Columbia Restaurant
Founded 1905
The Columbia is the oldest and largest Spanish restaurant in the United States. It was opened as a cafe for cigarmakers by Casimiro Hernandez, Sr. When he died in 1930 his son Casimiro Hernandez, Jr. then brought it to its present glory.
The Columbia has helped popularize Spain's exotic cuisine in America, and through the years has played host to celebrities and world figures. The restaurant has always been under the management of the founding family.
Marker is on East 7th Avenue near North 22nd Street, on the right when traveling east.
Courtesy hmdb.org
