Excellent customer service! Everyone was friendly, welcoming, and attentive throughout my visit. Gubai was great!! The food was delicious, and the overall experience was great. I would definitely come back and recommend this restaurant to others! read more

Loren was the best server! And the chili salmon special right now is super good too! Would come again

Run do not walk to Smashing Grapes. This place is phenomenal. To be brutally honest not on the menu was bad. Everything was delicious. Took a good friend of mine here to celebrate her birthday. This evening that had a really nice pre-fix menu called The Vines and Vibes dinner series in which you get 3 courses and wine pairings for $65 pp. Which was a really great deal. We also ordered a plethora of appetizers to share amongst the table. We had the hummus trio , charred octopus, summer heirloom tomatoes, zucchini fritters and the charred octopus. All of the appetizers were very good. The zucchini fritters were so good, we ordered a second order. For dinner pretty much everyone did the cast iron short rib with the puff pasty. That was basically Sunday dinner in a pan. The short rib was nice and tender and the flaky puff pasty to soak up the gravy. Very delicious. For my first course I opted for the ceasar salad, something told me to get that yellow tomato gazpacho. Two of my friends had gotten it and they said it was phenomenal. The birthday girl got the Bouillabaisse with the Chilean sea bass. She said that was absolutely delicious. The Chilean sea bass was cooked nicely and had a buttery taste. And for dessert we did the orange tres leche cake and the chocolate mousse. Both desserts were really good. The tres leche cake was really good and if you mix it with the chocolate mousse even better. This place offers so many options for dinner, from their weekly specials, where you get 50 percent off any bottle of wine on Mondays, bubbles and boards on Wednesdays, Thursdays they have a nice to go special, where you can pizza and a nice bottle of wine to go. Now who doesn't like that for a Thursday night. They also have a great happy hour as well . This place is great for a date night, girls dinner or just a nice night out to have a great dinner and listen to live music. I will definitely be returning either for dinner or brunch. Also I did want to give a tidbit about parking. It can get a lil crowded especially in the evenings and if there is an event going on at Merriweather Post, it's best to utilize their valet parking for an additional $10 fee. It definitely beats the headache if trying to find parking. SYOY read more

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Love the build-out of this location. It is absolutely beautiful and the food is excellent! Happy Hour on the weekends includes an earlier time and a late-night edition with live music. Customer service is great! I've enjoyed a white wine flight, where they not only give you a bit of the history of the 3 flights, but they also pull from the shelf and add to your experience of tastings. The avocado chicken dish is enjoyable, if you like a creamier milder version of a chicken alfredo. The wings and fries are done perfectly. The best spicy pizza I've had in a while was here. I could go on and on. We hosted a family member's graduation dinner at this location with a group of 10 pleased with the food and service. I love when I come to a restaurant and I can relax because the staff knows what to do without you asking. Also, they have a dinner party series with that runs for three hours. I don't typically sign up for restaurant emails, but because they are doing really interesting things here I definitely want to stay in the know! read more

Smashing Grapes - Avocado chicken - Wine Bars Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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Who doesn't love a good charcuterie? My BF and I were waiting for some friends to have dinner across the strip and decided to stop in here. No one was here around 4PM on a Monday. Was a bit skeptical, but for someone who hasn't drank wine in a while, I would definitely come back here just to drink wine! Half off a bottle on Mondays and the appetizers! We had the Charred Octopus and it was amazing! The way it was cooked with the tomatoes and also the flavors were to die for! We ordered two that day. The service was fantastic, the room was clean and cute on the bar side. I was so busy with my octopus and wine that I couldn't bring myself to check out the dining room! We did order the corn crab fritters off the happy hour menu - they were good, but they were not the WOW like the Charred Octopus. Even my boyfriend was impressed and he does not drink wine, but he was definitely all about the Charred Octopus. Now I'm worried since I'm telling you about it, they may run out of Charred Octopus the next time I go visit! I'm hoping to make this a normal Monday thing to have wine and charcuterie, since this place is so cute and awesome! Also, on the plus, I had to mention, the server heard we were celebrating my friends birthday and brought up champagne which was awesome and impressive. Now that is thoughtful service! Smashing Grapes - see you very soon! read more

Smashing Grapes - Monday Wine Day! - Wine Bars Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

