Food was good, but a wednesday luncheon took 3 hours. Waitress had to be asked repeatedly for refills straws etc. Meal was served piecemeal with some getting soup first and others after the main... More

Food was good, but a wednesday luncheon took 3 hours. Waitress had to be asked repeatedly for refills straws etc. Meal was served piecemeal with some getting soup first and others after the main course. The place was crowded when we arrived, by the time we left, we were the only diners left and staff was setting up for dinner. This was a very disappointing. Pros: Warm bread, salad and soup excellent. Cons: Mene (?) worst waitress ever
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All the food tasted the same, bland, tasteless, salty, and disgusting. Nice presentation, good waitress, really bad food. I hope I will not get sick. I am writing this as soon as I got back to my... More

All the food tasted the same, bland, tasteless, salty, and disgusting. Nice presentation, good waitress, really bad food. I hope I will not get sick. I am writing this as soon as I got back to my hotel room because I want you all to be warned! Pros: none Cons: bad food, salty food, the butter didn't seem real
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Try their legendary salad - it is to die for!! The atmosphere is awesome, we have been many times and loved it every time. This place is a staple to the area and should be visited by tourists and... More

Try their legendary salad - it is to die for!! The atmosphere is awesome, we have been many times and loved it every time. This place is a staple to the area and should be visited by tourists and locals alike for the wonderful food.
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The Columbia has been around forever, and is still one of the better places to go for any size group. Can't speak to having children along, but they should do fine (so long a Mom and Dad keep them... More

The Columbia has been around forever, and is still one of the better places to go for any size group. Can't speak to having children along, but they should do fine (so long a Mom and Dad keep them in check). Great selection and deserts. Pros: Great overall resturant Cons: Get reservations
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I loved the outside ceramic panels -- although covering one panel of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza with a bolted bench is really stupid -- and I loved the ambiance inside. One of the few decent... More

I loved the outside ceramic panels -- although covering one panel of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza with a bolted bench is really stupid -- and I loved the ambiance inside. One of the few decent looking places in Tampa. My snapper was outstanding and reasonably priced. Unfortunately my wife got very sick the next day. I don't think it was the airplane food. So, not even two stars for Columbia. Pros: Beautiful place Cons: You may get sick
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This is a really fun restaurant with so much history and atmosphere. Their famous 1905 salad is so great, it's all I ever order but have been many times with large groups and everyone is always... More

This is a really fun restaurant with so much history and atmosphere. Their famous 1905 salad is so great, it's all I ever order but have been many times with large groups and everyone is always satifsfied with their meals. Service is incredible and you leave having had a wonderful time.
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when i contacted the restruant i got no apology and was told they never had this kind of problem. when i told my story to others, others have told me they got sick there also was once told by a... More

when i contacted the restruant i got no apology and was told they never had this kind of problem. when i told my story to others, others have told me they got sick there also was once told by a person whos father was a prominent baker in tampa the cooks used to make jokes about the dirtiest kitchen in tampa and city officials wouldnt do anything because the owners had so much pull in the city. DONT EAT THERE FIND ELSEWHERE IN YBOR CITY
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My family and I have been going to the Columbia on and off for at least 20 years. This year was no exception. The food this time was simply miserable. My husband's order appeared--and tasted--as... More

My family and I have been going to the Columbia on and off for at least 20 years. This year was no exception. The food this time was simply miserable. My husband's order appeared--and tasted--as though it had been sitting under a heatlamp for a couple of hours. His plantains were so tough that we thought he had accidently ordered banana jerky. My mother and I ordered tapas--hard to say what we were eating. The waiter, bless his soul, forgot our wine order and although we asked, never brought us the dessert menu. Alas and darn, this will be our last visit to the Columbia. No kidding. Seriously, there are much better places to eat with as much if not more authentic atmosphere. Look for them in Tampa--I know I'm going on the hunt as soon as I can. Cons: really bad food
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I have lived in Tampa for over 30 years and had eaten at most Spanish restaurants in the area except this one. This was primarily because everyone always recommended other Spanish restaurants and... More

I have lived in Tampa for over 30 years and had eaten at most Spanish restaurants in the area except this one. This was primarily because everyone always recommended other Spanish restaurants and all personal reviews of the Columbia were less than complimentary. Well, now I know why. I had family coming from out of town so I thought the atmosphere and the show would offset the cost and mediocre food. I am disappointed to say it did not! The Sangria (regular because we don't think good Sangria needs brandy in it) tasted like a generic fruit juice and we had to ask for extra fruit (1 piece in each small white wine glass). The entrees were bland in taste and moderate in portions and did not come close to meeting the expectations of the menu or the price. It turned out to be a very expensive lesson. Also, I have been to Spain so I do have a fairly good idea of what the food should taste like. As for great Spanish food locally, might I suggest Viscaya in Carrollwood. Pros: Beautiful building and decor Cons: Below average food for above average price
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This is one of the oldest restaurants in Tampa and their salad is to die for!! I found their entrees a little ho-hum for the price, but their appetizers and salads are fabulous. I have been here... More

This is one of the oldest restaurants in Tampa and their salad is to die for!! I found their entrees a little ho-hum for the price, but their appetizers and salads are fabulous. I have been here many times, and it is a beautiful old restaurant- you can't miss it with all the tile on the outside. I would highly recommend coming here for a weekend lunch.
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