Columbia Restaurant
Traditional dishes, such as paella, are fantastic.
Hours: M-Th. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., F-Sa. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Su. noon-9 p.m.
Open Table: Reserve A Table
Price: $$ = Entrees $11-$30
Payment Options: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
Type: Mexican/Latin American
What started out as a small corner café known for its strong Cuban coffee served up with political discussions is now a Tampa landmark covering more than a block and seating more than 1,700 people. But while the size of the restaurant may have grown since it opened in 1905, the quality of the food has not changed. Adults and kids alike will find something on the extensive menu, which offers the traditional Spanish tapas, paella and ropa vieja as well as Cuban boliche, empanadas and black beans and yellow rice.
Locals go for the food and stay for the live flamenco show, held Monday through Saturday nights in the restaurant. The classic Spanish dance is performed in a 45-minute show that costs each diner a mere $6 and is the perfect complement to the Latin-flavored cuisine.