Whether you're game for chowing and dancing all night Wednesday, or getting home in time to watch the ball drop with loved ones, here's a guide to our favorite New Year's Eve gatherings for the food and drink obsessed.
Drink $5 Hemingway daiquiris and watch the conch shell drop at The Getaway's Key West New Year's party. DJ Pass Tha Mic, fireworks, fire dancers and beach limbo will be among the highlights. Email [email protected] for $200 table reservations. Free, money for drinks. 11 a.m. 13090 Gandy Blvd. N., St. Petersburg, 813-267-1602.
Tampa Bay Brewing Company's ready to wish you Hoppy New Year during its food- and drink-filled soirée. Chef John Boyle will cook up 14-ounce prime rib, 8-ounce lobster tail, twice-baked potato and more to go with your beverages. Free, money for food and drinks. 11 a.m. 1600 E. Ninth Ave., Tampa, 813-247-1422.
The soft opening of Ybor City Daily Market will coincide with the Outback Bowl parade, which starts at 5:30 p.m. Regionites will get acquainted with the new indoor-outdoor, community-focused space, as well as eight of the market's vendors. Baskets of local produce, art and more will be raffled off. Free. 2-7 p.m. 1920 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-312-7425.
Inspired by Boardwalk Empire, Yard of Ale's year-end festivities bring you and your compatriots together for toasts and complimentary Champagne at midnight. Free, money for drinks. 4 p.m. 260 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-822-2027
Get to know a downtown St. Pete bar scene newbie, and its cocktails. Station House will celebrate New Year's with light grub at 4 p.m., followed by 6 p.m. full-dinner service. Free, money for drinks and food. 4 p.m. 260 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-895-8260.
Reserve your spot (it's required) at Il Ritorno's New Year's Eve dinner table while you can. $11-30 per item. 5 p.m. 449 Central Ave. #101, St. Petersburg, 727-897-5900.
Though Pelagia Trattoria's regular dinner offerings won't be served, the New Year's Eve prix fixe menu features lobster bisque, crab cakes, Belgian salsify, bone-in rib-eye, squid-ink linguine, crème brûlée and more. Reservations are recommended. $65. 5-10 p.m. 4200 Jim Walter Blvd., Tampa, 813-313-3235.
The full food menu at Lagerhaus Brewery & Grill will be offered until 12:30 a.m. to accompany your brews. Grilled shrimp and the "Shrimp a la Trieste" dish will be included on the brewpub's lineup of specials. Reservations are available. Free, money for beer and drinks. 5 p.m.-2 a.m. 3438 E. Lake Business, Palm Harbor, 813-343-2449.
A free beachside shindig, with a s'mores roast and fireworks viewing, will be hosted by the Sandpearl Resort for its guests at 11 p.m. Non-hotel guests may enjoy a four- or five-course meal at the on-site Caretta on the Gulf, accompanied by live tunes through midnight. Online reservations are recommended. $149 for four courses, $169 for five. 5:30 p.m. 500 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach, 727-674-4171.
Nab the final 6 p.m. seatings at Ciro's Speakeasy & Supper Club's New Year's Eve dinner. The prix fixe meal will be four courses, and comes with a Champagne toast. Reservations are required. $65. 6 p.m. 2109 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa, 813-251-0022.
Nosh on a five-course dinner for two at Castile between 6 and 8 p.m., or 8:30 and 10, before heading to The Hotel Zamora's year-end rooftop bar bash, where desserts, Champagne, party favors and music will be showcased. Admission gets you free valet parking, too. $100. 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m. 3701 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727-456-8660.
The luau and block party from Sail Pavilion is set to please with food trucks like Hott Mess and Dochos Concession, drink specials, family-friendly games and live entertainment. Look for the beer garden's seasonal brews, and feel free to bring the pooch along. Free, money for drinks and food. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-274-7778.
Alongside barbecue and beer, Dan Padilla, Jeff Brawer and Shae Krispinski will help you "pre-game before the amateurs and sports fans come out" with live performances at New World Brewery. Free, money for drinks and food. 7 p.m. 1313 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa, 813-248-4969.
A balloon drop, Champagne toast and confetti cannons are in store for imbibers at midnight during The Mandarin Hide's old-fashioned affair. Though they're limited, table reservations are available upon request. Stop by for $15 bottomless mimosas New Year's Day to recover from the night before. Free, money for drinks. 7 p.m. 231 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-231-4007.
Pair O' Dice Brewing Co.'s Masquerade Party will feature special tappings of the Chocolate Covered Cherry Stout and Coconut IPA. Trigger City Trio will supply the tuneage. Free, money for beer. 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m. 4400 118th Ave. N. #208, Clearwater, 727-755-3423.