We visited Smashing Grapes for my niece's birthday and had an amazing experience. The restaurant is beautiful inside, from the décor and atmosphere to the baby grand piano . It feels upscale but still very welcoming. The service was excellent, and our server was friendly and knowledgeable. We ordered a little bit of everything--the charcuterie board, mussels, buffalo cauliflower, short rib pappardelle, Wagyu burger, pizza, and cocktails. The mussels were absolutely incredible, and every dish came out hot, looked great, and tasted even better. Honestly, there wasn't a single thing we didn't enjoy. If you're in the Columbia area, I highly recommend dining in and experiencing it for yourself. We'll definitely be back. read more

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I gave smashing grapes of four star review due to the ambience and cleanliness of the restaurant. The food was something different than I've ever had. This was our first time in Baltimore and I wanted to go somewhere nice after our seven hour trip. I had made reservations an hour and a half before we got there, and although we were seated right away, they came back a half hour later to verify the name other reservation. Not sure if it was coincidental. But when we both ordered a glass of wine, we are both asked for our IDs. My mother is 70 and I am 55. So I'm not sure that was about. Onto our meals. I ordered the black and chicken avocado pasta but I asked that the chicken be grilled. It had pistachios in it and a Hand to jalapeño which was different. It was a different culinary experience. My mother had the steak frite. The sticks slices were served on slices of bread, which is too much for her to eat, but she said it wasn't bad. We split a house salad, which was good. We both like the vinaigrette that was mixed in. The server was knowledgeable and pleasant, and it wasn't that busy since it was a Thursday night. You'll have to park in the parking lot around the corner. Unless you use valet parking. For us, it was a super cold and windy night, but it was still a nice experience. read more

Smashing Grapes - Steak frite - Wine Bars Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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The food was delicious! I enjoyed our meal and the restaurant is very nicely decorated. The servers were friend but it did take a very long time to get our food. I enjoyed the brunch I had with my bookclub. read more

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So I've been here twice and had a 5 star and 3 star experience today so combined we'll go 4. The first time we had great service and everything was excellent. No notes, very happy. This time was a bit more rough. Idk if it was because of wine in the woods, but they seemed off their game. First off I'm not sure why they were making people wait so long with lots of open tables. In some cases being told an hour. Especially with seating outside. Second once we got seated (still took about 10 mins with a rez), we waited maybe 20 minutes before I finally walked up to the host stand and said we haven't been seen yet. Then they went and got our waitress. It got better at that point, but still a rough beginning. The grilled octopus was good, and they have decent bread and dips. The shrimp pasta was okay but the short rib wasn't what we were expecting. Finally the chocolate mousse tasted super grainy and not "silky" like the description. Not like any mousse I had tasted before. read more

Dinner at Smashing Grapes Kitchen + Wine Bar felt like it was reaching for something memorable but never quite got there. The lobster ravioli was enjoyable, and the wine paired with the steak was the highlight of the night--clearly chosen by someone who knows their craft. But the rest of the menu landed somewhere in the middle. The crab & artichoke dip was fine, though the crisps alongside it lacked the crunch and flavor you'd hope for. The steak and fries were decent, but nothing that lingered in memory. For the price, we expected a bit more spark. Instead, it was an evening of "just okay" dishes with one standout sip. Not a bad experience, but not one that pulls us back for a second visit either. read more

Smashing Grapes - Steak frites - Wine Bars Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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I thoroughly enjoyed my dining experience. From the time I walked in to my exit, I felt like a valued customer. Our server was attentive and made great recommendations. The food was fresh and delicious and the drink luscious. Their menu featured for every palette. The ambiance was perfect for a romantic date night, cozy dim lighting, it is a fairly large restaurant but the decor and layout make the space feel intimate. There is street parking and also a few parking lots nearby. The venue is located in a space where you can walk around or enjoy other activities. read more

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We went to lunch today. We started with the heirloom tomato appetizer and the buffalo cauliflower. The tomatoes were super fresh and flavorful. The buffalo cauliflower was so delicious! It was a unique dish with the fried cauliflower and buffalo sauce and blue cheese on the side. For entrees, we had the Bibb salad topped with steak. The salad was overpriced but tasty, and the steak was cooked well. We really enjoyed the grilled shrimp tacos. The server forgot the bread but we got it in the end - yummy olive oil dippers with a French baguette. The restaurant was modern and well decorated. read more

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This restaurant, part of the Titan Hospitality group, is very large with a wine theme. The couple of times I visited, the service was good, but the food was not. The menu is all over the place - dips, salads, pasta, pizza, burgers, tacos, steak, seafood, etc. including summer heirloom tomatoes year-round. I was expecting interesting small plates like at a tapas restaurant, but everything was very generic. The items I've tried were not good. The hummus was somehow chunky and watery, the crab dip was mostly cheese and cream with very little crab, the octopus was overcooked, their asparagus used the hard/chewy thick stalks. The pasta primavera with pesto was extremely bland and didn't have enough pesto to flavor the dish or vegetables, which were carrots and squash, an odd choice in the winter. They do have a kids' menu, and my son enjoyed his kids' cheese pizza. read more

