Columbia Sand Key: Dining Cuban Style on the Water
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I love trying out new food no matter where I live or travel. So far, I have been really impressed with Tampa’s diverse culinary scene. The city is well known for its’ authentic Cuban offerings. Columbia restaurant is world-famous for its’ wonderful Spanish and Cuban entrees, gorgeous ambiance, and lively Spanish flamenco dancing. The historic Ybor City location opened in 1905, making it the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Florida, as well as the oldest Spanish restaurant in the country. Today, you can enjoy the tasty Cuban fare at several locations throughout Tampa Bay. Sand Key offers the most gorgeous waterside patio, and is conveniently located just minutes from iconic Clearwater Beach. One of my favorite things to do living in the Bay was enjoying a fun day at the beach then treating myself to lunch on the deck at Columbia.
History of Columbia
Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez, Sr. founded Columbia’s original Ybor City cafe in 1905. Back in the day, Columbia was a hangout for local cigar workers. Great cuban sandwiches and coffee attracted a daily crowd into the small cafe. As the cigar industry began to die out in the 50’s & 60’s, Ybor City continued to deteriorate. Many of the cigar workers moved out of the area. Read more about the history of the cigar industry in Tampa.
At this time, Columbia decided to build a showroom and offer live entertainment to draw customers back in. Columbia survived this rough period thanks in part to the addition of this live entertainment tradition which continues to this day. Spanish flamenco dancers perform every night except Sunday (Ybor location only).
Today, the same Hernandez family still run the 115+ year old restaurant. 4th and 5th generation family members continue to uphold the restaurant’s traditions. The only difference is that today you can enjoy the great Spanish/Cuban food, not only in Ybor City, but also in St. Armand’s Circle in Sarasota, Sand Key in Clearwater, the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa, the Tampa airport, and in the Central Florida town of Celebration (near Orlando).
The Most Scenic Spot to dine in the Bay
Columbia has earned a spot amongst Open Table’s “100 most scenic restaurants in the US” thanks to its’ beautiful Sand Key waterfront location. If you are visiting the Clearwater/St Pete area and seeking a wonderful restaurant which offers it all (great food, service, ambiance, and an amazing view), then you will definitely want to put a visit to Columbia tops on your dining must-do list.
This location offers the same wonderful menu as the other locations. What this Columbia offers in addition to the fabulous food offerings, is scenic views of the waterfront from both the indoor and outdoor dining areas. What a gorgeous destination for a lunch date!
Inside, you will enjoy lovely views of the waterfront from the attractive Mediterranean styled dining room. The beautiful tropical plants, colorful design, and artwork, really give it an attractive aesthetic. For anyone seeking a nice treat while on vacation, you cannot get much better than a dining experience at Columbia. I actually feel like I am on vacation dining here even though I live in the area.
Now on to the food offerings
Appetizers
Columbia is most famous for their trademark 1905 House salad (named in honor of the Ybor opening date). This award winning tableside salad features an interesting mixture of lettuce, tomato, olives, romano cheese, baked ham, Swiss cheese, Worchester sauce, and their famous garlic dressing. Order it tableside to share or add a smaller version with your entree. Being a vegetarian, I skipped out on this one as it is premade so the ham could not be removed. Looks like other guests really enjoy it though!
The best app on the menu is the Black Bean cakes, a filling and delicious vegetarian choice. These savory cakes are served alongside guacamole and sour cream. It’s the perfect starter dish for anyone looking to try something a bit different. I highly recommend!
The absolute must try here is a bowl of Cuban Black Bean soup. This standout soup is based on a traditional family recipe. This savory dish includes seasoned black beans and white rice topped with tomatoes. It is super tasty and filling enough on its’ own. Ever since my first time dining here years back, I continue to make my own version of Cuban Black beans at home. Not quite as good, but a pretty good compromise.
Hot Cuban bread and butter are served alongside each entree. So fresh and hot, I could keep eating this bread all day long. I actually have to limit myself in order to enjoy everything else!
Entrees
Lunch (11am-4pm daily) is the way to go as entrees are more affordably priced at this time. From a traditional Cuban Sandwich, To Grilled Grouper, to Chicken and Yellow rice, there are plenty of choices whether you are craving chicken, seafood, or authentic Spanish paella. I have highlighted a few of my recommended picks after multiple visits.
Chicken Salteado
This dish uses a method of saute which was inspired by the Chinese who lived in Cuba during the 19th century. Chicken, onion, mushrooms, green peppers, diced potatoes, and garlic are sauteed on a hot iron skillet with a little olive oil. Served alongside is traditional yellow rice.
Chicken and Yellow Rice “Ybor”
This dish includes one-quarter chicken baked with yellow rice, onions, green peppers, tomatoes, spices, and olive oil. Very flavorful, light yet filling. A great comforting option with is not too heavy for Florida’s hot summer season.
Vegetarian Paella
The Veggie Paella is not technically on the menu. However, Columbia is willing to accommodate vegetarians with a delicious healthy vegetable paella entree. This dish simply omits the meat or seafood in exchange for more veggies and beans. This traditional Spanish rice dish is overflowing with flavor even without the meat. The trademark yellow color is due to the use of saffron. I really enjoy the exotic flavor and the dish was filling.
Dessert
Dessert is usually the best part of any meal, however, it is a pricey addition. Who wants to pay more for unnecessary sugar and empty calories, especially when you are already stuffed? If any time, vacation is a great time to splurge.
Columbia is famous for their guava cheesecake. This simple dish consists of NY style cheesecake topped with guava fruit. One of Tampa’s nickname is “the Big Guava.” This name comes from an old businessman’s quest to find wild guava trees in the region. Or, keep it authentic with Spanish style churros served with warm chocolate, caramel, and guava sauces. Do enjoy a cup of delicious local coffee alongside your dessert.
- Address: 1241 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767
- Parking: Free strip mall parking
- Hours: 11am-9pm (Mon-Thurs), 11am-11pm (Fri) 11am-10pm (Sat and Sun)
More to do in the area
There is lots more to do in Clearwater and surrounding cities. After living in the area for many years, I have the best activities down pat. A few to add to your bucket list:
*Dig your toes into the softest white sand in Tampa Bay at world famous Clearwater Beach.
*Collect seashells at Sand Key. This beach is a shelling hotspot. You may even find a treasured sand dollar here. Note: It’s illegal to collect them while still alive.
*Take a cruise aboard Captain Memo’s Pirate ship. A bit cheesy, although the views are great and you will get to see lots of dolphins.
Check out my full guide to the best of Tampa Bay for more fun vacation activities to incorporate into your trip plans.