Sip and groove as Kori Steven hosts Glow, the illuminated New Year's Eve party at Georgie's Alibi. Free, money for drinks. 7 p.m.-close. 3100 Third Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-321-2112.
Get ready for the historic Gulfport Casino's Glitz, Glamour & Glitter party, featuring a full cash bar, late-night tapas after 10 p.m., party favors, a midnight ball drop, a photo booth and more. $35 general admission, $200 limited VIP tickets. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport, 727-381-8548.
Be among the first to taste Mad Beach Craft Brewing Company's beverages during its masquerade-style Brew Year's Eve. Beer, mead and cider will be featured alongside hors d'oeuvres and a pizza smorgasbord after midnight. Read more on the event, and where to purchase tickets. $30. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. 12945 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach, 727-362-0008.
With a buffet, giveaways, a complimentary Champagne toast and more, the @548 bar will have revelers dancing into 2015 alongside sounds by DJ Royce. A midnight balloon drop is planned, too. Free, money for drinks. 8 p.m.-3 a.m. 548 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-286-0928
You'll get three year-end parties at Kelly's, Blur and the Chic-A-Boom Room on New Year's Eve. The Black Honkeys will take over Blur, and the Chic-A-Boom patio will welcome the Gloria West & Gents Jazz Trio. Reserve a private table by calling 727-736-0206. We hear they go fast. $20. 8 p.m.-3 a.m. 319 Main St., Dunedin, 727-736-5284.
Beverage specials, including $100 bottle deals from 8 to 10 p.m. and 1 to 3 a.m., will be showcased at SoHo's MacDinton's Irish Pub. The St. Pete locale will offer up free Champagne as the ball drops. Free, money for drinks. 8 p.m.-3 a.m. 405 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-251-8999.
An open bar from 9 p.m. to midnight and a full buffet will greet diners at The Birchwood's Mad Men-themed bash. There will be canopy access, live entertainment and VIP seating, too. $135. 8 p.m. 340 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, 727-896-1080.
DJ Q Phunk will bring the beats to The Bricks' festivities. Drink specials will be featured, along with a Champagne toast to start 2015 off right. Free, money for drinks. 9 p.m. 1327 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-247-1785.
The formal-wear Rooftop Eve will enhance the big night out with mystery and elegance. General admission gets you spirits like Grey Goose and Jack Daniels, beer, wine and Champagne to pair with desserts. And early entry, cocktail and bottle service, private seating and more come with Cabana (8-person group) ticket purchases. Music will be showcased all night. $175 and up. 9 p.m. 415 S. Jefferson St., Tampa, 813-299-0636.
Red Mesa Cantina's celebration will offer its "party like it's $19.99" deal, which comes with one bottle of Champagne and two flutes, throughout the evening. There's no cover, and you'll also score party hats, tiaras, noisemakers and more. Brunch will sling New Year's Day. Free, money for drinks. 9 p.m. 128 Third St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-896-8226.
TradeWinds plans to boogie 'til the ball drops during its Rockin' in the Midnight Hour event. In cocktail attire, adult guests will experience live tunes and a dance contest at 9 p.m., as well as an open bar, Champagne and an hors d'oeuvres buffet. At 7, the resort has a luau party with dinner, games and crafts planned for the youngsters, while teens will enjoy graffiti T-shirts, singing and dancing. $140 for adults; $60 for kids ages 12 and under, $30 for each additional kid; $50 for teens 13 to 17. 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.; 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m. 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727-363-2258.
There's no cover at the Independent Bar and Cafe's celebration. You'll get in on Champagne and DJ sounds. Free, money for drinks. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. 5016 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-341-4883.
For a seventh year, The DrYnk will throw its black-and-white New Year's Eve gathering. It boasts a "premium" open bar from the time the doors open until midnight. $40-60. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. 302 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-251-5552.
Jensen Serf Company will ring in the new year as the ball drops at The Bends' confetti-coated New Year's affair. Before and after the band, DJ Sugar Bear will make you dance with Champagne, cocktails and craft beer in hand. Don't miss the multialcohol scorpion bowls or beverage specials. Free, money for drinks. 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. 919 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-202-8931.
Small bites, along with a free cocktail and a Champagne toast, will be highlighted at Anise Global Gastrobar's NYE Soirée. You must RSVP to [email protected]. Ideas for the evening's grub menu include grilled lamb lollipops, raw oysters and stinky bunz, of course. Anise's Bartenders New Year's celebration happens Monday, Jan. 5. $50. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. 777 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, 813-225-4272.
And since you'll need to recover from all that drinking, Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe's got you. The restaurant's New Year's Day Hangover Brunch will showcase baked goods, corned beef, black-eyed peas and more. Oh, and drink specials because why not? Dean Johanesen performs at 2 p.m. Free, money for food and drinks. Noon-5 p.m. 5119 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-234-1000.
