The Oldest Spanish Restaurant In The U.S. Is Florida’s Delicious Columbia Restaurant
This restaurant in Florida has withstood the test of time. And while many of you might already know and have been to this fantastic restaurant, others who haven’t may just be inspired to visit after reading this. Not only is this historic spot the oldest continuously operated restaurant in Florida but it’s also the oldest Spanish restaurant in the United States and one of the largest Spanish restaurants in the world. How about that for making an impression?
Nowadays, you can find quite of few of these restaurants peppered throughout the state of Florida, but just one started it all.
Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City Historic District is an experience — not just for the delicious food or for architectural marvels, but also for the flamenco dance shows and the live music.
What began in 1905 as a small 60-seat cafe expanded over time to become one of the largest Spanish restaurants in the entire world, with with 1,700 seats in 15 dining rooms.
When founder Casimiro Hernandez, Sr. passed, the restaurant was then passed on to his son, who envisioned this restaurant to become one of the premier hotspots during the Depression, with an elevated dance floor and the very first air-conditioned dining room in Tampa.
The restaurant expanded to different parts of Florida throughout the years, even the Sarasota location which opened in 1959 in St. Armands Circle is still today the oldest restaurant in the city.
But what makes this restaurant such a treasure for the state is the fact that even 114 years after it first opened, the Columbia is still operated by the very same family who founded it.
When you visit, you should probably start off with a classic — their red or white sangria, which is served in a festive, hand-painted and handmade souvenir pitcher you can actually buy and take home.
The food menu is brimming with local favorites, from the Cuban Black Bean Soup to the original 1905 Salad, plus an assortment of tapas and scrumptious seafood options.
No matter what you choose from the menu or off the extensive wine list, one thing is for certain — the oldest Spanish restaurant in the country will still give you an experience you’ll never forget.
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
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