Christmas 2016 in Tampa Bay will likely not have snow, but it’s the holidays nonetheless. This is a time to kick back and relax and spend quality time with family and friends on Christmas Day, which might mean taking an even more laid-back approach by not prepping any kind of holiday meal.
Christmas breakfast and Christmas dinner can be eaten outside of the home on this day because some restaurants are open for all three meals of the day, some for lunch and dinner, and others for just dinner or just breakfast and lunch.
If there is a place you would like to dine at, your best bet is to call ahead and see if they are open at the time you want and if reservations are required. It is wise to make a reservation if they are taking them to ensure a table and meal because it would be unfortunate to be left out in the cold on Christmas day without a meal.
Where to Eat Out in Tampa Bay on Christmas Day
Below are a number of restaurants open in Tampa Bay on Christmas day.
Elevage at The Epicurean Hotel
Élevage will offer an Epicurean Christmas Dinner that will be a feast unlike any you have ever experienced. Reservations are required so call ahead to book your table.
Fresh Harvest
Watch your food being made by the many chefs who work at this live-action kitchen and dining experience. Make an event of it and experience an atypical meal in an atypical environment.
Columbia Restaurant
Authentic Cuban and Latin food will be found here if you want a dash of spice and flare added to your Christmas Day meal. They will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Rise Kitchen and Bakery
They will have a special Christmas Day menu. Call ahead to find out the specifics.
Mitchell’s Fish Market
Tired of turkey and ham? Head out here for some fresh and delicious seafood and create some new traditions. The restaurant is open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Beef O’Brady’s
This is where to go in Tampa on Christmas Day of you want some good pub food, including fish and chips and burgers and fries. Who says you have to do something fancy?
Council Oak Steaks and Seafood
Who wouldn’t want steak and seafood on any day? Head out here for some of the best the city has to offer.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
More steak options! Upscale steak house, reservations required.
Rusty Pelican
This is going to be a feast unlike any other. A champagne buffet with breakfast items to start and then turkey and crab, and a martini bar available all day. There’s something for everyone!
Other places open in Tampa Bay on Christmas day are Starbucks (for those much-needed coffee runs), McDonald’s, Waffle House, IHOP, and Denny’s. So there are plenty of options available for Christmas Day meals, whether you eat out for one or three.
Please call ahead to ensure the location you choose is open and enjoy that meal out with friends and family. And if you’re (secretly?) taking yourself out, enjoy it all the same and soak up the quiet time.
Sources for Today’s Article
“Tampa Bay area restaurants open on Christmas Day 2016,” Channel 8 News web site, December 21, 2016; http://wfla.com/2016/12/21/tampa-bay-area-restaurants-open-on-christmas-day-2016/, last accessed December 22, 2016.
Bullock, Carolyn. “Tampa Restaurants Open on Christmas Day,” Open Table web site, December 1, 2016; https://www.813area.com/restaurants/tampa-restaurants-open-on-christmas-day.html, last accessed December 22, 2016.