The Columbia Restaurant
4.3
from A Hernandez Gonzmart Family Venue
- Neighborhood: Ybor City
- 2117 East 7th Avenue
- Tampa, FL 33605
- 813-248-4961
- Price range: $$$ ($16-$25)
The Columbia is the Bay Area's oldest and largest Spanish restaurant. Looks from the outside can be deceiving. Behind a wall of stucco on Ybor City's main drag is the cornerstone of the historical district. The Columbia's history goes back to 1905 when it was founded by the Hernandez Gonzmart family. The restaurant takes up an entire city block. So if you've been there before, chances are, you'll have a new dining experience when you try out a different dining room. There are fifteen in all, each with a distinct and uniquely textured style. More than a hundred years after opening up as a corner cafe, it's still a family business based on a foundation of classic Spanish dishes including Paella, their famous "1905" salad, and dining distractions. In the evenings, two nightly flamenco shows entertain diners with a dramatic flare. Customers can also be treated to a look back at the trade Ybor City was built upon, cigars. A live hand rolling demonstration is available from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Wine connoisseurs won't be disappointed with their extensive wine selection including a wide array of Spanish varietals, as well as vintages from around the world. Dinner and show reservations are recommended.
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- 7th Ave. and 21st St.
- Parking:
- Available and Valet
The Basics
- Hours:
-
Monday - Thursday (11 a.m. - 10 p.m.)
Friday - Saturday (11 a.m. - 11 p.m.)
Sunday (12 noon - 9 p.m.)
Open 365 days of the year.
- Cuisine:
- Spanish
- Meals Served:
- Dessert, Dinner, and Lunch
- Price Range:
- $$$ ($16-$25). Pricey for some simple dishes. But it's for customers willing to pay up for the dining experience. Lunch is a more affordable alternative.
- Dress Code:
- Business Casual. May want to go more formal for dinner. But as a popular spot for tourists, don't be surprised if the person next to you has flip flops on for lunch.
- Smoking:
- No
- Admission Price:
- $6 cover for flamenco show
- Restaurant Style:
- Banquet Hall, Chain, and Fine Dining. The Ybor Columbia location has become so popular, the Columbia restaurant has expanded to seven branches across Florida.
- Music Style:
- Latin
- Dance Style:
- Flamenco dancers entertain diners two times per evening.
Features
- Private and VIP Rooms:
- Smaller dining areas can be reserved for private dining.
- Live Music:
- Yes. Live jazz music can be heard Thursday through Saturday.
- Cleanliness:
- Up To Par
- Noise Level:
- Moderate
- Romance Factor:
- An elegant choice for dinner in a romantic atmophere in a smaller dining area. It can also be a fun experience for two if you prefer a Flamenco show with your entree.
- Payment Methods:
- Major Credit Cards
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
