Had a nice lunch here at Columbia/Tampa Bay History Center. We ordered Salteado And Chicken Rice “Ybor”. The atmosphere and decor was great and the staff members/server was friendly. The service was great. The food itself wasn’t bad at all, however, the food was really salty (and I usually like salty food but even this was too salty for my taste). The restaurant is conveniently located in the history center with outdoor and indoor seating.

Nice dining place for after visiting museum. Stylish design and nice service. Food Taste good, but not amazing. The way menu design is pretty nice though, especially the signature Cuba sandwich and salad half half is helpful for people have hard time make decision. Overall is a nice experience.

We stopped in for lunch on a beautiful sunday afternoon after going to the museum next door. Great outdoor atmosphere. Not sure if servers name was Matt or Max but he was phenomenal. I had the roast pork sandwich and my wife had the chicken and rice. Both were delicious. Those little chips are addictive. Definitely would go back.

Everyone knows about the historic and famous Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, but not so much for this secondary location. The Ybor spot is a must, but it is more for a special experience, given the difficulty in getting a table there, which is justified. But this one is an excellent option. Situated under the Tampa Bay Historical Art Museum and between Sparkman Wharf and Amalia Arena, the restaraunt is entirely open air, but fully covered and is right on the river - a really beautiful site. It's not as hot as you might think though with breezes off the river and their fans blowing throughout. The menu is not as expansive as the Ybor location, but all the highlights are there. Excellent savory, classic entrees, sumptuous sandwiches and salads all do the trick. Excellent cheap wine. Reservations are not accepted, but so long as there is not an event at the arena, that should not pose a problem. If there is an event, then arrive by 530.

Went for the historic, 1900s iconic Cuban sandwich. From a generous suggestion, my well travelled and local friend mentioned. I wasn't disappointed. The devil is in the details, in this case the subtle seasoning... The recipes, or fine purveyors of the meat and cheese. There was something, likened to great corned beef. Different, yet "right".

Delish as usual! Perfect spot to get a bite to eat after a visit to the Tampa History Museum or perhaps a river cruise through the downtown area. In our case, the dock was easy to access and the entrance to the restaurant was the first thing you see as you exit the ramp. You will need to get to second story but it is fully accessible.

Holy hell this place is off the charts. The friendly servers make your pitchers of drinks like mojitos right at the table. The original Cuban sandwich is as good as any I've had. And I'm a big boy and have had many. Literally the best place for the money we ate in Tampa Bay, ever. Don't forget to buy their coffee for home. It's the bomb.

First time in Tampa and at this restaurant. I've heard about the rich history of the original restaurant. Lunch was delicious 😋 What I ordered was not what I expected but was delicious just the same. Shrimp and Crab croquettes were very good as well as Chicken and rice, nice size ceasar 🥗 was yummy! I sure wish I would have seen the garlic 🍤, next time!

My hubby and I often walk the riverwalk from Sparkmans Wharf, so we always pass by this restaurant. We decided to sit down and have a meal and we weren't disappointed. I love the fact that they mix the sangria by your table so it's nice and fresh. The food was perfectly seasoned and portions were big enough for left overs. I enjoy that it's right next to the riverwalk so we can people watch and look at the river.

Second stop at this cafe. This time we went upstairs to checkout the history center and we found a small seating area and beautiful old bar. Food and service was great and the sangria hit the spot on a hot day. Their Cuban Sandwich is great but I tried their Sloppy Jose - delicious Ropa Vieja on a Cuban roll. Yeah, it hit the spot.

This cafe is a must visit when you’re in downtown Tampa. A cute, open air restaurant on the Riverwalk, near the cruise ship terminal and Pirate water taxi stop. The history and food is amazing. We had the famous Cuban sandwich and sangria and it did not disappoint. The service was amazing, and the staff was very attentive and knowledgeable. Can’t wait to go back.

Fabulous, wonderful and tasty!! Those words describe perfectly the Columbia Cafe. In The heart of Downtown Tampa Bay is a delightful cafe that serves authentic Cuban food. The staff offers exceptional service with help tips on what to order. My friend and I both had the Cuban sandwich with plantain chips. The sandwich was so big we could have shared. The portions we more than generous. The crispy bread was very good and the cost was affordable. Our server Tara was attentive and kind. She offered many options to the meal. Due to time we don’t take her up on her suggestions. If you are in the Tampa area and want a fun, affordable and delicious option, the Columbia Cafe is for you.

The food on the menu sounded amazing, but was just okay. Our service was outstanding though. *In addition to original review...Also, we did both ask our server for recommendations. Like I said, she was great other than we overheard her talking to the young lady that served us water. She told the young lady that it's important for her not to help us because our server needs to try to upsell customers..

I just got out of surgery at Tampa General Hospital. I was not allowed to eat the day before and I cannot have any water all day. I told my sister I would love to have something from Columbia Cafe. When I got it, it was ice cold. That was 15 minutes after my sister left here and brought it back. the bread is hard and cold not hot. My roast pork,black beans, and rice ice cold .it was all ice cold . The onions are cold from sitting around as if it just came refrigerator from the day before. I’m getting ready now to have plantains which I also craved. You guessed it.Ice cold. I am very disappointed. I am still on the transplant floor room F732 at Tampa General Hospital. I came out of surgery hoping to have a dinner that would make the surgery all worthwhile. Roast pork, was not the proper heat for food to be served. Plantains were cold also. The Cuban bread that you’re supposed to be so famous for was hard as a rock, stale and cold. I tried to put soft butter on the bread. It caused the bread to crumble. Rice and black beans , onions , and plantains all cold. My nurses took it away because it failed to meet the proper temperature of food that I am allowed to eat. What confuses me is how can food be colder than outside temperature . What do I want? I want an apology from the cooks you hired from McDonald’s or Burger King. Discouraged, Columbia, Cafe customer.. PS, I have nurses, a PCT and a RN with me 24 seven. When it got here at Tampa General Hospital the nurses took it away because it was at an unsafe temperature.

