Trying to avoid ringing in 2017 with pricey table reservations or bottle service at New Year's celebrations around the region? Here are five food and drink alternatives that'll go easy on your wallet this holiday weekend. For more on what to do and where to go, follow CL's guide to New Year's Eve feasts and parties.
Kick off the merriment at FarmTable Kitchen, located on the second floor of Locale Market at downtown St. Pete's Sundial. Friday is the last day of the restaurant's Half Price Champagne Week, which features discounted bottles of bubbly all day, plus free sparkling wine tastings from 5 to 7 p.m. Guests can choose between everything from exclusive vintage Champagnes to global sparklers. Free, money for drinks. 179 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 727-523-6300.
Hot dog! For New Year's Eve Eve, Arkane Aleworks will have Gizzy's on-site with Windy City wieners between 3 and 9 p.m. Friday. Sip on the Largo craft brewery's selection of drafts while noshing on fully dressed Chicago-style dogs for the last time in 2016. Free, money for beer and food. 2480 E. Bay Drive #23, Largo. 727-270-7117.
Before heading out for a night on the town, celebrate New Year's Eve and the 31st of the month with discounted ice cream. From 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at participating locations, Baskin-Robbins plans to offer a sweet promotion for the occasion: scoops for just $1.31. Free, money for food. Various locations, Tampa Bay.
Refresh after all those booze-soaked festivities with Nueva Cantina. Starting at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, the St. Petersburg restaurant's New Year's Day Hangover Brunch will showcase a brunch menu of Mexican-inspired eats and, of course, adult beverages. Guests will enjoy a Bloody Mary bar (brimming with 25 ingredients), $12 bottomless mimosas and live sounds from DJ C-Note. Free, money for food and drinks. 1625 Fourth St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-851-9579.
In Tampa, Cafe Hey is set to start off the new year on a high note. Its traditional New Year's Day meal, Hoppin' Johns, will serve up all-you-can-eat black-eyed peas (which signify good fortune), collards (for money), rice and cornbread (for gold) from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Vegan versions of each dish will be available, as will coffee and more bottomless mimosas. Diners are told to leave three beans behind to make their 2017 even more prosperous. $9. 1540 N. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-221-5150.
This article appears in Dec 29, 2016 – Jan 5, 2017.