Columbia Cafe sits inside the Tampa Bay History Center at 801 Water St, beside the Tampa Riverwalk. Its Spanish and Cuban menu brings together familiar picks such as the 1905 Salad and Cuban sandwich with paella, tapas and sangria. Choose a table indoors or head to the covered outdoor seating for views across Garrison Channel and the river. The cafe is part of the Columbia Restaurant Group, whose original Ybor City restaurant opened in 1905. Pair lunch or dinner with a Riverwalk stroll, or visit the History Center nearby.
A cafe with Columbia roots
Columbia Cafe is a downtown Tampa outpost of the Columbia Restaurant Group, located inside the Tampa Bay History Center. The group’s original restaurant opened in Ybor City in 1905. This cafe is a separate, smaller location, with its own place beside the Riverwalk and outdoor dining overlooking the water.
Spanish-inspired decor carries through the cafe, indoors and out. The covered outdoor area looks over Garrison Channel, with the Riverwalk alongside it. Inside, the dining room gives you another option when you would rather sit away from the waterfront patio.
What to order
The menu draws on Spanish and Cuban cooking. The 1905 Salad is a signature choice, and the Cuban sandwich is another familiar order. Paella, tapas, ropa vieja and chicken with yellow rice are among the other dishes associated with the cafe. The menu also includes desserts such as flan and bread pudding.
Sangria is a natural match for a meal here, and the cafe serves cocktails, beer and wine. If you are waiting for a table, you can order sangria from one of the bars. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, so you can settle in for a full meal or stop for a drink.
Making it part of a Tampa visit
The cafe’s location makes it easy to combine lunch or dinner with time at the Tampa Bay History Center. The Riverwalk connects the restaurant to a waterside route for a walk after your meal; a nearby park and splash fountain add another stop for families.
The patio is a draw for dining beside the water, and live music is part of the cafe’s outdoor scene on many Friday and Saturday evenings. On busier days, service can take longer, so a non-game day is a useful choice if you want a more relaxed meal. In winter, heaters are available in the outdoor seating area.
FAQ
Where is Columbia Cafe in Tampa?
It is inside the Tampa Bay History Center at 801 Water St, beside the Tampa Riverwalk.
What should I order at Columbia Cafe?
Try the 1905 Salad or Cuban sandwich. The menu also includes paella, tapas, ropa vieja and sangria.
Does Columbia Cafe have outdoor seating?
Yes. It has covered outdoor seating overlooking Garrison Channel and the Riverwalk, as well as an indoor dining room.
Can I visit the Riverwalk after eating?
Yes. The cafe is beside the Riverwalk, which you can stroll along after your meal.
