I love this place & it's new I love love the food it's amazing & the staff is beyond amazing. I love the ambiance too it's music it's a vibe

Flavorful Cuban inspired dishes , delightful menu choices and decent prices! My daughter & I came for their 3 course lunch deal -$20.26 & sat in their nice outside area. We had just started on our appetizers ( scrumptious beef & chicken empanadas ) when it started to rain. The very attentive servers hurried us indoors to finish our meal. They were so sweet & accommodating Our entrees, Pernil & Pollo Guisado both were served with rice(with pigeon peas) and sweet plantains. Whoever is in that kitchen and executed such yummy dishes need hugs & a raise ! The tres leches cake was a satisfying ending to a delicious lunch . All very nice indeed !!! read more

Celias Cuban Cuisine - Tres Leches Cake - Cuban Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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Came here for lunch with my daughter today. So happy to have found this place. It says it's Cuban but there are several items that say Dominican. Although I'm fine with either cuisine since both are great and hard to find in MD. The restaurant is located in a little shopping mall that we had never been too before. It's cute, simple with several tables inside and outside. The service was definitely slow (about 40 minutes to get food) and we had to ask to get waters replenished. I ordered the masitas de puerco (fried pork chunks), with white rice/red beans. Pork was crispy but also tender inside, it was pretty good. My daughter had the pernil w/onions and green sauce, tostones & corn. It was also very good! We ordered a ropa vieja to go and it was very good too. The food is definitely tasty and homey, I would like a little more protein in the dishes and maybe a couple of more entree options. I do like the daily specials and would definitely go back. read more

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Celia's Cuban Cuisine -- A Fun New Addition to Hickory Ridge! I've been wanting to check out Celia's Cuban Cuisine, a relatively new addition to the Hickory Ridge Village Center, and finally had the chance when a couple of friends and I were celebrating a birthday. What first caught my attention wasn't even the restaurant--it was the lively Latin-inspired music I heard while walking toward the Giant food store. As I rounded the corner, I spotted a few customers dancing on the patio. That alone was enough to catch my interest in what is normally a pretty quiet neighborhood center! The other enticement was the delicious aroma coming from the outdoor tables. We happened to have a rare, less-hot-and-humid day, so we opted for the patio. The piped in music the day we went was a bit louder in side the restaurant, and it would have made conversation a little challenging at times. But if you love live entertainment, that is sometimes offered on special days. You could check with the establishment for their specific dates. Our server was very pleasant and helpful, patiently answering our menu questions. He appeared to be covering quite a few tables both inside and out, so there was an occasion when we had to flag down another staff member for assistance. The Food We started with several empanadas--chicken, beef, and guava & queso. The crust was a little chewier than flaky, but the fillings were flavorful, and I could easily have ordered more! Empanadas are served one per order, so keep that in mind if you're sharing. I had the Pan con Lechón, with roasted pork, mayo, marinated onions, and green sauce. I swapped the French fries for fried yuca, which was new to me. On its own, the yuca was a fairly mild, starchy side, but the accompanying sauce gave it a nice boost of flavor. The roasted pork was tender and nicely seasoned without being overpowering. I especially enjoyed the house-made bread, which was nicely toasted and had more flavor and texture than the typical sandwich bun. My friends shared a 3 Sides platter which I forgot their selections but one was a blend of ground beef with potatoes and peppers and a side of fried yucca. It wasn't spicy and was another well-received dish at our table. Overall, we had a very enjoyable meal and a fun time celebrating together. The patio has tables and chairs, along with a comfortable tucked-away seating area. One small suggestion: our table was noticeably wobbly, so hopefully the staff can give the patio tables a quick stability check. I'm looking forward to returning and trying more of the menu. The combination of Cuban food, music, and a lively patio brings something new to Hickory Ridge Village Center--and I'm glad they've joined the neighborhood. Celia's is definitely helping liven things up! read more

