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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

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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

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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

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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

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La Madeleine French Bakery & Café: Casual Cuisine Straight From the French Countryside

February 17, 2015 by

La Madeline French Bakery & Café offers an authentic taste of French cuisine right here in Columbia. This quaint bistro is a part of a beloved chain of eateries with locations all over the country, and it is decorated with stone fireplaces, dark wood furnishings, and wrought iron accents for a true French country look. The bakery area hosts glass display cases filled with flaky pastries and colorful fruit tarts, while the kitchen creates French delicacies like beef bourguignon, French dip sandwiches, and seasonal salads. For breakfast, La Madeleine also offers elaborate eggs Benedict dishes and, of course, French toast.

Enjoy the chic ambiance over lunch with a friend, or take advantage of La Madeleine’s free Wi-Fi and sip a strong coffee while catching up on emails at the small café tables.

La Madeleine
6211 Columbia Crossing Drive
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 872-4900
www.lamadeleine.com
www.yelp.com/biz/la-madeleine-french-bakery-and-cafe-columbia

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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

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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

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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

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Great Harvest Bread Company: Stock Up on Fresh Baked Goods

November 18, 2014 by

Since 1976, Great Harvest Bread Company has grown from a single shop in Great Falls, Montana to a nationwide franchise, which includes a Columbia location. However, Great Harvest hasn’t allowed success to compromise its commitment to making fresh, simple whole grain breads. The breads and baked goods here are made with the highest-quality ingredients and are free of preservatives and additives. Order a tasty fresh sandwich, or try sweets including scones, cookies, brownie bread, and apple cake. Regulars say the fresh baked breads and sweets are some of the most flavorful they’ve ever had.

Grab a fresh loaf of bread or order a sandwich – popular sandwiches include the power house, the turkey sandwich, the monster focaccia, and the Swiss. Enjoy free samples of bakery items to help decide which loaves and sweets to buy. Great Harvest Bread Company is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Great Harvest Bread Company
8835 Centre Park Drive
Columbia, MD 21045
(443) 542-5912
www.greatharvestcolumbia.com
www.yelp.com/biz/great-harvest-bread-company-columbia

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Hickory Ridge Grill: Breakfast And More

November 11, 2014 by

The owners of Columbia’s Hickory Ridge Grill aren’t satisfied just making some of the best breakfasts and brunches in the area – they’re also looking to serve up great Mediterranean food as well. And when those two categories intersect, like the delicious omelets with gyro meat, something truly special happens.

The omelets here draw raves from locals for how precisely the eggs are cooked – fluffy and moist, they serve as a great platform for the bevy of fresh ingredients the kitchen stuffs them with. If you have a sweet tooth, the Hickory Ridge Grill provides a selection of pancakes, waffles, and other breakfast treats. Lunches and dinners are also quite well-liked, with a bunch of sandwiches winning special praise as well as some very good pasta dishes.

Visit Hickory Ridge Grill's website to learn more about this Columbia restaurant!

Hickory Ridge Grill
6420 Freetown Road
Columbia, MD 21044
(443) 535-9876
http://hickoryridgegrill.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hickory-ridge-grill-columbia

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