Good Cuban Restaurant? (Tampa, Brandon, Bloomingdale: house, food, best)

[FLBOUND?]

I'll be in Tampa on Friday. Want to take some friends out for dinner. Any suggestions on good Cuban spots in the Tampa area? Assistance is appreciated.

[spainbrit]

As recommended by others on here - the Colombia in Ybor since 1900s

[tampaguy03]

For Cuban - head to Tampa's Little Havana area, Columbus Avenue west of Dale Mabry Hwy. My favs are Arco Iris and La Teresita, with The Lincoln not to far behind. In Ybor, La Tropicana is a classic, but only open breakfast and lunch.

[Floridasunshine]

Latin Cafe, at Bloomingdale and lithia pinecrest in Brandon.

[Keeper]

The Colombia is a fancier restaurant and Ybor is usually busy at night. If you go to Columbia let them park your car. It is worth it IMHO.
If you just want a good dinner try Tampaguy's suggestions. Good inexpensive Cuban food, but not fancy

[sunrico90]

Originally Posted by Keeper

The Colombia is a fancier restaurant and Ybor is usually busy at night. If you go to Columbia let them park your car. It is worth it IMHO.
If you just want a good dinner try Tampaguy's suggestions. Good inexpensive Cuban food, but not fancy

Columbia Rest is superb, the best. I always visit the one in St Augustine, but the quality and customer service is 2nd to none

Columbia Restaurant - Awards

[tonynorie]

If you go to Chowhound.com and do a search for Cuban food in Tampa you'll be overwhelmed at the number of posts on the subject.

I'm particularly in favor of the Columbia (it's Spanish, not Cuban but there is lots of crossover) because my father was a waiter there in the 40's. The main draw is the atmosphere and history of the place although the food is consistently good.....not great, but good.

I, too like "Boliche Boulevard," or Columbus Drive.......the food is rediculously inexpensive and dripping with mojo goodness......

Buen Gusto!!!

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by tonynorie

If you go to Chowhound.com and do a search for Cuban food in Tampa you'll be overwhelmed at the number of posts on the subject.

I'm particularly in favor of the Columbia (it's Spanish, not Cuban but there is lots of crossover) because my father was a waiter there in the 40's. The main draw is the atmosphere and history of the place although the food is consistently good.....not great, but good.

I, too like "Boliche Boulevard," or Columbus Drive.......the food is rediculously inexpensive and dripping with mojo goodness......

Buen Gusto!!!

Tonynorie - my dad was a waiter at the Columbia also - for 23 years! Great food. And my dad learned to cook from the chef there, and became the cook in our house when I was growing up - he made the best mojo roast pork on the planet! I really miss him, he passed away ten years ago, but I will never forget the meals he made for us!

Anyway - RECOMMEND THE COLUMBIA IN YBOR - the original and the best!

[FLBOUND?]

Very nice suggestions. Thank you. Can't wait!

[Keeper]

Now that is what I miss the most.. mojo pork roast with yellow rice and black beans. yummy