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The $20 lunch special is the best deal around! 3 full size courses! The empanadas are delish and the spicy green sauce pairs perfectly! We shared the pernil (pork) and chicken. The chicken surprised me with how tender and flavorful it was- also loved that it came with the bone! It was a lot of food we ended up with leftovers. The tres leches is also one of the best I had- I didn't need to eat the whole thing but I couldn't stop at just one bite. read more

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I have heard about this on social media and decided to come check out. Real close by to me so I was looking forward. The staff is excellente and attentive, cool vibe inside and out. Food is delicious. Too much pork on menu. Price for food is reasonable... The Drinks are way too expensive. Very disapointed w expensive mojitos served with no sugar cane and in plastic cups. Dessert was good. read more

Celias Cuban Cuisine - Menu - Cuban Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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This place is a must try! With Roco and Celia's this little shopping center will see much more of me. I also want to try Meadows Frozen custard next time I catch them open. We came here after touring homes all day and were hungry. To say the food did not disappoint is an understatement. After every bite into the pon con pollo I reminded my wife how good it is lol. She had the ropa vieja, with rice&pigeon peas and plantains. Her meal was very tasty as well. I also got the fried yucca instead of French fries with my sandwich and really enjoyed those! The staff were pretty young and cool. Our server was very helpful. The weather was nice so we sat outside and the Cuban music made it a vibe. Can't wait to come back! Really want to try the fried snapper read more

Celias Cuban Cuisine - Ropa Vieja (shredded beef stew) - Cuban Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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On a hot summer afternoon, a foodie friend and I decided to try Celia's Cuban Cuisine. Without a reservation, we arrived toward the end of happy hour and, despite an almost full dining room, were seated immediately. We took advantage of the happy hour offerings, splitting a chicken empanada while I ordered a prickly pear mojito and my friend chose a margarita. The cocktails were expertly crafted and delicious--equal to, if not better than, those at many higher-end establishments. The empanada held its own, with a crisp, flaky exterior and a flavorful shredded chicken filling. My friend especially enjoyed dipping it into the creamy green sauce, which had just the right amount of heat. We also shared the ceviche mixto special, served with sweet potato rounds, cancha (toasted corn), and toasted bread wedges. Light and refreshing, it reminded us of a pico de gallo studded with generous pieces of mixed seafood. It paired beautifully with our cocktails and raised our expectations for the main course. For our entrées, I ordered the carne asada with cabbage and tostones, while my friend chose the ropa vieja with red beans and fried yucca. The portions were generous, and the sides were well prepared, but we were both a bit disappointed with the entrées themselves. My flank steak was tough and slightly greasy, while the ropa vieja, though flavorful, had a mushy texture. We ordered another round of cocktails to accompany dessert, and once again the drinks were the highlight. We sampled both the chocolate and coconut cakes. The coconut cake was the better of the two, but neither dessert matched the quality of the cocktails. Service was friendly and attentive, with helpful recommendations, especially considering how busy the restaurant was. While the entrées fell short of our expectations, the excellent cocktails, appetizers, and welcoming atmosphere make Celia's well worth another visit--whether for happy hour, cocktails and small plates, or a convenient takeout meal on a busy evening. read more

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Good happy hour choices for food and drinks, friendly service, good amount of seating both inside and the outdoor patio, the playlist suits the vibe that Celia's Cuban cuisine sets. Over all very welcoming! Nikki our server was great handling service throughout the restaurant while short handed as we observed but she was a champ! We only did happy hour for our first visit. The Cuban slider was my favorite! And the empanadas are definitely a must try! read more

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Service was quick for takeout. The empanadas were so good! You can tell they were homemade. They inside was juicy and flavorful. It hit the spot! The pork, rice, and plantains were tender, and cooked to perfection. I can't wait to try this place a second time! read more

