Best Restaurants for Birthdays in Ybor City

We have eaten at Columbia in St Augustine a couple of times and this was our first at the original restaurant in Tampa. It was a Monday night and we’re glad we had reservations because it was really busy. The interior of the restaurant was very beautiful and the walls showcased the history (from 1905). Jim, our waiter was great. Very helpful regarding the menu and sharing the history of Columbia. I had sangria to start and it was good. The Cuban bread and butter was absolutely wonderful. We didn’t order tapas because we knew the entrees were pretty large. We shared the Pollo Manchengo and Shrimp Gonzalo (not sure on the spelling). Both were good. We thought the Pollo had more flavor than the shrimp. The yellow rice was okay and the vegetable was broccolini, and was good. We finished with the bread pudding. Definitely enough for 2. It was very good. The restaurant doesn’t have good acoustics and is very loud….just from conversations. We also found that to be true in St Augustine. Prices were average, in the range from $28-48. Overall, we had a very nice meal and were glad we went. So much history both at the restaurant and in Ybor City. If you are in the area we would recommend giving it a try. We don’t get on the west coast of Florida very often but will definitely go back to the St Augustine location in the future.

My husband and I enjoyed a birthday luncheon at Ulele. It is one of our favorite restaurants in the Tampa Bay Area. The menu is unique and delicious. Our waiter was excellent. Nothing but great things to say about this restaurant.

The manager was great, along with our server. They recently changed their menu, so what's online isn't reflected of that yet. My steak was cooked perfectly, and our drinks were very good. We will be back

We always have the best time here. Great good, drinks, service and a fun atmosphere.

A must atmosphere. Enjoyed everything about the place. Oxtails are a must to try. I will be back.