Let someone else do the cooking (and bartending) on Thanksgiving. This seasonal guide steers Tampa Bay toward everything from Turkey Day dishes to drinks, including some local merriment before the big meal.
4 Rivers Smokehouse
Various locations, Tampa Bay.
4 Rivers accepts holiday orders till Nov. 17. Turkeys, which can feed a family of 14 to 16, are brined, seasoned and slow hickory smoked; side dishes include Southern green beans and sweet potato casserole. The smokehouse’s seasonal sandwich, The Pilgrim, has also arrived for the month.
Photo via 4 Rivers SmokehouseLocale Market
Sundial, 179 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg.
Place a holiday catering order for an entire feast, or a la carte trimmings such as apple and pancetta sprouts and house-made sweets like chocolate bourbon pecan pie. All requests must be submitted before 9 p.m. Nov. 16.
Photo via Locale MarketMaggiano’s Little Italy
203 Westshore Plaza, Tampa.
Dine in over a four-course, family-style spread with your loved ones, or take a meal package to-go. Either way, that pumpkin praline cheesecake awaits.
Photo via Maggiano’sBon Appétit Restaurant
148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin.
Choose from an all-you-can-eat buffet in the Sunset Ballroom or a four-course seated dinner in the main dining area. Reservations are highly recommended.
Photo via Bon Appétit RestaurantRuth’s Chris Steak House
Various locations, Tampa Bay.
A three-course feast embracing tradition rings in the special occasion. But don’t worry — the regular selection of swanky grub is served as well.
Photo via Ruth’s Chris Steak HouseSprouts Farmers Market
Various locations, Tampa Bay.
Order fresh, organic turkeys (or other ready-to-cook meats like spiral sliced hams and choice rib roasts) and prepared meals through Nov. 17. Or, through Nov. 20, you could always go with a catering tray. Home delivery is offered to select zip codes.
Photo via Sprouts Farmers MarketSea-Guini
Opal Sands Resort, 430 S. Gulfview Blvd. #100, Clearwater Beach.
In addition to the market buffet, a raw bar, omelet and carving stations, a waffle area, and cheese and charcuterie displays complete this brunch.
Photo via Opal Sands ResortCaretta on the Gulf
Sandpearl Resort, 500 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach.
No need to stress about the cooking when Caretta specializes in a generous brunch.
Photo via Sandpearl ResortÉlevage
Epicurean Hotel, 1207 S. Howard Ave., Tampa.
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.
Photo via Epicurean HotelThe Rez Grill
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 5223 Orient Road, Tampa.
This year, be a little adventurous and try out the sous vide turkey at The Rez.
Photo via Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & CasinoInnisbrook
36750 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor.
Two seatings in the Inverness Ballroom showcase glorious plates of carved entrees, pastries and other seasonal bites. Reservations are required.
Photo via Innisbrook, A Salamander Golf & Spa ResortFleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
4322 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa.
This holiday meal spotlights three courses, including mixed herb-roasted turkey breast or sliced beef tenderloin. There’s even a menu for kids.
Photo via Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine BarColumbia Restaurant
Various locations, Tampa Bay.
Keep the holiday traditional with a meal of roast turkey with house stuffing — not to mention a list of sides like whipped potatoes, giblet gravy and sautéed carrots. The full menu is also featured.
Photo via Columbia RestaurantRise Kitchen & Bakery
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 5223 Orient Road, Tampa.
Dig into an old-school turkey dinner — finished with slices of pumpkin pie.
Photo via Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & CasinoBoston Market
Various locations, Tampa Bay.
Open on Thanksgiving, Boston Market spotlights roasted turkey breast and signature rotisserie chicken as individual meals or “feasts for three.” Seasonal sides, appetizers and whole pies round out the offerings. Home delivery is available, too.
Photo via Boston MarketMetro Diner
Various locations, Tampa Bay.
Breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes like fried chicken and waffles are Turkey Day options, and so is the holiday special: a stuffing waffle topped with mashed potatoes, gravy and roasted turkey, plus a side of cranberry sauce.
Photo via Metro DinerCouncil Oak Steaks & Seafood
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 5223 Orient Road, Tampa.
Elevated holiday fare such as roasted baby beets, acorn squash bisque, roasted turkey roulade and spiced pumpkin cake.
Photo via Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & CasinoHEW Parlor & Chophouse
Fenway Hotel, 453 Edgewater Drive, Dunedin.
Try not to go into a food coma after downing a three-course, prix-fixe spread at the newly opened Fenway Hotel’s signature restaurant. It’s family-style.
Photo via Jenna RimensnyderThe Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas
7700 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa.
A family-friendly buffet with seasonally inspired plates like sage-rubbed turkey breast, herb stuffing and harvest pumpkin soup. Be on the lookout for the amalgam of desserts.
Photo via The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas TampaThe Capital Grille
2223 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa.
