Trattoria E Pizzeria: From The Crust Up

This casual Italian restaurant is regarded by locals as one of the best pizzerias in Howard County, for a number of reasons. The first and most important thing is their pizza crust, which is hand-tossed and fired to get to the perfect balance of chewy and crispy. The sauce is made with fresh tomatoes and has a great balance of sweetness and acidity without overwhelming the crust, and the range of toppings is very diverse. Regulars recommend that you keep your pizzas simple, however, with Italian sausage and broccoli both being favorites. The best thing about these pies, however, is how refreshingly light they are. At Trattoria E Pizzeria, the high-quality ingredients make for great pies. If you don’t feel like a slice, Trattoria E Pizzeria offers a variety of other dishes, from baked pastas to satisfying calzones.

Trattoria E Pizzeria
8630 Guilford Road
Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 381-1256
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/31/352678/restaurant/Baltimore/Trattoria-E-Pizzeria-Columbia
http://www.yelp.com/biz/trattoria-e-pizzeria-da-enrico-columbia

The Ale House Columbia: Tasty Comfort Fare

The Ale House Columbia is a great spot to enjoy a casual dinner, relax with friends over drinks, and watch the game on one of the 30 big screen TVs. With a spacious outdoor patio and three indoor bars, there is room for everyone. Start with a drink from the bar. Over 50 different types of beers are available, including local, global, and house brand beers. Cocktails and wine are also available. The menu is full of modern American fare like Burgers, Salads, Flatbreads, and Tacos. Indulge in some comfort food like the Mac & Cheese, Braised Short Ribs, and Honey Sriracha Wings. Check out the regularly held events like beer tastings, happy hour, and live music. Open for lunch and dinner every day.

The Ale House Columbia
6480 Dobbin Center Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(443) 546-3640
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-ale-house-columbia-columbia

Cafe de Paris: Beloved French Cuisine in Columbia, Maryland

Columbia diners have long loved this delightful French restaurant, not only for the ambience but for the quality of the food and service. What other restaurant in the area has the owner walk diners to the door when they’re finished, inquiring about their meal? With that kind of attention to detail, you’re not going to be surprised to learn that the food is held in very high regard by regular diners.

Escargot, a French food specialty, is presented well here, paired with butter and garlic and cooked til tender. Order a cheese and bread plate to start, and sample the simple pleasures of French cuisine. The crepe bar, open only on Saturday afternoons, draws a number of diners to this Columbia restaurant. Regulars rave about the crème brulee, too.

As a side note, Café de Paris closes relatively early—9 p.m. on weekdays—so if you want to check it out, don’t wait. You might not be able to get a table if you arrive after 8!

Café de Paris
8808 Centre Park Drive
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 997-3904
www.cafedepariscolumbia.com

Iron Bridge Wine Company: Raise A Glass

Located in a former biker bar, the Iron Bridge Wine Company has left behind its shady past and developed into one of the finest places to sample a variety of vintages in the area. A spectacular wine list is the best reason to visit—the servers are knowledgeable about what they have on offer, and it’s accessible for the casual drinker, with very well priced bottles. If your stomach is rumbling, Iron Bridge Wine Company offers a robust and exciting tapas menu, overflowing with delicious small plates that are perfect to pair with wine, in the classic Spanish tradition. Be warned: this place doesn’t skimp on flavor, and many of their dishes pack a serious punch of garlic and spice. Don’t miss the braised pork belly appetizer, an astounding package of succulent, crispy goodness. The sesame-seared tacos are also unforgettable.

Iron Bridge Wine Company
10435 Route 108
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 997-3456
www.ironbridgewines.com

Frisco Taphouse & Brewery: Craft Beer and Creative Food

Frisco Taphouse & Brewery is a beer lover's dream in Columbia. Just about everyone can find a beer to enjoy on the extensive list. Tons of beers are available on draft and even more in bottles. Fifty tap beers are available all the time. Some of the beers are made in house! Feel free to ask for a sample of a beer on draft you haven't tried before. The menu is a mix of bar food and entrees. Indulge in some nachos, wings, pizza, burgers, and sandwiches. Salads are also available. If you like your meal spicy try one of the fajita platters or burritos. Everything is reasonably priced and service is friendly. You can even check out the current beer list on your phone. Visit the website for more information. 

Frisco Taphouse & Brewery
6695 Dobbin Road
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 312-4907
http://www.yelp.com/biz/frisco-taphouse-and-brewery-columbia

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