slotperfect 7 #1 January 28, 2008 Tampa area folks: what is your recommendation for the best Cuban food?Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MikeForsythe 0 #2 January 28, 2008 La Tropicana CafeTime and pressure will always show you who a person really is! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimmytavino 16 #3 January 28, 2008 only visited there once. but YBOR City is good... also if you're at the Skydive City DZ... Janine makes a mighty tasty Pressed Cuban Sandwich...... of course I'm not a local.... so what do i know...? ( only just enjoyed the same,,, a couple of weeks ago...) jaime' Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
popsjumper 2 #4 January 28, 2008 I would suggst that you also try Spanish at the Columbia. It has been the foundation of Spanish cuisine in the area for ages and ages.My reality and yours are quite different. I think we're all Bozos on this bus. Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slotperfect 7 #5 January 28, 2008 QuoteSpanish at the Columbia Ding Ding Ding! We have a winner! Thanks!Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #6 January 28, 2008 OMG, you have to go to the Columbia House. It's sooooo good!She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
normiss 871 #7 January 28, 2008 highly agree with the recommendation, this place is great! and the service is impeccable... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brains 2 #8 January 28, 2008 I'm not a local, but when i was visiting Tampa for work, our host took us to Columbia. Great food, we sat right on the edge of the stage where the spanish dancers were, it was an awesome show and the food was unreal. Never look down on someone, unless they are going down on you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slotperfect 7 #9 January 28, 2008 I'm definitely going tomorrow night. You and himself wanna make the drive? Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
danornan 79 #10 January 28, 2008 Carmine's on 1802 E Seventh Ave. Ybor City across from the Colombian and much more casual. One of my favorite and they have great Cuban sandwiches. Lots of small family run restaurants in the area that are good too.Dano Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marcandalysse 0 #11 January 28, 2008 The Columbia's at Ybor is certainly a Florida classic. Check out the bar, it's beautiful! They also have flamenco dancers many evenings. For a first time visitor to Tampa it is a must! However, if you are near the USF area not far from ZHills, (near I-75 between Fowler and Fletcher on 11009 N 56th St) Cafe Don Jose is really the tastiest of the bunch. They have an extraordinary paella among the Spanish and Cuban dishes! Both places have really great pitchers of Sangria (choice of red or white wine) to go with the food! Marc "The reason angels can fly is that they take themselves so lightly." --GK Chesterton Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #12 January 28, 2008 Quote Both places have really great pitchers of Sangria (choice of red or white wine) to go with the food! I was just going to come back and post that he should have the Sangria! I have a box of the mix at home that I'm saving to have with just the right meal. I haven't decided if I'm going to share it with anyone yet. She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drae 0 #13 January 28, 2008 QuoteI would suggst that you also try Spanish at the Columbia. It has been the foundation of Spanish cuisine in the area for ages and ages. When I was a kid, we would go to the Columbian and the waiters always made things out of balloons for the children. They also had flamenco dancers. Also..the BEST hot cuban sandwich in the world!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HimHim 0 #14 January 28, 2008 If by any chance you find yourself in the Clearwater area, Tio Pepe is great. Off topic: Why does the French word for food get used for every ethnic food reference?Sundance: (chuckling) "You just keep thinkin' Butch...that's what yer good at." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slotperfect 7 #15 January 30, 2008 GREAT rec on the Columbia! Phenomenal food, nice old world atmosphere, flamenco dancers, and the discovery of a new kind of rum that I am in love with! Matusalem Gran Reserva Thanks for the recommendation - it was well worth it. Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaerodyne 0 #16 January 30, 2008 Quote GREAT rec on the Columbia! Phenomenal food, nice old world atmosphere, flamenco dancers, and the discovery of a new kind of rum that I am in love with! Thanks for the recommendation - it was well worth it. Been reading this thread, and I have my girlfriend coming into town on Friday, so will add this to the list of maybe we should get outta bed and go get a bite to eat suggestions It's a shame I've lived in Tampa for over 18 months and have hardly explored the area .. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bolas 5 #17 January 30, 2008 Quote Been reading this thread, and I have my SO coming into town on Friday, so will add this to the list of maybe we should get outta bed and go get a bite to eat suggestions Takeout or delivery are options too. Stupidity if left untreated is self-correcting If ya can't be good, look good, if that fails, make 'em laugh. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turtlespeed 226 #18 January 30, 2008 I really miss the Cuban Coffee there.I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fireballgrl 0 #19 February 1, 2008 Quote Been reading this thread, and I have my girlfriend coming into town on Friday, so will add this to the list of maybe we should get outta bed and go get a bite to eat suggestions It's a shame I've lived in Tampa for over 18 months and have hardly explored the area .. I am ALL FOR the takeout/delivery option!! See you in less than 12 hours monkey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
popsjumper 2 #20 February 1, 2008 Quote ...Thanks for the recommendation - it was well worth it. You are welcome. Glad to be of service. In all my years, I have NEVER heard anyone complain about the Columbia about anything whatsoever.My reality and yours are quite different. I think we're all Bozos on this bus. Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
normiss 871 #21 February 1, 2008 get a tent you two! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #22 February 1, 2008 Have a good time, Jenny! We have perfect weather for you this weekend! She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaerodyne 0 #23 February 1, 2008 Quote Have a good time, Jenny! We have perfect weather for you this weekend! So gloomy rain is perfect weather to you Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #24 February 1, 2008 What weather report are you looking at? It's supposed to be 80 degrees and blue skies this weekend!She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaerodyne 0 #25 February 1, 2008 Quote What weather report are you looking at? It's supposed to be 80 degrees and blue skies this weekend! Now skymama, we know your not that naive, when has the weather man ever told the truth Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
