'Tis the season to wine and dine local! From historic downtown Venice to the beaches of Anna Maria Island, your best holiday dining-out options include locally-owned, independent restaurants in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Many of them, members of The Originals network, will be open and welcoming guests on the Friday of Christmas Eve and/or Saturday, Christmas Day, as well as the Friday evening of New Year's Eve.

Some will be serving holiday specials while some will have the traditional dishes and all the fixins. Some will serve a la carte, others prix fixe menus and take out options to feast at home for the holidays. Reservations are encouraged at most of these restaurants. It is encouraged to check with each restaurant for their exact offerings, hours, menus and prices. Make sure to call for pick-up instructions and order in well in advance to ensure your favorite local restaurant will be able to fill your holiday wishes this "eat, drink and be merry" time of year. 

For a list of Sarasota-Manatee Originals restaurants offering Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve dining this holiday season, check out the Eat Like A Local blog. 

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals network promotes and sustains over 60 independent area restaurants and provides diners with a comprehensive resource of some of the finest locally-owned keepsakes throughout Florida’s Suncoast. Remember to “Eat Like A Local” and check out eatlikealocal.com or @941originals socials for restaurant updates, promotional deals and upcoming events.

For a full list of 941 Originals Restaurant Members, click here