French green beans with Marcona almonds and cranberry pear chutney, mashed potatoes and slow-roasted turkey with brioche stuffing are on the menu.
Photo via The Capital GrilleBahama Breeze Island Grille
Various locations, Tampa Bay
Those tropical dishes you’ve come love mingle with holiday specials.
Photo via Bahama Breeze Island GrilleTerra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse
1108 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa.
Go for the “Full Rodizio Dinner” experience with unlimited cuts of fire-roasted turkey breast wrapped in bacon, as well as beef, lamb, pork, chicken and seafood. And don’t forget about the gourmet salad bar.
Photo via Terra Gaucha Brazilian SteakhouseTurkey Trot Dive Bar Loop
Brew Bus Brewing, 4101 N. Florida Ave., Tampa.
Spend the evening before Thanksgiving jumping from local dive bar to dive bar with Brew Bus. Reservoir Bar, The Hub, Tiny Tap Tavern and American Legion Seminole Post 111 are the stops.
Photo via Brew Bus BrewingOsteria Bar + Kitchen
903 N. Franklin St., Tampa.
Italian takes on Thanksgiving favorites from the downtown newbie. The main attraction includes slow-cooked, herb-crusted turkey breasts, roasted Brussels sprouts with house bacon and taleggio whipped potatoes.
Photo via Osteria TampaShula’s Steak House
The Westshore Grand, 4860 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa.
Get fancy for the holiday. You’ve earned a taste of the three-course, prix-fixe lineup with family-style sides seasonal craft cocktails.
Photo via Shula’s Steak HousesRasoi Indian Cuisine
1701 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa.
You might wanna skip the honey ham, because this well-reviewed north Indian restaurant is delicious.
Photo via Rasoi Indian CuisineEddie V’s Prime Seafood
4400 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa.
A traditional (and splurgy) take on the holiday spread, in addition to the regular bill of fare.
Photo via Eddie V’s Prime Seafood (Tampa, FL)Thanksgiving Eve Bar Crawl with Party Bus
Franklin Manor, 912 N. Franklin St., Tampa.
Whether you’re trying to escape your family members or spend more quality time with them, this pub-hop-on-wheels transports you to and from each bar.
Photo via Downtown CrawlersSeasons 52
204 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa.
Gather ’round for a homestyle Thanksgiving dinner of roasted turkey (that’s never been given antibiotics), French green beans and mashed butternut squash, to name a few.
Photo via Seasons 52TooJay’s
401 E. Jackson St., Tampa.
Skip the cleanup. TooJay’s fills preorders for everything from oven-roasted whole turkey and cornbread stuffing to pumpkin cheesecake. All orders must be in by Nov. 19.
Photo via TooJay’sOur Place
1617 Main St., Dunedin.
Go ham (no, seriously) on the bottomless smorgasbord of savory and sweet goodness. Tickets to this annual tradition are going fast, so stop in to nab yours.
Photo via Our Place DunedinHaleLife Bakery
3351 Tech Drive, Clearwater.
Check out the bakery’s gluten-free and vegan menu, then place orders for the Turkey Day treats of your dreams. Options include pumpkin pie, cobblers, cheesecake and coffee cakes.
Photo via HaleLife BakeryThe Rusty Pelican
2425 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa.
A bottomless Champagne buffet. What more could you ask?
Photo via Rusty Pelican Restaurant TampaBoca
901 W. Platt St., Tampa.
Place a to-go order with Boca, then pick up your haul on Thanksgiving. A $25 gift card is up for grabs for every $100 you spend before Nov. 15.
Photo via Boca TampaFresh Harvest
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 5223 Orient Road, Tampa.
Eat as much as you want at this Thanksgiving buffet, where a $5 discount is given to Seminole Wild Card members with valid ID.
Photo via Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & CasinoThe Lucky Dill
33180 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor.
Oven-roasted turkey with sides like herb stuffing, maple-glazed sweet potatoes and green beans amandine. Oh, and did someone say unlimited dessert bar?
Photo via Lucky Dill DeliGrille 54
11935 Sheldon Road, Tampa.
Go all out for Thanksgiving brunch with an omelet station, carving stations (plural!), a raw bar, bottomless mimosas and desserts. Mac and cheese, roasted butternut squash soup, deviled eggs and green bean casserole are a few welcome additions.
Photo via Grille 54717 South
717 S. Howard Ave., Tampa.
A SoHo hotspot doing new twists on classics for Turkey Day. Look no further than the cranberry- and cornbread-stuffed turkey or the sweet corn pudding. Expect regular dinner items, too.
Photo via 717 SouthIberian Rooster
475 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.
The buffet features a range of holiday specialties — among them mashed potatoes and gravy, turkey and pumpkin pie squares. Even better? You get a free glass of wine.
Photo via Iberian RoosterRoy’s
4342 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa.
