Columbia Cafe at the Tampa Bay History Center sits on the Tampa Riverwalk in the Water Street area of downtown Tampa. It is a restaurant in the Channel District, and the waterfront setting is a big part of the appeal. The cafe serves lunch and dinner, and it also offers curbside pickup for those who want to take food with them.
If you're planning a meal here, check the current Columbia Cafe at the Tampa Bay History Center hours before you head out. Hours can change, so it's worth confirming by phone. Weekday hours run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday, and the cafe stays open until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
What to Expect at Columbia Cafe in Tampa
The menu draws on Spanish and Cuban traditions that have roots in Tampa's immigrant communities. Tapas are a natural place to start. The Devil Crab Croquettes are made from seasoned cooked blue crab meat, paprika and garlic, then breaded with Cuban bread crumbs and fried. The Shrimp "Al Ajillo" is sautéed in extra-virgin olive oil with fresh garlic and chili peppers, and the Calamares Fritos are seasoned and lightly fried. Vegetarian diners can order the Black Bean Cakes or the Champiñones Rellenos, which are baked silver dollar mushrooms with spinach, artichoke hearts and Romano cheese.
Soups and salads have a long history here. The Spanish Bean Soup, known as Sopa de Garbanzo, combines garbanzo beans, ham, chorizo and potato in a chicken and ham stock seasoned with saffron. The Columbia's Original "1905" Salad is tossed tableside with crisp iceberg lettuce, baked ham, Swiss cheese, tomato, olives, Romano cheese and the restaurant's garlic dressing. Sandwiches include the Columbia's Original Cuban Sandwich, which uses the original 1915 recipe with Cuban bread brushed with butter and pressed until crisp.
For a heartier meal, the entrees include Paella "Española," Chicken and Rice "Ybor," and Ropa Vieja, served with platanos and white rice. Desserts such as the Flan, White Chocolate Bread Pudding and Key Lime Pie round out the menu.
Planning Your Visit to Columbia Cafe at the Tampa Bay History Center
The cafe is located at 801 Water St #1905, Tampa, FL 33602. You can reach the restaurant at (813) 229-5511. The hours are listed as follows: Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Because hours can change, call ahead to confirm before your visit, especially for holidays or special events.
The website at columbiarestaurant.com has more information about the cafe, including its menu and catering options. The site notes that the cafe offers catering for groups and welcomes event, banquet and catering requests through its contact page. If you're planning a group meal or a larger gathering, reach out early.
Tips Before You Go
The waterfront patio is one of the best reasons to visit. Relax outdoors on the canopy-covered patio and bar with a pitcher of sangria or mojitos. Because the cafe is on the Riverwalk, plan your visit around the time of day you'd most enjoy the view.
If you want to take your meal to go, curbside pickup is available, and you can place your order by calling the restaurant. Whether you dine in or pick up, the Cuban bread and butter that comes with most entrees is a good way to start.
Quick tips:
- Call (813) 229-5511 to confirm hours before visiting.
- Try the Devil Crab Croquettes or Shrimp "Al Ajillo" to start.
- Order the "1905" Salad, a signature item tossed at your table.
- Ask about curbside pickup for takeout orders.
- Plan ahead for group meals and catering.
