Thinking of dining out on on of the upcoming holidays? Here's a list of places around Tampa Bay that will be open and offering special menus for Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day or all of the above. Be sure to call ahead to make your reservations and visit their websites for menus and holiday hours. And if all else fails, there's always Village Inn.
AQUAKNOX 7627 Courtney Campbell Parkway, Tampa, 813-281-0000; aquaknox.net. Ring in 2011 at Aquaknox's holiday party and buffet. Includes live music, Champagne toast, and they're even throwing in hats and noisemakers. $75; 7 and 9:30 p.m.
400 BEACH SEAFOOD AND TAP HOUSE 400 Beach Dr. NE, St. Pete, 727-896-2400; 400beachseafood.com. Offering a decadent four-course menu for NYE which includes lobster tails, filet Mignon and a whole list of mouthwatering options. And, you'll be just a hop, skip and a jump from the fireworks spectacle at midnight in Straub Park. $59.95; menu available after 6 p.m. until close.
BELLA BRAVA 204 Beach Dr NE, St. Pete, 727-895-5515; bellabrava.com. If you're in more of a mood for Italian while celebrating on Christmas and New Year's Eves in downtown St. Pete, Bella Brava is serving up holiday specials along with their regular menu.
BRIO TUSCAN GRILLE 2223 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa, 813-877-3939; brioitalian.com. After a long day of returning Christmas gifts and redeeming gift cards at the mall, celebrate the end of the holidays at Brio. Offering a seafood- and pasta-filled New Year's Eve menu and complimentary sparkling cider. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
CASSIS AMERICAN BRASSERIE 170 Beach Drive, St. Pete, 727-827-2927; cassisab.com. Indulge in a bistro themed NYE dinner at Cassis. The five-course menu will be served before 7:30 p.m. at $60 per person, and a larger, six-course menu complete with Champagne toast for $90 will be available after 7:30. They're also offering a special New Year's Day brunch with $5 mimosas and Bloody Marys.
COLUMBIA RESTAURANT 2117 East 7th Ave., Tampa, 813-248-4961; 800 2nd Avenue N.E. (on the fourth floor of the Pier), St. Pete, 727-822-8000; 1241 Gulf Boulevard, Clearwater, 727-596-8400; columbiarestaurant.com. You won't worry about having to cook for the holidays as the Columbia is open for lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. On New Year's Eve, they're offering three different dining experiences: dinner with flamenco show, limited a la carte menu and the celebration menu in the Ybor Café. Check locations for hours.
KELLY'S FOR JUST ABOUT…ANYTHING! 319 Main St., Dunedin, 727-736-5284; kellyschicaboom.com. Forget a fancy dinner, Kelly's is throwing a whole party for New Year's Eve, featuring the musical stylings of The Black Honkeys, plus a Champagne toast and buffet at midnight. $25 or $125 for a reserved table (incl. a bottle of bubbly); 7 p.m.-?
This article appears in Dec 23-29, 2010.