Restaurant week Jan 2023

RESTAURANT WEEK JAN 2023: Jan 16th-29th

Image courtesy of the Columbia Mom, Howard County, MD mom

VISIT HERE!

The Ale House Columbia

• 6480 Dobbin Center Way

• “ Offering an elevated menu featuring house-made fare and 50+ craft beers including our own house brand, Oliver Ales. Delicious food, excellent drinks and exciting events.”

• CLAIRE: great casual bar food vibe, good beer selection, love the mussels! 

• JESS: You won’t regret ordering the Baked Soft Pretzels with cheese, the Blackened Chicken Pasta, or the Mac & Cheese. And you will steal your kids Chicken Tenders - they’re fantastic.

• BECCA: a staple for brunch, lunch or dinner. I love the Salmon BLT sandwich and don’t sleep on the sweet potato fries. 

Alexandra's American Fusion

• 2700 Turf Valley Road

• “Conveniently located in the Hotel at Turf Valley. Features American Fusion cuisine that is pleasing to the palate and eye. Seating in the indoor epicurean atrium or on the veranda.”

• CLAIRE: been for weddings & network luncheons - good food! 

BOLDER food/drink

• 17004 Frederick Road

• “Tucked away in scenic Western Howard County. Innovative seasonal menus emerging from the collision of ingredients and cultures to create BOLD flavors and new-American dishes. Featuring a full-bar including 8 rotating beers on tap, creative specialty…”

Bushel and a Peck Kitchen & Bar

• 12250 Clarksville Pike

• “Childhood friends Rob Wecker and Joe Krywucki have reunited to fulfill a dream of creating a dining and drinking experience that celebrates what grows, swims and grazes in the Chesapeake Bay watershed in a setting that feels as comfortable and welcoming…”

• CLAIRE: great location, gorgeous ambiance, food is okay

Clove and Cardamom

• 6000 Merriweather Drive

• “We had founded the restaurant with one prime aim of serving our guests with a variety of globally inspired foods enriched with subtle Indian spices. Our chefs promise the taste will linger in your mouth for long, that’s for sure! To create an ambiance…”

• CLAIRE: good food, casual ambiance, located near Colorburst park, food presentation was very pretty

Cured

• 10980 Grantchester Way #110

• “Cured approaches the familiar concept of the neighborhood corner bar from a fresh perspective. Featuring humble takes on classic comfort foods and a bar program where craft cocktails and craft beer are easy and approachable. 18th & 21st is a prohibition…”

• BECCA: love love love Cured. Can’t go wrong with anything on their menu. I recently tried the blackened salmon caesar wrap and it was delish. 18th and 21st is amazing for special occasions, too. The ambiance and entire experience is unforgettable.

• JESS: I love the atmosphere at Cured! All of the Snacks & Shares are great, as are the cocktails. If you’re into oysters, they have a great oyster bar.

Dive Bar & Grille

• 8600 Foundry St

• “We are a group of food & drink savvy guys with over thirty collective years in the restaurant business, taking a shot at owning & running a full-service bar & restaurant...and doing it our way, meaning extending to the public the same quality product &...”

• CLAIRE: great casual bar food scene 

EC Diner

• 10055 Baltimore National Pike

• “This is not your average diner! We serve something for everyone using only the freshest ingredients. Featuring classic entrees, award-winning crab cakes, creative pancakes, breakfast all day, hand-spun Shakes, craft cocktails, and our in house bakery. We…”

• BECCA: The only crab cakes i’ll eat in Howard County. Their milkshakes look pretty amazing, too. 

Elkridge Furnace Inn and Garden House

• 5745 Furnace Avenue

• “Award-winning fine dining restaurant and custom catering in an historic setting offering menus inspired by our own organic gardens and local sourcing. We say "New American French Fusion" filled with artistic creativity. Also featuring many gluten free…”

GrillMarx Steakhouse & Raw Bar

• 10175 Little Patuxent Parkway

• “GrillMarx Steakhouse is a casual, yet upscale steakhouse offering a Raw Bar, Hand-cut steaks, and Fresh Fish cooked over our Hickory Wood Fired Grill. All of our dishes are made in-house! We are open for lunch and dinner every day of the week and brunch…”

• CLAIRE: I’ve only done take out so far, but the steak was phenomenal! 

The Iron Bridge Wine Co.

• 10435 State Route 108

• “World-class wines, small plate entrees, tapas-style appetizers and daily specials in a cozy, farmside setting.”

• CLAIRE: always a top 3 restaurant for me no matter what! Wine, food, ambiance is always INCREDIBLE! Get the creme brulee dessert !! 

• JESS: such great ambience for a cozy date night or dinner with a girlfriend. Treat yourself to a wine flight!

Kloby's Smokehouse

• 7500 Montpelier Road #114

• “ Kloby’s Smokehouse is known for great food and service in a casual dining atmosphere. Kloby’s serves up the best smoked Pulled Pork (served Carolina-Style), Beef Brisket, Ribs, Chicken and all of your favorite “made from scratch” sides. We pride ourselves…”

Lib's Grill Maple Lawn

• 8191 Maple Lawn Boulevard

• “Featuring a raw bar and seasonal food and beverage menus. Whether it’s a wine dinner on a weeknight or live music on a Friday or Saturday night, you will surely have a good time.”

• CLAIRE: I have not formally eaten & drank there yet, but the vibes look very fun, casual bar spot, with creative drinks 

• BECCA: they have a great HH and nice patio (for when it gets warmer out). 

Lost Ark Distilling Co.