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If you want an elevated dining experience with reasonable prices, look no further than smashing grapes! To start, I opted to get their mango mocktail. I love anything with ginger beer in it, and this mocktail was no different. For my entree, I ordered the smokehouse omelette. It includes bacon, beef short rib, and mushrooms. It came with home fries that were well seasoned and fluffy on the inside. I was intrigued by their dessert menu and ended up trying their house made donuts. They're donut bites covered in sugar, served with a cream sauce and dark chocolate sauce. The dark chocolate sauce was on the bitter side, so I stuck with the cream sauce. Overall, the dining experience was seamless and the staff is incredibly friendly. I will definitely return! read more

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Still one of my favorite places in the Merriweather District! The customer service is always great despite how busy they are. Mel and the other bartenders/servers are amazing. Always attentive and engaging. I enjoy the live music on Friday and Saturday evenings! The late night Vine Time (aka Happy Hour) is awesome. Hope that sticks around! The food is really good! Thank you! read more

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Joined some coworkers for a late afternoon lunch here. I'm sad I discovered this place - they will take all my money. The short rib pappardelle was insanely delicious. I had to order it to-go! I will make the drive for that alone. We shared an order of mussels and they too were tasty. I had a bowl of the lobster & lobster bisque and enjoyed it. It was pretty quiet, but I guess I'm not surprised since it was a weekday around 3 pm? Regardless, the food was a big hit and the service was 10/10. The server was prompt, attentive and pleasant! read more

Smashing Grapes - Short Rib Pappardelle - Wine Bars Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

Classy, elegant, and gourmet.... Smashing Grapes would be right at home if it was located at a vineyard. What a wonderful experience Smashing Grapes did a phenomenal job of building their team. Literally everyone was attentive and willing to come to your table despite being the primary server. Used dishes did not linger around on the table, new silverware and napkins brought, bottled water was poured for you, the list goes on. The server provided great recommendations for food which were tried. I really wished I recorded the presentation of the shrimp and lobster bisque. I'll leave you with this it was very unique and set the stage for the dishes to come. The layer flavor profile hit its mark. The seafood was cooked to perfection and a decent portion for the dish. I do suspect they stopped the cooking process by icing the seafood and brought back up to temp with the rich and creamy bisque soup. The Salmon Imperial was the chef special served with gold fingerling potato's and broccolini. I'm happy I got the opportunity to try a limited item, I do hope it can make the menu full time adding more to the already impressive seafood depth. The salmon was flaky with a crispy bottom, not overcooked, and juicy packed with mouthwatering flavor. The stuff crab meat was a perfect compliment to the salmon without overpowering the salmon. The new menu item beef tip pasta also came at a high recommendation and was also rather good. Unfortunately the sausage took main stage with this dish. The beef tip did not maintain its seasoning well and would benefit from more salting. No worries when you get the perfect bite of all the components of the dish it is well balanced. Lastly, the dessert selection was the chocolate mousse. I was actually interested in the blueberry cobbler but was truthfully informed it was closer the bread pudding than cobbler. I'm happy I heard the one of the managers (Demetrius I believe) suggests going for chocolate cake with baileys drizzle. To be honest I didn't hear him say the cake but I also wanted the mousse either way. Just know it still worked and see the video for reference. Smashing Grapes is more focused on its wine selection and pairing. This was not the desired experience for this visit but from the flight option I know wine lovers will appreciate what they have to offer. I'm very impressed with this experience and so happy I decided to dine in. Overall 4.9 out of 5 Smashing Grapes is part of the Titan Hospitality Group has an assortment of high quality restaurants. To date I've eaten at three of them. One carry out and the other dine in. Please see the respective reviews. read more

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Wanted to share my most recent experience at smashing grapes! As always hands down great service and a big shoutout to our waitress Alexis! She was so attentive and provided some great suggestions for our table since I also came here tonight with two friends who had never been! The food was also excellent! We got the apple and go w/ prosciutto... EXCELLENT! We also opted for the zucchini fritters. I personally didn't care too much for it. They came in ball shape so the inside was a bit mushy for me. The Chesapeake pizza was excellent as always with large pieces of shrimp and crab! I highly recommend the octopus as well! It was well cooked and tender!! read more