Three courses of Thanksgiving classics get served up, along with a prix-fixe menu of Roy’s go-tos.
Photo via Roy’s RestaurantYard of Ale
260 First Ave N., St. Petersburg.
Start a new Thanksgiving tradition with this watering hole, where drink specials, dancing and live entertainment are planned the night before.
Photo via Yard of Ale St. PetePeggy O’s Kitchen & Taps
1026 Florida Ave., Palm Harbor.
Now in its 13 year, the celebration at Peggy O’s consists of roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans and orange cranberry sauce. Pumpkin and apple pies are also in store.
Photo via Peggy O’s Kitchen & TapsGiving Voice: An Interfaith Thanksgiving Potluck
Unitarian Universalist Church of St. Petersburg, 100 Mirror Lake Drive N., St. Petersburg.
The annual get-together highlights a new potluck dinner encouraging guests to contribute a shareable dish (and a tablecloth) that pays homage to their family or community.
Photo via Interfaith Tampa BayAqua Prime
213 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach.
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.
Photo via Aqua Prime400 Beach Seafood & Taphouse
400 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg.
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.
Photo via 400 Beach Seafood and Tap HouseCooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
4110 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa.
Butternut squash soup, slow-roasted turkey with pan gravy, traditional stuffing and spiced pumpkin cheesecake, among other beloved fixin’s.
Photo via Cooper’s Hawk Winery & RestaurantBlinkers Beachside Steakhouse & Lounge
476 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach.
The regular lineup accompanies a turkey dinner and honey ham specials. Family-style accommodations are available. Call for reservations.
Photo via Blinkers Beachside, Steakhouse & Lounge, Clearwater Beach FloridaParkshore Grill
300 Beach Drive NE #104, St. Petersburg.
Follow the blue umbrellas to the full dinner menu or a festive Thanksgiving feature. For reservations, call or book online through OpenTable.
Photo via Parkshore GrillMichelle Faedo’s Tampeño Cuisine
1218 Ray Charles Blvd., Tampa.
Pregame for the big meal with signature dishes of this first-come, first-served feast, including turkey, honey ham, stuffing, green bean casserole and mashed potatoes.
Photo via Michelle Faedo’s Tampeño CuisineCricketers Pub
2634 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin.
Choose between a prime rib dinner and a roast turkey dinner. Soup or salad comes with both meals, as does dessert. To secure a table, call the British pub and restaurant.
Photo via Cricketers PubThe Pearl
163 107th Ave., Treasure Island.
A plated traditional turkey dinner with the popular trimmings. What’s more, you can score most of the regular bill of fare.
Photo via The Pearl RestaurantSunset Grill
602 Bahia Del Sol Drive, Ruskin.
Turkey Day time slots fill up quickly, so book a seat early to ensure you get in on the buffet’s seasonal salads, chef-driven carving station and other holiday accompaniments.
Photo via Sunset Grill at Little HarborRomano’s Macaroni Grill
Various locations, Tampa Bay.
A three-course, prix-fixe spread that includes a choice of soup or salad, roasted turkey breast, sausage and apple stuffing, roasted butternut squash mashed potatoes, a choice of Brussels sprouts or broccolini, and pumpkin cheesecake.
Photo via Romano’s Macaroni GrillBizou Brasserie
Le Méridien, 601 N. Florida Ave., Tampa.
Get in on three specials during the holiday feast — beer-roasted turkey breast, honey clove ham or 12-ounce prime rib — plus a limited selection of Bizou favorites (think charcuterie and braised pork shank).
Photo via Bizou BrasserieBlur
325 Main St., Dunedin.
Nah, this nightclub doesn’t do its own holiday dinner. But it does want you to bust a move on Thanksgiving Eve. Three bars and DJ Freelance are the highlights.
Photo via Blur NightclubPané Rustica Bakery & Cafe
3225 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa.
You have until Nov. 18 to order prepared Thanksgiving dinners. Pané Rustica offers turkey, cranberry dressing, cinnamon whipped sweet potatoes, stuffing and veggies. Pies and breads are on hand as well.
Photo via Pané Rustica Bakery & CafeDulcet Restaurant & Lounge
6220 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey.
The fully loaded buffet of bottomless delights invites you to stuff yourself with prime rib and garlic mash.
Photo via Dulcet Restaurant & LoungeTradeWinds Island Grand
5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach.
An all-you-can-eat assortment of pasta and carved meats — alongside the usual breakfast foods — in the Grand Palm Colonnade and Ballroom. But what you need to worry about? Which beach chair to lounge in afterward.
Photo via TradeWinds Island ResortsBeau N Mo’s Italian Eating House
2924 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg.
Chow down with this Chicago-style Italian steakhouse in Kenwood while observing the holiday. You’re gonna need a reservation.
Photo via Beau n Mo’s Italian Eating House St. Petersburg, FL