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This is a cute, quaint establishment with friendly staff, there's limited seating. The food is prepared well with some additional vegetarian sides such as cauliflower rice. The ropa Viejas was tender but the sauce was a bit tangy, like too much vinegar. The pork steak was flavorful and tender. The sides are standard but the cabbage has pork for a different flavor. The chicken and beef empanadas are good. I prefer beef for a little extra flavor and spice. Overall an enjoyable experience. read more

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Amazing food! The menu is a great selection of Cuban cuisine from Ropa vieja, picadillo, and ox tail. I really enjoyed their happy hour menu as well we tried the beef empanadas and the sliders. The cocktails on happy hour were also yummy. Getting seated can be a bit of a wait so go early. My only complaint was how loud it was. Could barely hear my dinner companions over the din. But a fun vibe with Cuban music and lots of energy. The highlight was the free hot coco at the end. Wow! So good. read more

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Great restaurant! This was my first time dinning at this restaurant for a date and the food didn't disappoint. I had an empanada and pollo guisado. The food was very flavorful and consisted of a good portion sizes. My date had the snapper and I had a piece, delicious. The service and ambiance were both excellent. I am looking forward to returning especially for another piece of tres Leche cake. read more

Celias Cuban Cuisine - Red Snapper - Cuban Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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Went earlier this year and got food poisoning for the first time in my life. My family member wrote a review about their negative experience as well and was threatened by the owner to take it down. read more

Azúcar!!! A word popularized by the late and great Celia Cruz! This establishment is named after her!! I was excited to see a Cuban restaurant open in Howard County, as I often enjoy the one in Burtonsville. Unfortunately, this visit fell short on flavor and authenticity. According to our waiter, the recipes are from his grandmother but if I had to be honest they could use some fine tuning. Coming from New York and growing up on authentic Spanish flavors, I know the power of sofrito, garlic, and very well seasoned dishes and I must admit I missed that here. The ropa vieja was lacking taste, the beans were overly salty, and the empanadas were overcooked and dry. Again where's the flavor Latinos are known for? The mojito was just okay. That said, the ambience and service were excellent (5/5), and I loved seeing the face of my favorite late singer (Celia Cruz) gracing the walls, what a beautiful touch. Azucar Parking is also a solid 5/5. I truly wish this restaurant the best and hope to see progress with the recipes. I'll give it another try in the future, as I'd love to see a Cuban spot thrive in the heart of such a diverse county. read more

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Found this spot during RW. It is tucked away in a small shopping center. It has a nice vibe to it. The service was great. We ordered beef empanadas which are really really good. We also had Pollo Guisado with rice and plantains, Picadillo with rice and black beans. Both dishes were hot(temp) and plentiful. The Polo had a nice and mild flavor to it. Picadillo wasn't my first choice, I went there to try the Ropa Vieja, but they were out of it. It was my first time trying it, so it was Okay. The Tres Leches cake was really good. All this was only $20. I will return to try the Ropa Vieja and get more beef empanadas. If you are in the area, give them a try. read more

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First Cuban restaurant in town that I know of. I had to check it out. First impression was that it's very welcoming feels like home. Employees were very friendly and helpful. I decided to go with the Cuban classics like ropa vieja and lechón. Food was flavorful and it was a large meal. Our server was top notch. Definitely pleased with my first visit. read more

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A Hispanic themed restaurant in my backyard? Sign me up! I decided to stop by Celia's for some dinner. I ordered a Cuban staple, the Ropa vieja with rice and beans, 2 pastelitos 1 chicken & 1 beef, and a order of tostones(fried plantain chips). I also ordered a Tres leches cake. The pastelitos were the star of the meal if you were to ask me. They were delicious and filled to the max with meat and packed with flavor I regret only ordering 2! Maybe they should offer a sauce to elevate them to the next level. The main course was a little bit of a let down. The portion was on the smaller side, the rice had a good cook on it and the meat was tender and flavorful. The tostones was a let down they were not fried hard like they normal are so they were soggy. The dessert was the biggest letdown for a piece of cake to cost almost $10. I expected a very delicious juicy piece of cake. It was not. It was your typical sponge cake with some frosting and some milk surrounding it, I'm not sure how it is prepared but it seemed like just a refrigerated piece of cake that had the milk added before purchase so it really was not spongy. I would give this place another chance. Try other things on their menu. Maybe a different type of dessert. Pastelitos 10/10 Ropa vieja alone without sides 7.5/10 Tres leches cake 1/10 read more

