A Tampa Bay Classic for More Than 65 Years!

On July 3, 1935, Lois (Mamie) Whiteside and her sons, Richard Jr. and Jack proudly opened The Colonnade Restaurant on beautiful Bayshore Boulevard. The two boys were Plant High School students and the restaurant was soon a favorite local hangout for Tampa's teenagers. With the young and young at heart as regulars, "Cruisin at The Nade" became a favorite bay area pastime.

The Colonnade offered a variety of Americana favorites, including hamburgers, fried chicken and a Colonnade original -- an olive in your Coca-Cola®. After World War II, the restaurant began serving what it is now famous for -- fresh seafood. While stationed in San Francisco during the war, Jack became inspired by the West Coast Bay Area's many seafood restaurants. Avid fisherman, the boys were happy to add an array of fresh fish and shellfish entrees to the menu.

Mamie Whiteside always insisted on the freshest and finest ingredients and the family continues to offer their patrons the best of the land and sea. For five generations the Whiteside family has established a tradition of serving a superior product at family prices. This commitment to food excellence coupled with our exceptional service staff and a unique and casual atmosphere, has made The Colonnade a Tampa Bay Classic!

This was one of my "hangouts" in high school! It was a drive-thru back then and they would put an olive in your cokes! We would park our car, get out and prowl for the lovely young ladies! The Colonnade will be torn down soon, and with it - another little connection to my past will slip away. Lots of great times here!