12.31.2025

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60º | 0% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:20 a.m. | Sunset 5:45 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | Low: 6:52 a.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 10:47 a.m. + 8:15 p.m. | Low: 2:12 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

We’re not cooking for the rest of the year

Red-checkered chairs and are tucked into tables which are lined by plush, green booths in a room with massive windows and exposed brick.

Sip on a brew or two in the sun-soaked Mad Dogs & Englishmen dining room. | Photo by Collins PR Group

Looking for the next new restaurant hitting Tampa Bay’s food scene? Check out these buzzy places to eat and drink in Tampa + St. Pete — plus, some spots coming soon.

Keep tabs on this list to stay ahead of the cuisine curve. And don’t forget to bookmark it.

Newly open

1983, Tampa | New American | Reservations: Yes
This “neighborhood social hub” serves up brunch, family dinner, and casual fare on the expansive outdoor patio.

Elliot Aster, St. Pete | Upscale eats | Reservations: Yes
A Michelin-starred chef opened a new fine dining location at the Pink Lady this year. Elliott Aster — dedicated to the Florida wildflower + developer that named the Vinoy — offers steaks, an antipasti bar, and an outdoor seating area with those primo waterfront views.

Olivia, St. Pete | Modern Italian | Reservations: Yes
Chef Chris Ponte recently added an Olivia spot across the Bay to accompany the already popular South Tampa restaurant. You can expect the same beloved pizza, pasta, charcuterie, cicchetti, cheeses + more Italian delights.

City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa

10+ more spots to bring the inlaws

Events

Wednesday, Dec. 31

Thursday, Jan. 1

In The Mood for New Year’s Day with The Glenn Miller Orchestra | 3 p.m. | Mahaffey Theater | $103+

Celebrate Kwanzaa | 3-8 p.m. | Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association | $12+

Friday, Jan. 2

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents “The Greatest Show On Earth” | Friday, Jan. 2-Sunday, Jan. 4 | Times vary | Benchmark International Arena | $31+

Saturday, Jan. 3

Sunday, Jan. 4

Festivals., concerts, and foodie faves

Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

News Notes

Coming Soon

Meet the Flapjack Social Club. And no, it isn’t what you think. The pickleball + social club is opening soon in The Palms of Carrollwood Shopping Center. The club will house 13 pickleball and padel courts, plus a cafe and bar, cold plunge and sauna, co-working spaces, and more. (That’s So Tampa)

Try This

No need to book an Uber, just use public transit to get around tonight. PSTA is offering free rides on the SunRunner, Spark, and Routes 4, 18, 34, and 52. How late? All services will run through 1 a.m. (I Love the Burg)

Eat

Have you tried Vietnamese phin-dripped coffee? You’re about to, since Say Coffee House opens in the Grand Central District in Spring 2026. The menu features bold coffee topped with condensed milk and other frothy delights. (I Love the Burg)

Travel

TBAY’s tourism industry remained consistent despite last year’s devastating hurricanes. Visit Tampa Bay reports that October was the third-best on record for Hillsborough County. Read up on potential challenges for the industry in 2026. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

The Word

Betwixtmas. That’s the new word for the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve — aka a time period that many describe as feeling “meaningless.” If you’re struggling to fill your Betwixtmas, we recommend exploring our events calendar. (KVUE)

Sports

Can the Lightning defy the odds and maintain their playoff push despite missing key stars like Victor Hedman and Emil Lilleberg? Get all the intel you need from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Read

Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*

Try This

If you give a mouse a cookie a kid a book, they’ll be a reader for life. Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites is now at Florida Children’s Museum through Jan. 11. Visit to see how the exhibit fosters early literacy skills + a love for reading.*

Featured Deal

Psst — today only, choose between a free Nighttime Nourisher or High Dose Hero with any purchase of Canary’s science-backed supplements. Think: waking up rested with energy, easing joint pain the natural way, or optimizing urinary tract health.*

Biz

Happy New Year’s Eve. Today is the final day to get 26% off all Newsletter Text Ads and Email Banner Ads on our advertising portal. Use code COUNTDOWNTO2026 at checkout — no long-term contract required.

The Buy

A personalized weight loss plan from Noom. Begin the new year by trying Noom’s science-backed program that blends cutting-edge technology with expert coaching to drive lasting behavior change. Take this 5-minute quiz to receive a plan that’s tailored to your goals for 2026.

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Answered

Yesterday, we asked “How is Editor Bailey spending her NYE?”

A frozen espresso martini sits atop a green and white coaster on a black table. — What week isn’t improved with a frozen espresso martini?

And the right answer is ...grabbing an espresso martini at one of her favorite St. Pete hotel bars. Followed by some prosecco at midnight.

But there’s plenty more lively — and more chill — parties going on across TBAY.

25 NYE ideas

The Wrap

We have to bid adieu to Crowbar in a few months, so let’s make every last show count. Watch a slew of standout performances at the Beginning of the End this weekend.

The lineup features This Is Goodbye and Wolfgang Amadeus. On a related note, I did in fact achieve my goal of seeing 10 concerts in 2025 — please clap.

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