Columbia Cafe, Tampa FL

I fell in love with cuban sandwiches at Panera. But, getting a cuban at an authentic restaurant is an other world experience. This is such a cuban experience. Our waitress Rachel was also great, prompt and attentive service.

This is my first negative review I’ve ever written. The hostesses were very sweet and we were seated right away. Once our server (Julia) came over, we ordered our beverages and for some reason, she assumed we were only getting drinks and not ordering food? She was very blunt the entire time, even after we ordered, she never came back to ask how everything was. We didn’t see her until she asked if we saved room for desert (I was hoping for another frosé before finishing my meal). I saw that she got sat with a 9 top, so I don’t blame her for not coming once she had them because she was busy, but she had a decent amount of time from when we got our food, to when they were sat. I also understand the stigma when it comes to serving younger people and how she could’ve expected us to not tip well, but I’m a server as well and I always tip 25% or above- I would’ve done the same for her prior to my experience. Despite the service, the food was amazing!

Incredible place! The tradition of authentic high quality food and drinks are outstanding! The mojito, frose OMG and the half & half (Cuban sandwich / Columbia original “1905” salad) were lip smacking sensational.

The 1905 salad is overrated. It's alot of iceberg lettuce downing in dressing. The Cuban sandwich is decent. We sat at the bar and the service was good.

They did not want to seat us. Not even give us a time frame. Poor service. If i could give zero stars i would.

Nice outdoor Cafe that's a spin-off of the original Columbia in Ybor City. They have a smaller selection that's perfect for lunch and plenty of ceiling fans for those who get a little warm sitting outside. It's a nice place to grab a bite if you're in the area or visiting the Tampa Bay History Center.

I ordered Arroz Con Pollo and the rice was over cooked. Customer service was also terrible. Not recommended.

Really good view along the harbor. So the food is naturally mediocre without much effort put into the taste.

The drinks were great, especially the mojito. We ordered the shrimp ajilllo which was spicy for our taste. The ropa vieja was just ok. The chicken parmigiano tasted the same as the one we ordered from Bob Evans restaurant. The wait was too long for just ok food. Just go to the bar for the drinks.

The early dinner at Columbia Restaurant café was a bit disappointing and I knew later that the Columbia Restaurant serves better food than the Café. The sea-bass was literally tasteless, the tomato salad with onions was the only thing I ate, and I am not even a fan, as for the fried chicken and polenta was less than average as my brother-in-law judged.

I had the 1905 salad and the original cuban sandwich. The salad was very delicious. I would return just for it. The sandwich was just ok, nothing spectacular or different from any other Cuban I've had. The chips that accompanied the sandwich were absolutely horrible to me.

Pretty authentic Columbian food! Was my first time trying it while on vacation in st. Pete. It was recommended by the friend we were staying with and we came for the breakfast. Serving sizes are pretty generous especially for the price! They also have fresh pastries and bakery items that you can order. Didn't have any as breakfast filled me up, but they looked awfully tasty!

Fantastic food. The rib appetizer is perfection. Cuban seasoning and really wonderful crispness. Also had the roast pork entree for lunch. Was wonderful. Large portions and execution that is unmatched. Was low carbing so didn’t try the bread but you could tell it was amazing. Would have loved to sample the Cuban sandwich with that homemade bread. Definitely a go to spot.

Friendly staff at a family owned restaurant started in 1905. Crab croquettes, rioja empanada, and Cuban sandwich were all on point, as were the three microbrewery beers on tap (a portion of the price of the amber goes to an animal oriented charity). Comfortable outdoor spot on the Riverwalk very near the arena.

The food was very good! Liked the atmosphere of the outside cafe. We went for lunch and it was very enjoyable!

I have the Cuban sandwich and it was awesome. Definitely recommend this place. If you go, ask for Julia as she is a phenomenal server. Have her make a mojito or sangria for you

I love the open air seating! The staff have been great on all 3 visits and the food has been outstanding.

Great food and multiple seating options. Convenient to bike to and a nice park right next door.

Gregory was outstanding bartender and awesome service. I would say he should be Employee of the month. Great Cuban sandwich made perfectly. Thanks again

Outstanding food, terrific service, and lovely outdoor patio. Only drawback is parking. Highly recommended.