Celias Cuban Cuisine - Cuban Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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Ordered take out. The empanadas were muy delicioso pero el picadillo was just ok. Kind of salty. I'll definitely try them again. Maybe first Friday? read more

Welcome to the neighborhood, Celias!! I was super excited to see that they were open for business, even though operating with limited hours and menu options. I think that's a great way to introduce a business to the public and work out any kinks. I loved everything about my experience. Service, food, and the ambiance. The staff was super friendly and efficient. The food...omg!! Packed with so much flavor and cooked to perfection. I ordered the Pernil, which is slow roasted pork. I've had this from many restaurants and this may have been one of my favorites. My sides were red beans and white rice. The sides paired perfectly with the pork. You have to make sure to grab the green sauce. It's so good. I plan to try as many items as I can from the limited menu to determine my favorites! The space is well decorated with a good amount of seating and a bar. It's definitely a vibe. I'm looking forward to the experience once they have everything in place. I'm thrilled to have an authentic Cuban restaurant in the area!! read more

we could hear the music playing at the restaurant at the far end of the parking lot. It sounded like we were getting ready to walk into an outdoor concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Took one look at the restaurant, turned around and got back in the car and left. What a shame was looking forward to trying the resturant. read more

Tried Celias for the first time recently and really enjoyed my experience! The restaurant is bustling and warm, the servers are attentive and friendly, and the music is a vibe. My party and I tried the empanadas, a few different drinks, and a few different entrees. Everything tasted amazing! The empanadas were so flavorful and crispy - and the green sauce can't be beat. My guava mojito was also delicious, and my entree of pernil with two sides was generous! Don't skip the Mac and cheese, because it was surprisingly amazing. read more

want to start by saying I'm very familiar with authentic Cuban food. My friend and I decided to give this a try. Our experience wasn't what we had hoped it would be. First, it was the village's trick or treating event. Although we loved seeing the kids and their customers it was very loud and cold because they had them come inside for their treat instead of having someone stand outside the door to pass out the treats. The service started out terribly. We waited 20mins for our drinks and empanadas to then find out that the young man forgot and decided to give us the last one in the warmer which wasn't warm. We returned it for two fresh ones. We were told that the boiled yuca came with grilled onions which they did not. Our food wasn't very warm. The yuca was dry and hard in texture. The black beans were flavorful. The nice touch was at the end of the meal they brought out mini spiked hot chocolates which were delicious. We were surprised that there was a 3% upcharge. May we missed the fine print. Although the food was completely terrible it could have been better; we will continue to support other cuban restaurants in the area read more

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I visited Celia's last week and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The empanadas were great. I had the chicken and oxtail empanadas. The server was friendly and the food came out quickly, hot and fresh. Great ambiance and I even met the owner! I can't wait to go back. read more

Cuban food is awesome, especially when is fresh made. The service is awesome. Cuban paste are awesome

Great spot for lunch. Excellent vibe, amazing food, service was great! Enjoyable stop, Cubano was excellent as was the Pernil.

