Columbia Restaurant

The Columbia is part of the pride of Tampa Bay's restaurant scene. Serving delicious Spanish cuisine since 1905 - The Columbia has gone on to create success all over the bay and is a local tradition. The Ybor City location has plenty of parking, both in front and behind the restaurant, which is nice because the biggest downside to Ybor City sometimes tends to be paying for parking. The sangria at The Columbia is almost always delicious. The 1905 salad is like no other. Imitators have attempted and failed to make a similar product. The Cuban bread here is amazing - I can eat it all day long. I sometimes fill myself up completely on their delicious bread and fresh butter. The Cuban sandwiches are known as some of the best in the bay. The flamenco show has always been a hot selling point, but in my opinion has slowly declined somewhat as it strays away from traditional Spanish flamenco dancing. There just is not many places in Tampa with the history The Columbia has and that will always keep me intrigued and supportive of this family business.

Pros: Delicious Cuban bread, awesome sangria, excellent service, good parking

Cons: Flamenco Show has strayed from traditional Spanish roots

This is a well known restaurant and attracts a lot of tourists since it is one of the oldest Cuban restaurants in the United States. The atmosphere is great and is great for a date or family. Make sure to check out the flemanco dances in the evening. There are long waits on 1905 day when the prices are rolled back to 1905.

Pros: The atmosphere is great along with the architectural design of the historic building and the history that goes with it. Plenty of parking which is great in Ybor City.

Cons: The food is par and definitely not the reason to go to the Columbia.