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Spanish restaurant in Tampa FL since 1905
Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 5:59 pm
by viejaseca
We have an authenic Spanish Restaurant here, in Tampa, FL, that was built/opened in 1905. The tiles on the walls, inside and outside were shipped from Spain. It is called the Columbia. I am sure you can find a website for it online.
Columbia Restaurant
Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 11:25 am
by El Tampeno
Yes, the Columbia is quite an institution here in Tampa. The name was chosen because at the time of the opening, the song "Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean" was quite popular. Non-natives often think the name has to do with Colombia, South America.........no connection.
In my opinion, the food remains quite good. The founders were actually Cubans of 1st generation Spanish descent...the menu also features many Cuban and Cuban/Spanish dishes, what is known as "Comida Criolla".
I prefer lunch as opposed to dinner there....at lunch many old-time Tampa politicos and business leaders are there...the evenings are more "touristy" and prices are much higher. They offer a Spanish musical revue which can be fun (a little touristy, but OK for entertaining out-of-towners).