Where's Wendy? The Columbia Restaurant!

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

In July I wrote a blog about the ships at Channel Side in Tampa... what I didn't tell you was on the same evening just before closing time we visited the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, Tampa. Now if you've never been to Ybor... here is a brief rundown on what it has to offer.

Ybor is known as the cigar capital of the world, and hosts several night clubs, specialty shops, art, and music. It's flourishes with history from architecture, movie theaters, and celebrations! While we are on the subject of history... and the reason for this post... lets discuss the Columbia Restaurant.

The Columbia was founded in 1905 and is the largest Spanish restaurant in the world! It it owned and operated by the 4th and 5th generations of the same family, and covers a whole city block from front to back and side to side. With 15 dining rooms to choose from your sure to find great seating, and wonderful atmosphere when you eat at the Columbia. While I wandered through this beautiful work of architecture with wide eyes and excitement I photographed the Don Quixote dinning room... it was the first air conditioned dining room in Tampa, complete with a raised dance floor. I photographed the Mezzanine Dining area which is located on the upper level of the Don Quixote room. I was very impressed with the large chargers (plates) that hung from the walls and the three dimensional art work. All of the art work throughout the restaurant is impressive. I also captured their wine cellar which holds over 15,000 bottles of 700 different types of wines. When you enter the Columbia you are stepping into a piece of history with a view of the Cafe' room. It holds the most beautiful bar with spectacular detail to it's carvings. Everything from the white table clothes to the chandeliers and beyond says this is a bit of history you don't want to miss... with not only your eyes but also your taste buds!

Florida holds 7 Columbia Restaurants with one in Clearwater, one in Sarasota, and more... but the one to see is the original in Ybor! So if your ever visiting the area you can find the Columbia at 2117 East 7th Avenue in Tampa. Better yet... don't wait until your visiting... go ahead and plan a trip right now!

Footnote: The Columbia Restaurant has asked if they can use my photographs for their up coming ads!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,
Wendy

All images captured with the Olympus E500 on Lexar digital media with the Zuiko 14-54 wide angle zoom lens.