I used to live in Baltimore city for 4 years and moved out here a couple of years ago, there's actually quite a few cool places, and a ton of new ones on the way in the next year. I love trying out new places

Royal taj is good as people have mentioned(was better when they had the buffet)

Clarksville Commons is pretty cool, it's kind of like one of the public markets in the city and has a nice restaurant bushel and a peck on top

The lak at Merriweather hotel is nice and has nice views of the lake

For a nicer upscale vibe I'd recommend 18th and 21st or Xenia, both with love jazz The food market is near 18thand21st and is excellent

Also iron bridge is a pretty nice vibe

Busboys and poets in the new Merriweather district has a cool vibe, and quite a few new restaurants walking distance from there to try as well, Thai place and some fusion, as well at the charmery for ice cream

Columbia also has cazbar which is awesome

Madrid Spanish taverna is good

Dive bar a grille is cool and they got a nice bar in the basement with a pool table

And old Ellicott city is close and has quite a few awesome places as well

And there's way way more,. especially if you realize when looking at suburbs you should really include the whole county, so looking at all of Howard County really widens your options, and you'll still be within a 15 minute drive of Columbia