Columbia Restaurant - SandKey

Name: Columbia Restaurant - SandKey
Address: 1241 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater, FL, United States, 33767
Telephone: (727) 596-8400
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

7989 Reviews

$30 and under

Spanish

Top Tags:

Waterfront dining at its finest! Family-owned and operated for 115 years, Columbia has earned acclaim for its old-world charm and award-winning Spanish/Cuban cuisine. Casual attire is fine, but we don’t allow sleeveless shirts on men in the dining room. Choose a table looking out onto the radiant blue waters of the Intracoastal Waterway from the Mediterranean dining room, or experience the casual atmosphere from our outdoor deck on the water. Join us for century-old family recipes like Paella a la Valenciana, Roast Pork a la Cubana and fresh seafood specialties. Sample a fine Spanish wine like Montecillo or Campillo. We are a sister to the Columbia in Tampa's Ybor City, founded in 1905. Children's menu available. Open 365 days a year, including all holidays.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 10, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 146 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(727) 596-8400

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Spanish, Cuban, Latin / Spanish
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(727) 596-8400
Website
http://columbiarestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Miguel Alonzo
Private party contact
Lee Michaud: (727) 596-8400

Location
1241 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767
Neighborhood
Clearwater
Parking details
Free parking in the plaza parking lot. Complimentary valet parking available Weekdays at dinner as well as at lunch and dinner Saturdays and Sundays.
Entertainment
After your meal, stroll the boardwalk along the Intracoastal waterway behind The Columbia that connects to the Shoppes on Sand Key. Be sure to make time for a visit to Caladesi Island, home of the #1 Beach in North America.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

What 7,989 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Tampa / Central Florida West
Most Booked
Clearwater
Best Ambiance
Clearwater
Good for groups
Clearwater
Great for outdoor dining
Clearwater
Great for scenic views
Clearwater
Most Booked

