jr merritt It’s a fabulous time of year (December) to visit Columbia at St. Armands Circle. They open the dining room to the breeze when the weather is nice, and they also have heaters outside if you prefer to sit closer to the bustle of the sidewalk traffic. We went mid-week and were able to get seats at the bar—highly recommend if you enjoy watching skilled bartenders at work.
The menu is huge and approachable. Everyone in your party will find something here. The mojito comes with a piece of sugar cane (fun touch), and both the white and red sangria were outstanding. It’s stone crab season, and the claws arrived pre-cracked—zero effort, all reward—with hot butter on the side.
The Cuban bread was fresh, flaky, and left little crumbs that felt like confetti across our end of the bar, which honestly matched the mood: a celebration. My entrée was beautifully cooked, and the classic flavors reminded me why Columbia is such a Florida institution.
Parking is plentiful, and strolling past the shops afterward is a perfect way to end the evening. If you’re in the area, don’t miss this fantastic family restaurant that has been around (in various forms) since 1905. Consistently great food, warm atmosphere, and a true taste of old-Florida hospitality.
