You are here: Home / Archives for Restaurants

Zapata’s: A Shoe In

June 9, 2015 by

There are tons of restaurant choices in the Columbia area, but locals who crave excellent Mexican cuisine flock to Zapata’s. When you get to Zapata's, do yourself a favor and order a margarita – or a pitcher of them. They draw raves from regulars for their tangy, not-to-sweet flavor, and they sure pack a punch. Once you’re ready to eat, the menu offers a fine selection of classic Mexican food. Some favorites include the pork enchiladas served with a salsa verde that is thin but flavorful, as well as the exceptional empanadas. Zapata’s isn’t like a fast-food place that just puts ingredients into tortillas and calls it a day – the entrees here are carefully-composed with bold, powerful flavors. Tacos al pastor are a great choice if you’re looking to relax at the bar and have a snack that won’t make you too full, with meat prepared to perfection. Service is friendly and the place is usually not terribly crowded, so it’s easy to get a table.

Zapata’s
5485 Harpers Farm Road
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 715-6929
http://www.yelp.com/biz/zapatas-restaurant-columbia

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , , ,

Sink Your Teeth Into Juicy Rotisserie Chicken at Stanford Grill

May 19, 2015 by

At Stanford Grill, chefs have full reign of their kitchen. They personally select the freshest fruits and veggies available to transform into upscale American dishes at the popular Columbia eatery. According to a slew of mostly positive Yelp reviews—more than 300 of them—the chefs' attention to detail pays off.

The rotisserie chicken, in particular, earns raves from happy customers. One of the house's specialties, the rotisserie chicken slow-roasts until it's juicy and tender, then chefs plate it with a side of green beans and redskin mashed potatoes. Eastern shore crabcakes, short-smoked Atlantic salmon, and hickory-grilled tenderloin filet are among your other options. If you're craving something slightly lighter, opt for a burger or sandwich instead. Match your chosen dish with a glass of wine from Stanford Grill's impressive list.

You can also come by for Sunday brunch and dig into one of Stanford Grill's signature Benedicts with filet mignon or crab. Omelets fill plates at brunch, too, and contain ingredients such as goat cheese and tomato or chorizo and black beans.

Stanford Grill
8900 Stanford Boulevard
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 312-0445
www.thestanfordgrill.com
www.yelp.com/biz/stanford-grill-columbia

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

Victoria Gastro Pub: Don’t Miss the Lobster Grilled Cheese

May 12, 2015 by

Inspired by the gastropubs that dot London's busy city streets, Victoria Gastro Pub is named for one of the very busiest transportation hubs: Victoria Station. Plus, the owners of Victoria Gastro Pub happen to have a daughter named Victoria. With such a meaningful name, it makes sense that Victoria Gastro Pub contains both the cosmopolitan vibes of a city and the warmth of a family dining room.

Locals flock here for an upscale meal of American and international fare, all infused with the chef's own unique flair. Try the duck fat fries, a local favorite, or the poutine (fries with cheese curds) to kick off your meal. They both boast a slew of glowing Yelp reviews. So does the lobster grilled cheese, which takes a childhood classic and transforms it into a sophisticated dish. Enjoy the grilled cheese, a steak, or fresh seafood with a draft beer from Victoria Gastro Pub's ever-popular list.

Victoria Gastro Pub
8201 Snowden River Parkway
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 750-1880
victoriagastropub.com
www.yelp.com/biz/victoria-gastro-pub-columbia

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

The Second Chance Saloon: A Hometown Bar

April 14, 2015 by

There’s something about an old-school neighborhood bar that no other kind of business can capture. It has to be hospitable, it has to be cheap and the food has to be good. The Second Chance Saloon ably handles all three. Advertised as the “Home of 100 Beers,” the Second Chance opened in late 2008 and has become a watering hole for a diverse blend of locals. With a dozen constantly changing beers on tap bolstered by 88 bottle beers, this is a destination for the brew lover. If you’re not into beer, the talented bartenders can put together just about any cocktail you desire. The food here is also excellent, with a robust menu of high-quality pub grub. Some favorites include the exceptional crabcake sliders, served with amazing home-made potato chips, as well as spicy Old Bay chicken wings. Each night of the week brings different activities as well, with Monday’s trivia night drawing huge, rowdy crowds.

The Second Chance Saloon
5888 Robert Oliver Place
Columbia, MD 21045
(443) 545-5844
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-second-chance-saloon-columbia

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , , ,

Oh What a Cake: Cupcakes on the Go

March 17, 2015 by

Local cupcake aficionados call Oh What a Cake a hidden gem. The Columbia eatery sells cupcakes individually or by the dozen. Oh What a Cake sells four sizes of cupcakes, as well as cookies, brownies and other treats. You can also order your custom-designed wedding or birthday cakes – Oh What a Cake’s celebration cakes are extremely popular. Most Yelp reviewers venture here for the cupcakes, which they say are some of the most reasonably-priced in the greater Washington D.C. area. Try the red velvet, almond, lemon, or vanilla cupcakes. When it comes to frosting, regulars rave about the cream cheese icing.