OT
OpenTable Diner
Phoenix
22 reviews
vip
3.0
22 reviews
Dined today
overall3food3service4ambience5
Marketed as somewhat of a Cuban restaurant it is definitely not a Cuban place. It’s a Spanish restaurant with some Cuban influences run by gringos. Nice ambiance though and right on the water. But there was no Cuban in sight anywhere, not in the kitchen and not in the dining room.
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r
roberts
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just amazing and outstanding- service and food were just outstanding
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NL
NancyL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
I thought it was a bit pricey, but the location was ideal. Food was great!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Western NC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love Columbia!! Always have the best service and best dinner!! Come hungry. My favorite is the cannelloni and a red sangria!
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TL
TriciaL
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall4food5service5ambience5
The “1905” salad and Red Sangria are amazing! We enjoyed a Tapas sampler with our salad, and it was plenty for the two of us. We finished off the night with an outstanding guava turnover.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall2food2service2ambience4
We had reservations but ran about 15 minutes late. We appreciated the fact that they still seated us within 20 minutes or so. The outdoor seating was great, with a beautiful view of the intracoastal. However, service was slow and our sever seemed more defensive than accommodating. Most of the food was good, but not the quality one would expect from the Columbia and at the cost of the meals. We know that restaurants are busy, even on a Thursday evening and that staffing is always an issue, but offering some compensation — a free dessert or drink — would’ve gone a long way. We won’t be back.
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l
larryw
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waitress Livia was the best She made the whole experience 5 star TY
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EC
EmpressCrum
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience5
Our waiter Armond was a little aloof at the beginning but he eventually warmed up and was very kind to my elderly mom. The food was amazing and well presented and had a variety of flavors. Will definitely back on my next trip to Sand Key next month.
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MR
MRDRV
Tampa
64 reviews
5.0
64 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service. Highly recommended. Will return.
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MM
MelanieM
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall2food3service1ambience5
Our waiter Armando completely ignored us. We were without drinks and had empty water when our food arrived. He never checked if our food was good - mine was very salty. When he came to pick up the plates, I asked for a take out box..the waiter at the table beside us put their food into a container...Armando handed me a bag and box....not sure if we were in second class? Very disappointed. We had our 16 year old son with us to experience a great Tampa restaurant and we live within 2 miles. Locals...
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CS
CarynS
Tampa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Margarita & scallop appetizer were delicious at the bar while we waited for our table! Outside upper deck had great dining views!! We will definitely be back!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience4
Food and service was great. Bathroom was disgusting. We told the manager about it and it was better afterwards.
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CH
ClintH
Tampa
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have been coming to the Columbia for years and everytime we leave we remember why we keep coming back
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GV
GailV
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
My Mom and Dad had their first date there 71 years ago and Columbia remains a family favorite! It is always perfect!
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MK
MikiK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best restaurants we’ve been to! Had dinner there twice while on vacation. Food was AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
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h
happydiner
Tampa
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had Paella which was the best we ever had. Since it was our anniversary, the waiter gave us Flan for desert which ws also wonderful. The only downside was that we both ordered Sangria, me red and my wife white. My wife's sangria was clear and completely tasteless. My wife complained and the waiter graciously gave her a red which she enjoyed. Overall we were very pleased with the food and service.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waiter was outstanding. The meal was delicious, and if you’ve never experienced the 1905 salad it’s a must. The whole experience was delightful!
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C
Carriagepushingmomma
Cleveland
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was a pleasant surprise while on vacation to visit our family. The Sand Key location is adjacent to the Marriott hotel by sidewalk so it’s quite convenient for dinner. Our family advised us that this is a local chain with family ties. We love seafood and the Spanish flair was a welcome addition. This particular location is huge and can take a large family. There were 6 people in our party and they had room for a 7 top or more. We’ll definitely return when in the area for a special family dinner.
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CY
CY1512
Atlanta Metro
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 31, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience4
I found the food to be mediocre at best with bland flavor. I had arroz con pollo and the chicken was flavorless and the rice mushy. We had sangria as well and I was not impressed with that either. To be such a highly regarded restaurant I was completely underwhelmed. And the waiter, Jorge, who was training a young man, was rude at times but luckily for us (and him $) he loosened up. I wouldn’t use him to train someone on how to treat guests. And this was our second time at Columbia - our first was at the original in Ybor. I’d skip it if I were you. They are living off their past reputation and are no where near where I think they should be. My two cents.
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DS
DonnaS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food always excellent. Prices have gone up though since pandemic.
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KS
KimS
Pittsburgh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Make a reservation! Get the 1905 salad and the red sangria. You’re welcome!
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m
mvhjax
Jacksonville
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Columbia never dissapoints. Friendly and delicious.
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FG
FrankG
San Diego
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 30, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Our visits to the Columbia on Sand Key are usually for lunch. This was a mid-week dinner reservation to celebrate our anniversary. Maybe the time of year, maybe the time of day, but there were quite a few kids on the patio when we arrived, and they tended to be wanderers. No worry. By the time our food arrived they had cleared out, and we enjoyed an exceptional meal. Great service!
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F
Ferdinand
New York Area
26 reviews
vip
4.0
26 reviews
Dined on May 30, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience4
The experience was pleasing and service was good however food was salty it is a chain restaurant so do not keep your expectations high
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HC
HappyCustomer
St. Louis
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great spot for 25th anniversary dinner. Looking forward to next time
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DN
DavidinNewTampa
Tampa
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food is amazing, bread, appetizers and entrees were all delicious!
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DL
DeborahL
Western NC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is always delicious and the service excellent. It is a bit noisy, but we were offering our fair share of noise too.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 29, 2023
overall4food5service1ambience5
Excellent food. Unfortunately our service was not good. But it was just our server. Everyone else around us seemed to be getting great service.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
China
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food with a great view, highly recommended.
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N
Nonahood
Orlando
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
We recently dined at the Columbia on Memorial Day afternoon and it was fabulous. Food was outstanding and we really enjoyed dining outside on the patio. Our server wasn't very friendly, but the food made up for his lackluster attitude!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience4
Most hostesses were nice, but one blonde girl hostess was very snotty. Server was nice. Food was great. First time we sat inside. Usually we sit outside, so it was a nice change.
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TL
TerryLynS
Cincinnati
67 reviews
vip
4.0
67 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
Our meals were very good. Our server was meh - just going through the motions & no personality or interaction. We come to this location about 5x/year & usually have great service but today not so much. On a side note - we love the outside seating - just need the fans on high when it’s mid 80s.
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LC
LisaC
Tampa
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As we do every year, we took my mom to Columbia for her birthday this year. This is her all time, hands-down, favorite restaurant. We like to sit outside and look at the water, which is such a perfect view. The service was wonderful as always. Our server, Karlyn, was great. Our food was delicious as always. We will definitely be back!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Western KY
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We eat here every time we come to Florida and our dinner and service was the best. I think our server was Tawnya and she was very attentive. The filet was phenomenal!
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BS
BridgetS
Dallas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We had a lovely early evening meal on the deck. Our waitress was wonderful and the food was divine right down to the key lime pie. If you are a lover of seafood then I highly recommend trying Columbia in Sand Key!
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H
Hl19604
Orlando
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall3food2service2ambience5
Location location location ......beautiful view but the food was just okay.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best dinner in Sand Key. A true gem that was a delight for our family.
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LV
LorettaV
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
I had requested waterside seating and did not get this experience. I would like to have been informed this was not possible with my party size upon making my reservation as everyone was expecting a waterside seat. This was a huge disappointment! Please communicate any requests that are not able to be fulfilled.
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M
Mocko
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
delicious food, excellent service, wonderful ambiance!
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J
Jeff
Indiana
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on May 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Columbia is a great dinner with amazing food you will not find elsewhere with great service
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Columbia Restaurant - SandKey offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (727) 596-8400.

Columbia Restaurant - SandKey is rated 4.6 stars by 7989 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 10, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 146 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(727) 596-8400

Google Map for Columbia Restaurant - SandKey

1241 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767

Additional information

Neighborhood
Clearwater
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Spanish, Cuban, Latin / Spanish
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Free parking in the plaza parking lot. Complimentary valet parking available Weekdays at dinner as well as at lunch and dinner Saturdays and Sundays.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Miguel Alonzo
Entertainment
After your meal, stroll the boardwalk along the Intracoastal waterway behind The Columbia that connects to the Shoppes on Sand Key. Be sure to make time for a visit to Caladesi Island, home of the #1 Beach in North America.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://columbiarestaurant.com/
Phone number
(727) 596-8400
Private party contact
Lee Michaud: (727) 596-8400

Columbia Restaurant - SandKey

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Featured in

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Menu

What 7,989 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Columbia Restaurant - SandKey offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Columbia Restaurant - SandKey restaurant rated?

Is Columbia Restaurant - SandKey currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Featured in

100 Tampa / Central Florida West Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

50 Tampa Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day