Met my friend and she's such a regular we got a nicer table ;) She warned me that as they are so short-staffed, it's not super fast. She was right, BUT if you aren't on the clock it's well worth taking your time! I haven't had pernil for a couple of years, and theirs was delectable. Perfectly seasoned, moist and tender, with a few of the pork bits slightly crisp. Black beans were pretty standard, nothing special. Riced cauliflower was outstanding! You don't find that in many restaurants but it was wonderful. I had iced tea and without tip, my check was just under $22. For the heaping plate (I couldn't eat it all but believe me, I finished the pork & cauli) that is a very reasonable price. Music was a bit too loud. Restroom was not just clean, it was spotless - and roomy enough that a wheelchair could easily navigate it. I don't recall that it specified that, but it's true. Parking is ample and free. Too far for me to go often, but I do want to go back for their Friday special: osso buco! I've never had a Cuban preparation of that and I'll bet it's delicious. read more

Discovered this wonderful gem the other night! I never knew this even existed but came to check it out and I was not disappointed! We happen to come for happy hour which is rare that a restaurant offers happy hour on saturdays - and the happy hour items are actually worth it! We got one of all the appetizers and they were so delicious! I thought the chicken empanada was so delicious and flavorful but hubby liked the beef better- seasoning just right and the fry on it was perfect ! Also got the guava and cheese which is a little sweet so would work well as dessert - I loved it! Also got Cuban slider and pernil slider as well as pan con pollo- they also were flavored well and cute little sandwiches! Got the burger on tostone-also seasoned so well - not your typical ground beef patty-served on a tostone instead of bun and the crisp was so heavenly! I was absolutely stuffed for a fraction of the cost -I did not even get to eat any entree but I did try the yucca fries which were fried to perfection-crispy in the outside and soft on the inside- the service was so friendly and attentive- we even got free Cuban hot chocolate for free for dessert! Ambience is fine- great for informal dining but delicious food but I loved that there was enough seating and room for people read more

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We stopped by for a late lunch and got the only table left open (1:30+-). The service took some time considering the volume that we caught at the end of the rush. We had the lunch three course special and a Media Noche sandwich with tostones. Having lived in Miami for ten years, we are pretty familiar with Cuban food. I liked the seasoning on the Pernil and the Maduros were excellent. We thought the food was a bit more from the DR as it was more highly seasoned than many Cuban dishes which we were happy with. The guayaba cheesecake was fantastic. Reasonable prices and very delicious. read more

Celias Cuban Cuisine - Pernil and chicken empanada. - Cuban Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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Tucked away in a forgotten shopping plaza, Celia's is a place worth a try! The food is comforting, like a home cooked meal. The drinks are delicious as well - but if you're looking to save calories, they might not be the best options. We had the Coquito and Brazlian Lemonade. The flavors are refreshing but the creaminess of the drinks are what packs on the calories. The Lemonade is made with fresh limes and condensed milk. The Coquito is traditionally made with coconut cream - which is delicious. Partner ordered the Pernil. The pork was very tender and flavorful. The side of cabbage complemented the meat entree. I had the Ropa Vieja. Very tender beef and flavorful sauce. My favorite part of my entree was the Arroz Gandules - well seasoned rice with peas. Everything was great. Service was friendly and efficient. read more

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I've visited Celia's Cuban Cuisine a few times now, and after a few happy hours there, I can say I'm genuinely impressed. The food and the atmosphere both stand out in a really great way. Starting with the food, I've tried a range of their empanadas chicken, beef, and even the oxtail empanadas, which aren't on the main menu but are definitely a must-try if they're available. They come with some really tasty sauces that elevate the whole experience. I've also explored their sandwich selection ... the Pan con Pollo (the chicken sandwich), the roasted pork sandwich, and the Cubano are all solid choices. Now I'm not Cuban but I did find it better than my Miami experiences (just me). Surprisingly, they have a chopped cheese sandwich on the menu, which adds a nice, unexpected twist. It's quickly become one of my go-to items to mix in along with whatever else I get. Balance of trying something new and keeping a personal staple. On the drink side, their rum punch is nicely balanced and flavorful, and the margaritas are also really well done. The bartenders are super accommodating and happy to whip up any specialty drink you might want, which is always a plus. Such as my bourbon margarita request. All in all, it's a spot that combines great flavors with a welcoming vibe. Definitely worth a visit if you're looking for a mix of Cuban staples and a few fun surprises! Such as stumbling into one of their First Friday events where they had a DJ. It added a whole new layer of fun and created such a great atmosphere. If you happen to go on a night like that, you're in for a treat. read more