We were in Tampa for a work conference and someone suggested the Columba Cafe. We walked over in the summer heat — and asked for a table inside (ie air conditioning) but no tables were available. So we were seated on the covered patio. Thank goodness for the fans and misters! We enjoyed cold drinks, the famous table side salad, and a few different entrees. Everything was delicious and our server was great! … and we clowned it up at the nearby alligator sculpture!

Nice cafe with outdoor seating. Great ambiance! Great food with excellent service and very reasonable prices

This place is very authentic, with its historical vibe. Food is quite simple, but really good and tasty. Portions are large! :)

The food was delicious. The bread that they bring out prior to your food was hot and great tasting. I had the chicken and rice. The chicken was good and the yellow rice had great flavor but was kinda salty for my taste buds, but I do not like very much salt. My sister had the the Ruben and Cesar salad. The Ruben might have been one of the best I've had. Would definitely come back just for the Ruben.

SUCH great food and ambiance. The mojitos and sangria are amazing. The cuban sandwich is delicious and can feed 2 people, unless you want to eat a lot of food! The empanadas are a must for an appetizer and the plantains are perfect. We also had the shredded pork with rice (can’t remember the name). We will definitely come back and also want to try the other locations.

The food was delicious and the service was great. We went for lunch and didn't have to wait. Even though it was busy. The location is very nice! Definitely will be going again.

Great place definitely recommended. The view of the bay is slightly blocked if you like that kind of thing, and don't be sucked in by the Cuban sandwich it is basically just a glorified Ham and Cheese toastie. However, the Mahi Mahi fish sandwich was amazing as was the City Devil Crab croquettes. Well worth the visit!

Food came out super quick. The bartender was fast and friendly, gave me a good drink suggestion. I dropped my loaf of bread, and a young gentleman on staff saw it and brought me out another loaf, without question! I definitely recommend this place, great service! Awesome food! Nice environment all around

This is a beautiful location overlooking the Tampa Bay River Walk and Fort Brooke Park. As befits its location, the restaurant is relaxed and comfortable and there is a nice selection of Tapas and Entrees to go with their award winning “1905” Salad, Spanish Bean Soup and Cuban Sandwich. Reading the description of each of these on the menu will make your mouth water and your food choice easier. I ate the Spanish Bean Soup, and the delicious bread loaves served with it and my wife enjoyed the Cuban Sandwich, washed down with draft Negra Modelo for me and sparkling water for her. Service from Lauren S. was delightful and our total cost before tip was $44.08

Pretty good cuban food. Nothing awesome, nothing terrible. Service was good as it wasnt as busy when we ate. Dessert was good too. I had the pernil, son had the ropa vieja, wife had chicken we all split the bread pudding. And Café con leche also.

I've been coming to the Columbia ever since it was in the old Pier in St. Pete, and this time, the food was just as good. The highlight was the Gambas "Al Ajillo", shrimp in olive oil, garlic and spices. It was really, really good. The Cuban sandwich was really good too, and always a staple. The Spanish Bean Soup was fine, but was really minimal on ham. I don't think I'd order it again. Overall, it was a really good meal and I look forward to returning.

Empanadas and Cuban sandwich were both excellent. Decor, service, and atmosphere are wonderful. This is not typical airport food, but equal to a normal sit-down high-end restaurant. Some of the best Spanish food you're likely to have, and certainly the best choice at this airport.

This is my new go to spot when I'm in Tampa. The food is awesome and the staff is super friendly, even the chef came out and spoke to us. The best Cuban sandwich in the place where the Cuban sandwich originated. This restaurant has such a rich history.

Great outdoor dining experience. Laid back. Slower paced lunch. 1905 Salad is always tasty. Cuban Sandwich is the benchmark of all Cubans. The Cafe con Leche is perfect. Amazing service that is very consistent with all their locations.

Every single time I’ve come here, for the past 10 years I’ve never been disappointed! I moved back to Ga. Yet I make sure when I visit I come here for the Cuban sandwich! I’ve tried dozens and dozens of Cuban sandwiches since moving away, nothing compares!! And that’s the truth. My server Julia went above and beyond with the small and big things. That’s makes a world of difference. The manager even stopped by to greet us. She was very lively and upbeat and everyone seemed to love working here. I truly can’t say enough great things about this restaurant and the service. When I come back I hope Julia will be there to serve us cause that’s how at home she made me feel. God I miss the Tampa bay and most of all my Cuban sandwiches! Most definitely will come back!!

Service was great! Cuban sandwich was delicious. The mojito pitcher was made in front of us and was a great deal.

Great place to go straight from the airport to start your vacation. Amazing food, amazing drinks, and great atmosphere. It's right near the riverwalk- easy to just start walking and exploring to the aquarium or art musrum. Cool fan air inside is a plus. On my list to visit again.

Came here for lunch on the weekend. The views and location are great. They have a great outdoor sitting area with a bar and water views. However, all our sodas were flat and they were understaffed. Our server said she would look into it but we heard nothing. 20 mins later we decided to order different drinks. The food was good but not as good as the Columbia on Ybor. I would recommend it if you are in the area and want a water front restaurant. If you are looking for an awesome meal i would recommend the one in Ybor.

The crab croquettes were good but not anything incredible. The Cuban sandwich bread was really good but as far as the sandwich itself, it was okay. I can't judge hard since it was my first time trying it and I wasn't "wow'ed" by it. As far as service, it was great!! The guy for our table was super attentive and made sure to check in on us frequently