Celebrating 120 Years of Tradition at Columbia Restaurant! Swipe left to dive into the rich history of Florida’s oldest continuously operated restaurant and the oldest Spanish eatery in the U.S. Founded in 1903 as Saloon Columbia, this iconic establishment transformed into the Columbia Restaurant in 1905, becoming a cornerstone of Ybor City. Today, it sprawls across 52,000 sq ft, seating 1,700 guests, making it the largest Spanish restaurant globally! The story of Casimiro Hernandez, Sr., and his journey from Spain to Tampa is a testament to the American dream. The family’s commitment over five generations has turned the Columbia into a symbol of success, with locations in Sarasota, St. Augustine, Sand Key, Celebration, and more! In the 1950s, César Gonzmart swapped his musical career for restaurateurship, infusing live music into the dining experience. Today, Maria Esparza continues the tradition with flamenco dance shows, sharing the culture of Spain through art. The Columbi...