici.com.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria The annual Margherita, Margarita menu starts this month and features a seasonal spin on the Margherita pizza and specialty Margarita flavors like Black Cherry and Blood Orange plus new salads and cheesecakes. This menu is available until early March 2023 at all locations nationwide. BTW, from now until 12/31, guests who purchase a $50 gift card will receive a $10 bonus card while guests who purchase a $100 gift card get a $20 bonus card. 218 Westshore Plaza, Tampa, (813) 287-2500. grimaldispizzeria.com.

Haven Savor their Christmas Eve menu chock full of favorites, whiskies, wines, cheese & charcuterie, and cocktails. Stop by for Happy Hour between 5 p.m.-7 p.m. with Bar Bites, wines by the glass, cocktails, and beers plus burgers, and a cheese plate. 12/24 5 p.m.-10 p.m. 2208 W Morrison Ave., Tampa, (813) 258-2233. haventampa.com.

Hew Parlor & Chophouse A family-style dinner with meals like Oat Fried Brie with Rhubarb Compote and Tangerine Gem, Espresso Chile Glazed Ham, or Candy Cane Tres Leche. $75 per adult, $25 for children 6-13, complimentary for children 5 and under. Enjoy the regular menu on Christmas Eve 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Reservations recommended. 12/25 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 453 Edgewater Dr., Dunedin, (727) 608-6620. fenwayhotel.com.

K Club Bar & Bistro A three-course, prix-fixe feast for when all the gifts have been opened and appetites includes Smoked Baby Back Ribs and Gingerbread Cake & Ice Cream. $75 for adults, $40 for children 6-12, limited menu for 5 and under. Reservations recommended. 12/24 1 p.m.-9 p.m, 12/25 1 p.m.-8 p.m. 2675 Ulmerton Rd., Clearwater, (727) 273-7850.thekarolhotel.com.

Kona Grill Join them for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dinner with dine-in or takeout options like Honey Glazed Ham, Filet with Lobster Cream and more. A children’s menu will be available too. Reservations recommended. 4134 W Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa, (813) 877-5938. konagrill.com.

Nothing Bundt Cakes Their signature seasonal flavor Peppermint Chocolate Chip returned this month just in time for the holidays. It features a decadent chocolate cake packed with chocolate chips and pieces of peppermint. Available in Bundtini ($23-35/dozen), Bundtlets ($4-6), and 8-in. or 10-in. cakes ($26-48). Multiple locations. nothingbundtcakes.com.

Outback Steakhouse Limited-time specials include the Gingerbread Cookie Martini, Smoked Cinnamon Pecan Old Fashioned, a Smoked Porterhouse, and a dessert named Cinnamon Oblivion. Multiple locations. outback.com.

Rusty Pelican Celebrate with panoramic views, an a la carte dinner, and a four-course brunch. Reservations recommended. 12/24 hours are: brunch 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m, dinner 4:30 p.m.-8 p.m.; 12/25 hours are: brunch 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., dinner 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Adults $82, children $35, bottle of champagne $46. 2425 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, (813) 281-1943. therustypelicantampa.com.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Enjoy special holiday themed menus at its six dining venues: a leg of lamb stuffed with spinach-goat cheese at Cypress, Christmas Eve dinner plus Christmas Day brunch at Council Oak, spiral ham at Hard Rock Cafe, Yaki Udon noodles at Jubao Palace Noodle Bar, Applewood smoked brisket at Rise Kitchen & Bakery, and Sliced Beef Tenderloin at The Rez Grill. $14-$125. 5223 Orient Rd., Tampa, (866) 388-4263. seminolehardrocktampa.com.

SiX Before hopping into the rooftop pool, enjoy chef crafted holiday specialties Christmas weekend. 510 Water St., Tampa, (813) 314-6666. sixtampa.com.

Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill New seasonal specials and a Winter FUN-derland drink menu on deck this month like Brisket Poutine, Fried Apple Pie, and drinks with names like “Jack Frost ‘Rita”, “Punch It Up a Notch” and “Confetti Cookie”. If you’re having a large party, order one of their holiday feasts or smoked rack of pork bundles with additional add-ons. $13.99-$179.99. Various locations. smokeybones.com.

The Don CeSar The annual King Charles Christmas Brunch Buffet comes with a variety of options including a hand carving station, seafood bar, unlimited champagne, and the best views plus dinner at Maritana and Society Table. Reservations recommended. Adults $115-125, children 5-12 $50. 12/25 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, (844) 338-1501. doncesar.com.

This Little Pig Food Truck Holiday catering options include Prime Rib, Creamed Collard Greens, and Baked Carrots. Email orders to [email protected] by 8 p.m. on 12/21.

TradeWinds Island Resorts Special holiday menus at Palm Court Italian Grill and RumFish Grill include Roasted Prime Rib of Beef and Crispy Pork Osso Bucco.  Reservations recommended for Palm Court and RumFish. $14-$58. 12/25 1 p.m.-10 p.m. 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, (727)- 367-6461. tradewindsresort.com

Willa’s Guests can drink seasonal drinks like Milk & Cookies or Merry & Bright, which pair well with a classic Au Poivre Rib-Eye Steak Frites and Willa’s famous Rotisserie Chicken. Open Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m. 1700 W Fig St., Tampa, (813) 519-4552. willastampa.com.

Yacht StarShip Cruises & Events Magical dining experiences for the whole family throughout the holiday season from Ugly Sweater Brunch to Santa cruises. Multiple locations. yachtstarship.com.

Where are there more Christmas events in Tampa Bay?