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First time visiting this location in columbia. I used to go to the one in gambrills but they closed, RIP. The food here is pretty good. I was in a crabby mode ;) so I got the crab and artichoke dip and penne crab vodka. The dip was good, more cheesy and bits of artichoke not a whole lot of crab. The bread it came with was pretty tasty. I enjoyed the penne crab vodka, not too much corn and the right amount of crab meat, made up for the lack of in the dip. Now for the cheesecake creme brulee. For some reason the cheesecake was warm. I've never had warm cheesecake before so it was a bit different. I know they bruleed the top but it still seems like the cheesecake should have been chilled. Regular creme brulee is normally still chilled on the inside. All in all I would return and probably skip the dessert! read more

Smashing Grapes - Penne Crab Vodka - Wine Bars Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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We came here for Father's Day lunch. This was my first time coming to this restaurant, and I thought this would be a nice place, judging by all the great reviews. BUT no. Save your money. Warning the review is long. TLDR: service is so bad and so expensive for shitty quality food. Though their coffee and sangria were delicious. We were seated promptly and while waiting for the rest of my family arrived the waiter brought us water. He claimed the appetizers were good for sharing so I was expecting the portions to be good. Our party was 8 adults and 2 kids. We got 4 appetizers and it's good we got 4 of them because had we gotten 1 or 2, literally everyone would get like 1/2-1/4 piece of appetizer. So not sure why he said the appetizer was good sharing size. Also I want to note these appetizers are not cheap. They were very expensive for the amount you get. You would think if you paid $20-$22 per app you would get more. Literally paying for an entree with significantly less food. Onto the food: The waiter claimed that the Lemongrass chicken was "juicy". We got two of these and it was SO SO DRY. The Mediterranean salad I got was so salty. And the mussels that I also ordered were disappointing. I want to say 60% of the mussels were closed. This indicates that these might have been undercooked, poor quality or simply did not get checked. The mussels were so salty as well. What really pissed me off is that my mom ordered the shrimp tacos. Nothing complicated about that right? Well they never came out. We find out that there was a mixup so they sent it to a different table and we're "working" on a new one. Tell me why almost two hours later they never came out till we asked for the check? Then they magically come out in a to-go container. Literally the sloppiest mess you can imagine. How is that acceptable? You're telling me it took 2 hours to make this pile of shit? And what's even more absurd is their own menu says it comes with fries. Well in that small ass container they did not include fries. I asked about this and they looked confused and said it should come with fries and that they would get it. I have never experience such ABYSMAL, ATROCIOUS service. Sure the waiters and front staff were nice but nice doesn't make up for the terrible service. Something is going on in the kitchen for sure. Why does it take 1 hour for appetizers to come out. And then 45 min after only 3 people's meals come out. In polite company you would wait for everyone's food to come out to begin eating, but idk what they were doing back there that there was such a delay. Once the 4 of us finished our meal well the 5 people's food comes out, they got an entire order wrong. Ordered a kids pepperoni pizza and they brought cheese. We told the waiter that this was wrong and literally 5 min after he brings what I can say is the SAME DAMN CHEESE PIZZA with pepperoni slices right on top and a bit of Parmesan cheese. We could tell it was the same pizza because the pepperoni were sitting right on top like someone just added it on. We complained to the manager and he brought a new pepperoni pizza that was good this time. We had to ask multiple times for condiments and water refills. I could give a little leeway if this restaurant was so busy but it was not busy at all. Our waiter kept peeking over at us and not coming over like he was scared. And if your service is gonna be this bad, at least the food should be good but no. You have terrible service and shitty food that you're paying $$$ for. And gratuity being included is laughable because the service provided was not worth an almost $80 tip. We had to get up and find the waiter to ask for the check and where the hell the shrimp tacos were. In the end they tried to comp only the pizza and the shrimp tacos, but that was unacceptable. They did comp the appetizers. But they tried to give us brunch vouchers but why the hell would we come back to this place that had terrible service?? Make it make sense. And now that I review the 1 star reviews, it is consistent with everything we experienced. Terrible service, missing food, and hunting down the staff. Also the owner responds to bad reviews with AI responses. Shame. read more

I loved the first time I went there with a regular menu. The second time I went there though I had visited their website and called to make a reservation on Mother's Day. When we got there they only had a 3 course tasting menu $55 dollars per person and the options weren't even good or worth that price. The regular menu was not available. Wine was not included with the price. The website did not say anything about this being the only option for Mother's Day. Also when I spoke with people on the phone no one had mentioned it and someone even called to confirm the reservation a couple of days before and they didn't mention it. It was Mother's Day dinner and impossible to get in anywhere else around the area at the time. I was very disappointed. The soup was fine, the salad was lame, the shrimp scampi was good but not worth the price, and both desserts (red velvet smith island cake and a blueberry crumble) were pretty dry. They were out of the wine my sister in law wanted. read more

