The holidays are a busy time, so why not treat yourself? Bay area restaurants and bars on both sides of the bay have limited-time eats and merry get-togethers planned for Christmas weekend.
4 Rivers Smokehouse Not only can 4 Rivers fans place online orders for boneless ham, smoked turkey and beef brisket (hurry, though — these requests must be in by Wednesday), but they can also get their sweet tooth on. The smokehouse chain's in-house Sweet Shop, which every location has, is showcasing desserts like Red Velvet Santa Whoopie Pies and Double Chocolate Snowman Cupcakes through Christmas Eve. 14330 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 844-474-8377, 4rsmokehouse.com.
Castile Reserve a spot at this waterfront restaurant with Spanish Mediterranean flair for a three-course, prix-fixe holiday lineup. Castile's new executive chef Nicolas Lebas will serve up offerings like asparagus cappuccino, spiced rack of lamb and lemon-basil tart. Diners can also order a la carte favorites off the regular menu. $75. Dec. 23-25. 3701 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727-456-8660, castilerestaurant.com.
Columbia Restaurant All five Columbia Restaurants will open their doors on Christmas Day, cooking up everything from lechon asado and roast turkey to the full dinner menu. To reserve seats, go online or call a location ahead of time. Walk-ins will be accepted, pending availability. $21.95 for adults, $5.95 for kids. Dec. 25, 11 a.m. 2117 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-4961, columbiarestaurant.com.
Cuvée 103 A prix-fixe Christmas Eve dinner highlighting a soup or salad, appetizer, entree and dessert. Guests will customize their four-course meal, choosing from a selection that includes zuppa di clams, short rib and pork osso bucco for a fuss-free evening. There's a complimentary glass of house wine or Champagne in store, too. Call or use Yelp's "Seat Me" for reservations. $47. Dec. 24. 2454 N. McMullen Booth Road #103, Clearwater, 727-726-0350, cuvee103.com.
Bizou Brasserie Pair the holiday magic that's in the air with Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dinner. Holiday classics will span the restaurant's limited menu. However, the "Special of the Night" — holiday ham, red bliss mashed potatoes and corn casserole — will keep diners extra warm. The option to spike Irish coffees, peppermint lattes and hazelnut cappuccinos will be available as well. Call for reservations. A La Carte menu: $8-$35; Special of the Night: $27. Dec. 24-25, 4-9 p.m. 601 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-227-9555, bizoutampa.com.
FarmTable Kitchen While dining out the night before Christmas, go with the Locale Market restaurant's classic a la carte items (think starters, shareables and mains), or an Italian tradition through a Feast of Seven Fishes menu. Reservations are suggested for the regular Christmas Eve dinner, but advanced reservations must be made — online or by phone — to enjoy Feast offerings in the main dining room (whole table participation is also required). Those looking for a more intimate experience should purchase tickets to the Feast of 7 Fishes at The Chef's Table; the communal event, limited to 10 guests, will spotlight seven seafood-inspired courses and dessert. Christmas Eve or Feast menu: Dec. 24, 5-11 p.m. Feast of 7 Fishes at The Chef's Table: $115, plus $55 optional wine pairing. Dec. 24, 6:30 p.m. 179 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-523-6297, localegourmetmarket.com/farmtable-kitchen/.
Il Ritorno Join one of the region's top Italian restaurants for another Feast of Seven Fishes. Also known as "The Vigil," the Christmas Eve dinner will be served by reservation only, so give Il Ritorno a call to chow down on its version of this culinary tradition. $70 for adults, $30 for kids ages 14 and under. 449 Central Ave. #101, St. Petersburg, 727-897-5900, ilritornodowntown.com.
Pelagia Trattoria Skip the mess and stress that tends to accompany holiday cooking. Pelagia's exclusive Christmas Day dinner at the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel will showcase a festive prix-fixe selection of four appetizers, five entrees and five desserts. Make reservations with family and friends by calling the restaurant or booking a table online. $45 for adults, $18 for kids 13 and under. Dec. 25, noon-8 p.m. 2223 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa, 813-313-3235.
The Rusty Pelican Don't pass up a Champagne buffet on Christmas morning. The meal will include breakfast specialties, a carving station, crab legs and even a table dedicated to doughnuts. Grown-ups can indulge at the Bloody Mary bar, while children enjoy craft baskets. Check out the full menu online, and make a reservation via OpenTable. $65 for adults, $25 for kids 5-12. 2425 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, 813-281-1943, therustypelicantampa.com.
Sunset Grill at Little Harbor A traditional holiday feast is planned, and reservations are highly recommended. $32 for adults, $15 for kids under 10. Dec. 25, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 602 Bahia Del Sol Drive, Ruskin, 813-645-7739, sunsetgrillfl.com.
Sly Bar The Christmas Eve edition of this Grand Central District watering hole's "Kill the Keg" event will highlight the Squeeze Box Grapefruit IPA, brewed by SweetWater Brewing Company. In addition to the $12 all-you-can-drink offer, expect food specials and giveaways. Dec. 24, 7 p.m.-3 a.m. 2061 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-800-2971, slybar.com.
Tryst Dig into the eclectic eatery's normal menu of food and cocktails, as well as a seared duck special. The kitchen is set to operate from 5 to 10 p.m. for Christmas dinner. Dec. 25, 4 p.m.-3 a.m. 240 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, 727-821-4567, dinetryst.com.
West Bay Public House For West Bay's Holiday Customer Appreciation Celebration, Big Top Brewing Company will feature free samples of its craft brews alongside special beers. A gift basket filled with Big Top goodies will also be raffled off. Dec. 23, 7 p.m.-midnight. 80 Clearwater Largo Road S., Largo, 727-588-4444.