I'm going to say it, Celias is better than Cuba de Ayer. Cuba De Ayer is always been my go to for Cuban cuisine, but it's sort of feels like it's missing something. Celias on the other hand is a lot more flavorful! The crispy yet juicy and flavorful Masitas was amazing. The service was quick and the owner checked on us multiple times. The rice was also great, it's not just beans slap together with rice like other Cuban places. The restaurant is very cozy, I'd come back again and would also recommend it all my friends. read more

Celias Cuban Cuisine - Masitas de Puerco - Cuban Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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Had lunch with my family, the service was Great, the food was delicious and reasonable prices. read more

Our first visit here and we already have plans to come back... ASAP! The margaritas are some of the best we've ever had. Totally reasonable prices, especially on happy hour. Chicken Empanada is obviously made from scratch- no frozen products here. Definitely a really tasty and great value. There are tons of options in this area for dining. This is a family purveyor, and the lovely atmosphere, great service and top quality fresh ingredients in both food and drinks - they've earned my support!! read more

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I've been here twice now and both times were such a great experience. The owner, James, is an absolute delight and really sets the tone for the whole place. The first time I came was on a random Saturday and I lucked out because it was happy hour from about 4:30-6:30. I ordered the empanadas chicken, beef, and oxtail. The oxtail isn't part of happy hour, but it is 100% worth it. Every single one was juicy and full of flavor. Back to back hits. And plot twist... even the house margarita was delicious. After inhaling the empanadas, I moved on to a chicken sandwich. I can't remember the exact name, but it came with a cute little flag on top. I almost didn't order it because it had pickles and I do not like pickles. But when in Rome. Turns out, I loved it. Pickles and all. Then I tried the chopped cheese and fries. Easy 10/10. Highly recommend. The staff and family are so attentive and caring, which is probably why I went back again. On First Fridays they have a DJ and salsa dancing. I missed the salsa dancing because it was past my nap time lol but the DJ? He was not trying to let anybody go home. Jam after jam. Between the food, the vibes, and the family atmosphere, they really had my heart. I definitely encourage everyone to give this place a try read more

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I found this place while in the Columbia area and decided to give it a try. This was a good choice because the food was amazing. When I approached the building and I saw a live band playing, that's always a good sign. The arroz con gandules, Vieja are amazing. The mac & cheese was good as well. I'll go. I would have preferred some more cheese overall this place is a hit. I will definitely be back and highly recommend if you want some Cuban food. read more

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We went to Celia's Cubano Cuisine for HoCo Restaurant Week and man do I regret not checking it out sooner. We got the Picadillo and Ropa Vieja (both pictured) and empanadas. The green sauce that comes with the empanadas is made in house and is so good we were literally fighting over it. You cannot beat the $20 restaurant week price for a 3 course meal (must get the Tres Leches) and complimentary hot chocolate at the end which the kids enjoyed. If you haven't been yet, now is the time to go! read more

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The food was delicious! The service was great and the environment was lively. Would definitely recommend and will be coming back! read more

Celias Cuban Cuisine - Pollo Guisado (stew chicken) - Cuban Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

We started with empanadas of beef, chicken and guayaba with cheese. My meal. I had the sancoho which is a beef and chicken stew with vegetable root such as taro and casava with green bananas and plantain with corn. It was delicious. The ambiance was nice and the people super nice. However, chef and owner Reynoso was incredibly warm and friendly. He has opened a little over a year in Colombia, MD. If you have not been, you don't know what you are missing. So come to Celia'! Azúcar!!! read more

Celias Cuban Cuisine - Sancoho - Cuban Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

The pollo guisado and the masitas were great! Music and service was also pretty good. read more