• 9570 Berger Rd. Suite L

• “Howard County's first craft distillery, producers of premium spirits - mashed, fermented, distilled, and bottled by hand, using the finest local ingredients available - handcrafted from farm to bottle. We invite you to try some of the best tasting spirits…”

Lāk Columbia at Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel

• 10209 Wincopin Circle

• “Under the guidance of Culinary Director Zachary Dollak, Lāk serves up classic American tastes emphasizing an upscale dining experience. Closely partnering with Columbia’s local farm culture, Lāk’s culinary team prepares dishes from-scratch, concocting…”

• CLAIRE: MLH is one of my favorite places in all of Columbia. LAK gives me Pendry vibes with their decor, and the chef & food is incredible ! great menu! 

MADRID SPANISH TAVERNA

• 8872 McGaw Road

• “Madrid Spanish Taverna is a traditional Spanish Restaurant located in Columbia, MD. At Madrid Spanish Taverna, we aim to deliver a unique Spanish experience through our food such as imported Spanish wines and authentic tapas, our art, and our music.”

• CLAIRE: 10/10 authentic spanish tapas - incredible food! Cocktails are great, get the patatas bravas & churros! 

Manor Hill Tavern

• 3733 Old Columbia Pike

• “Featuring Howard County farm brewed beers from Manor Hill, wood-fired pizzas, and other seasonal offerings in a casual setting in Old Ellicott City.”

• CLAIRE: my favorite brewery & beer in all of HOCO, their pizzas & sandwiches are out of this world! Also the cobb salad is always my favorite! 

Ranazul - Tapas.Wine.Bistro

• 8171 Maple Lawn Blvd #170

• “An international array of delicacies and taste sensations complimented with fine wines in an intimate, elegant setting.”

• CLAIRE: we’ve only done take out here, but their tapas were incredible! 

Rathskeller

• 5782 Main Street

• “Whether you're a Germanophile, on your way in or out of BWI, or hanging out at Patapsco, you can appreciate our hot schnitzels, cold beer, and modern German tunes in our basement keller (cellar). Or join us for live music on Fridays and Saturdays out on…”

Seasons 52 Fresh Grill/Wine Bar

• 10300 Little Patuxent Parkway

• “We use only fresh, in-season ingredients and prepare them with rustic techniques like oak-fire grilling and brick oven roasting to highlight natural flavors. We also have rooms for private dining events available.”

• CLAIRE: we go here several times a year, always love their fresh seasonal menu!

• JESS: I love their big entree salads and the Mini Indulgences desserts!

The Food Market Columbia

• 10480 Little Patuxent Parkway

• “The Food Market is a concept by Chef Chad Gauss and his talented team. Our goal is to provide an up to par, yet down-to-earth dining experience. The Food Market originated in Hampden (Baltimore City) in 2012, focusing on making classics our own in a…”

• CLAIRE: this might by my actual #1 favorite in ALL of Columbia, my kids love it here, the staff & service is AMAZING, food is incredible, great date night spot, brunch, and get the blondie dessert !! 

• JESS: my top pick! Great bustling, upbeat vibe. With the food and cocktails you can’t go wrong. Try the french onion rings and the blackened tuna entree! 

• BECCA: so excited that Food Market opened in Columbia. You truly can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. I love to share a bunch of stuff with whoever I’m eating with, but have also had some of the handhelds and short rib if I’m feeling in more of an entree mood. 

The Periodic Table Restaurant and Bar

• 8808 Centre Park Drive

• “As one of Columbia's newest restaurants, The Periodic Table specializes in a unique fusion of American and international flavors. We believe that food and drinks should complement one another and our team has paired all of the dishes with a cocktail,...”

• CLAIRE: haven’t fully tried it yet - but casual bar food scene, with creative cocktails! Looks like a fun, chill place, + drag brunch !

THE TURN HOUSE:

• 11130 Willow Bottom Drive

• “Fresh, local food to hand craft regional dishes. Sure to please whether stopping by for a cocktail, family dinner on the patio overlooking the greens or a cozy evening by the fireside.”

• CLAIRE: MY favorite VIEW in all of Columbia’s restaurants: sitting out golfside. Their cocktails are great, love the brussels app! 

• JESS: The Turnhouse Dry Aged Burger is one of my favorites burgers in Columbia, and the view is top notch!

The White Oak Tavern

• 10030 Baltimore National Pike

• “Local taphouse where handcrafted food and beer are celebrated. Our menu uses the best local, seasonal, and sustainable meats & produce whenever possible. All menu items are made entirely from scratch in-house. We offer a wide range of beer styles which we…” 

Tino's Italian Bistro

• 8775 Centre Park Drive

• “At Tino's Italian Bistro we promote the classic Italian approach to dining, where friends and family can gather together in a warm and comfortable atmosphere.”

Victoria Gastro Pub

• 8201 Snowden River Parkway

• “Innovative twists on classic pub fare with extensive and eclectic beer and wine lists offering indoor and outdoor dining.”

• CLAIRE: great menu! Great for date night, get the duck fat fries! 

• JESS: Their lobster grilled cheese is a classic that lives up to the hype!

The Walrus Oyster & Ale House

• 10300 Little Patuxent Parkway

• “Offering fresh oysters, craft beers, and delicious Chesapeake Bay inspired seafood. Our scratch kitchen creates classic dishes with fresh local ingredients in a casual atmosphere.”

  • CLAIRE: atmosphere & ambiance is great! Bar looks soo cool, I’ve tried some apps - delish! Would also be fun for date night