Ybor City in Tampa in Hillsborough County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Columbia Restaurant
Founded 1905
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, February 28, 2023
1. Columbia Restaurant Marker
The Columbia is the oldest and largest Spanish restaurant in the United States. It was opened as a cafe for cigarmakers by Casimiro Hernandez, Sr. When he died in 1930 his son Casimiro Hernandez, Jr. then brought it to its present glory.
The Columbia has helped popularize Spain's exotic cuisine in America, and through the years has played host to celebrities and world figures. The restaurant has always been under the management of the founding family.
Erected 1982 by the Tampa Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings • Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.
Location. 27° 57.615′ N, 82° 26.093′ W. Marker is in Tampa, Florida, in Hillsborough County. It is in Ybor City. It is on East 7th Avenue near North 22nd Street, on the right when traveling east. Located in Ybor City Historic District of Tampa. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tampa FL 33605, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Tampa Bay. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Rough Riders Rode By Here (a few steps from this marker); The Krewe of the Knights of Sant' Yago (within shouting distance of this marker); The Coming of the Italians
this page online
Additional keywords. Culinary History
Photographed by Mike Stroud, June 2008
2. Columbia Restaurant Marker
Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2008
3. Columbia Restaurant marker, on the far left
Photographed by Dave W, January 7, 2023
4. Columbia Restaurant Marker
The marker is no longer on the pole.
Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2008
5. Columbia Restaurant second entrance at East 21st Street
Photographed by AGS Media, July 13, 2010
6. Rotary Club Plaque
The plaque is mounted on the front of the building to the left of the restaurant's main entrance.
The Rotary Club of Ybor City
was organized on October 20, 1948
at the Columbia Restaurant
Meetings Each Wednesday at 12:15 noon.
was organized on October 20, 1948
at the Columbia Restaurant
Meetings Each Wednesday at 12:15 noon.
Photographed by AGS Media, July 13, 2010
7. Lions Club Plaque
The plaque is mounted on the front of the building to the right of the restaurant's main entrance.
The Lions Club of Ybor City
was organized on April 19, 1951
at the Columbia Restaurant
Meetings Each Thursday at 12:15 noon.
was organized on April 19, 1951
at the Columbia Restaurant
Meetings Each Thursday at 12:15 noon.
Photographed by AGS Media, July 13, 2010
8. Columbia Restaurant Painted Tilework Sign
Credits. This page was last revised on July 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,332 times since then and 32 times this year. Last updated on January 8, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. Photos: 1. submitted on March 2, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. 2, 3. submitted on July 8, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 4. submitted on January 8, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. 5. submitted on July 8, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 6, 7, 8. submitted on July 14, 2010, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
