Columbia Cafe on the Tampa Riverwalk

My nephew was in town for a hockey game and called to see if we could meet. Well being huge fans of Columbia and discovering that the had this cafe right in Channelside was a gift. Nephew and friend had never been to any Columbia venue so it was a treat to introduce them. The ambience of a sidewalk cafe with faultless Columbia food and service makes a visit a "no brainer." Nephew had his first authentic Cuban, I opted for the pressed meatloaf and the Tomato and onion salad. The ladies went the Tapas route with scallops and champignon rellenos. It was all perfect. Will be going back

Empanadas has a "wonton" exterior and were served hot, but I think I prefer the "traditional" take as the flavor was sort of one note.Sangria tasted like juice, with nothing else. Mango margarita came to the rescue though, as it was large and delicious! Service was great and made up for the rude hosts who asked us to move despite no other tables around us being sat in the next two hours. My date and I both enjoyed our entrees but the view is really the only reason I think we'd return here. Food looked great but taste wasn't something that had us feeling like coming back.

I had high hopes and was met with disappointment. I've eaten several Columbia cuban sandwiches at the grab and go station in the Tampa airport so I was extremely excited to actually sit down and eat at the restaurant and enjoy a hot freshly made sandwich.The front service was unhelpful, we were not greeted and had to ask to be seated even tho we were seen waiting and it was not busy. We ordered the famous Cuban sandwich, but it was extremely dry and seemed like it had been made earlier and just sat in a fridge before they served it. The only way I could eat it was to add a lot of the Columbia hot sauce, which ended up being the real winner both in flavor and its ability to help me eat the dry sandwich.Overall disappointing experience for a staple restaurant location and iconic sandwich. Perhaps it was an off night, I'm hopeful for a better visit in the future.

Great lunch today after the 5k. Was able to get our group in quickly and enjoy the weather sitting outside. Service was quick and efficient, the hostess was super friendly and accommodating however our server seemed less than interested in being there. Not the nicest, but got everyone's order correct and was attentive

Believe the hype - food is 10/10.I came here solo for dinner and sat at the bar.My server recommended the Ropa Vieja and so glad I took her advice. It was DELICIOUS and felt like a home cooked meal. Also had to get the 1903 salad, also really good.

Salad with shrimp- made at tableVery cool and very deliciousHusband had half salad half sandwichHe loved the salad and the bread is amazing. Waitress was very nice (Jazmine). Love the water pitcher.Beautiful day - Jackpot!

I stopped in for a quick lunch during our conference. I have been in the past and enjoyed the 1905 salad and wanted to give it another try. I sat at the bar and had great conversation with the bartender. I love the ambience of the restaurant with it being an outside feel even on a slightly chilly day.

One of my favorite restaurants. This was my first time visiting this location. The menu is not the full menu however still has all the classics. Our server was quick and friendly. Such a perfect restaurant for a nice outdoor dining night.

We discovered this spot while doing the Riveralk after exploring the downtown area. I got the Cuban sandwich, which was decent. Overwalk, nice spot but nothing to rave about.

Was visiting Tampa with a couple friends and based on my experience at the Columbia restaurant in Sarasota a few years back, I was so excited to go back there--especially for their 1905 salad--which I incessantly bragged about how good and unique in flavor it was. Well...what a disappointment. The other people were wondering what was so special about that salad and I was in total agreement! What happened? The other food we ordered--a calamari app and a Cuban sandwich were good but that salad I was so looking forward to was a flop in my opinion. It was just an average iceberg lettuce salad with Italian dressing that you can get anywhere. Nothing unique nor special.I really wished we would have tried some of the other outstanding restaurants in the area instead.