This establishment offers more than just baked goods, though. Oh What a Cake hosts birthday parties, cake decorating classes, and trivia contests.

Oh What a Cake
6656 Dobbin Road
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 381-3131
www.ohwhatacake.com
www.yelp.com/biz/oh-what-a-cake-columbia

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

Xitomate: Tasty Mexican Fare in Columbia, Maryland

March 10, 2015 by

Columbia’s Xitomate serves traditional Mexican food in a welcoming Columbia, Maryland spot. The dining area can get a bit raucous in the evenings, but those that want to enjoy a quieter meal can ask to be seated on the patio. The patio's also a dog-friendly spot to dine.

Customer favorites here include the cochinita pibil, the mussels a la Mexicana, the pescado a la talla tacos, the empanada de camaron y queso and the chile relleno de queso y elote. Regulars also recommend the chips and salsa and the margarita de la casa.

Xitomate is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays.

Xitomate
5850 Waterloo Road
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 750-8787
www.xitomate.com/index.php
www.yelp.com/biz/xitomate-columbia

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

The Kings Contrivance Restaurant: Fine Dining in a Classy Establishment

February 10, 2015 by

Located in the former Macgill family mansion on a colonial-era land grant, The Kings Contrivance bills itself as the finest restaurant in Howard County. You can be the judge of that lofty claim by making the trip to the Columbia establishment.

The elegant venue is a popular spot for wedding receptions, business dinners, and the like. Yelp reviewers say that The Kings Contrivance is popular among the older crowd – most of its regulars are senior citizens. However, anyone is welcome to dine here. When locals describe The Kings Contrivance, they say it’s the perfect spot to celebrate Valentine’s Day or your older relatives’ birthdays.

Popular dishes here include the jumbo lump crab cakes, the roasted duck breast, the filet mignon forestiere, and the English trifle. If you’d like to try something else, there are plenty of other options on the menu.

The Kings Contrivance
10150 Shaker Drive
Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 995-0500
www.greatfoodmd.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-kings-contrivance-columbia

Filed Under: Restaurants

House of India: A Universe Of Flavor

January 20, 2015 by

Since opening in 2001, House of India has become one of the most popular Indian restaurants in the Columbia area. Chef Shyam Prakash has over 30 years of experience cooking in restaurants all over India, Europe, and the United States. He brings a mastery of tastes and textures to the table, with a vast menu that boasts dozens of recommended dishes. Some of the entrees that draw raves from regulars include a spectacularly moist and flavorful chicken tikka masala, spicy chicken chilli, and amazing goat dishes. Others claim that the gulab jamun is the absolute best in town. Fish dishes are also a specialty, with a salmon tikka masala drawing raves. For appetizers, make sure to get the samosas – these fluffy pastries stuffed with peas and potatoes are spectacular. If you’re looking to save money, head in for the lunch buffet and enjoy a number of the restaurant’s most popular dishes for one low price.

House of India
9350 Snowden River Parkway
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 381-3844
http://www.yelp.com/biz/house-of-india-columbia

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , , ,

Royal Taj: Authentic Indian Cuisine and Fast Service

January 13, 2015 by

Royal Taj is one of Columbia’s busiest Indian restaurants, thanks to the quality of its food. Locals say you can’t say no to Royal Taj, whether you’re ordering a la carte or having the lunch buffet. Here you can enjoy the relaxed ambiance and the modern décor as you tuck into flavorful dishes served by cheerful staff. Order the lamb vindaloo, the chicken tikka masala, the vegetable korma or the chicken curry. Vegetarians and vegans will find plenty to eat here.

You may need to wait for a table at this popular restaurant, but if you show up earlier in the evening, you have a better chance of being seated right away. Royal Taj is open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays and 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays.

Royal Taj
8874 McGaw Road
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 381-1111
www.royaltajmd.com
www.yelp.com/biz/royal-taj-columbia

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

Chutney Indian Restaurant: Fresh Food and Quality Service

December 9, 2014 by

Columbia’s Chutney Indian Restaurant serves North and South Indian cuisine to an appreciative clientele. Customers say the food here is well-spiced and appropriate for even for the pickiest of diners. If you like your Indian food authentically spicy, just let the waiter know. Regulars love the lighting and décor here, and many say it’s their favorite Indian restaurant in the area. Popular menu items include the meat samosa, the goat curry, the lamb biryani, the spinach chicken, and the chicken hyderabadi.

Regulars say the spacious dining room here is large enough to accommodate big groups, and the servers are friendly and cheerful. If you’re the type of person that has a difficult time deciding on one dish, make sure to stop by and take advantage of the lunch buffet. That way, you can sample a little bit of everything – and go back for seconds!

Chutney Indian Restaurant
9400 Snowden River Parkway
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 381-3600
www.chutneymd.com
www.yelp.com/biz/chutney-indian-restaurant-columbia-2

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »

Pin It on Pinterest