Smashing Grapes - Wine Bars Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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Everything was just ok. I got a salad with chicken and the chicken was just so awfully dry. Other guests got pizza, pasta and they said their dishes were OK. Very pretty inside but food is pretty mediocre. read more

Treated myself to a solo date to Smashing Grapes for the first time and honestly? I'm already planning my next visit. Started with a white wine flight (10/10 recommendation) and the Pie Mussels-- chef's kiss. Ended the night with their weekly special: a 10oz sirloin, fingerling potatoes, and broccolini (I able to swap). Everything was amazing and all the recommendations from Mel were spot on! Sometimes you really do just need a night with good food and your own company. read more

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I've dined at the Gambrills location once but never realized how extensive their wine selection is. About 130 varietals. Wow! Anyhow, let's get to the food. A friend and I had dinner at the Columbia location yesterday evening. First off the location is beautiful. You get the full polished fine dining experience here. Our waiter was very attentive and took the time to explain the specials. We ordered the appetizer wings and both settled for their salmon special which came with a side of mashed potatoes and string beans. The wi gs were pretty good. Our server stated that the dish tasted like the season with flavors that evoked fall and Christmas time ,and he was absolutely right. The salmon was grilled and prepared in an orange sauce, the mashed potatoes were fluffy and light and the string beans and carrots were sautéed in a blend of aromatic spices. It was delicious. We decided to split the sinful chocolate cake for our dessert. It was decadent and rich in dark chocolate. It wasn't too sweet at all and serving it with vanilla ice, strawberries, whipped cream, and a praline wafer was the perfect touch. It's all in the details and this place got it right. I didn't have a glass of wine this time but plan to on my next visit. read more

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This is my new favorite place. The service is fantastic. Our sever was great. She gave us really good recommendations and she checked on us often. Th guava grove drink was so refreshing and sweet. And the short rib sandwich on ciabatta was delicious. Perfectly seasoned with caramelized onions and mushrooms. My mom got the salmon special and she really enjoyed it. This is a really nice restaurant. Perfectly dimmed for a great date night. read more

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What a fabulous restaurant! My friends and I did not have a reservation. We were warmly greeted by Casseus, who also was our server. The restaurant itself is stunning. It is very upscale and modern. Casseus took the time to go over the menu with us. He was very knowledgeable about the various wines, the best dishes, and what items would pair well together. We were left waiting for nothing. Everything came out in a reasonable amount of time. The food was freshly prepared from scratch. The drinks were amazing. We ordered a lot of food because it was so hard to decide what to get. Everything sounded amazing. Smashing Grapes is my new favorite restaurant. I can't recommend this restaurant enough! read more

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summary: very good food and lovely ambiance, with a few hiccups along the way. Made a trip for a Mother's Day meal and was a bit bamboozled because we hadn't gotten the memo that they were only offering a special 3-course menu for the day at $55/pp. It was a surprise because we thought the regular menu would be available, but the food did end up being good (albeit, I would say on the pricier end given the portion sizes). The service was friendly and much like the name alludes, they do have a large selection of wine options. The venue is beautiful/romantic. I'd be open to coming back, but probably on a regular day because it does seem like the type of place to get pricey real fast otherwise. read more

Smashing Grapes - rockfish special for mother's day - Wine Bars Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

I finally made it to the Smashing Grapes in Columbia, Maryland, and overall it was a very good night, with a few moments of "almost great." We started with the charred octopus and the lobster bisque. The octopus was the early favorite: flavorful, nicely charred, and honestly a steal at around $12. Slightly chewier than my personal gold standard, but I would order it again without hesitation. The lobster bisque, on the other hand, clocks in at about $28 and comes with a lot of hype. It was good, but noticeably salty and surprisingly light on lobster. I like salt, so if I am raising an eyebrow, others might raise both. Possibly an off night, but at that price, the bar is high. One of us ordered the $65 prix fixe menu, which included a salad, short ribs with fingerling potatoes and carrots, dessert, and wine pairings. The salad was excellent. The short ribs were tender and flavorful, though the portion felt a bit polite and again leaned salt forward. The wine pairings were well chosen and genuinely enjoyable, which helped the overall value equation. Separately, we ordered the Chilean sea bass with bok choy and mushrooms, and this dish really delivered. It was beautifully cooked and sat on a deeply crunchy, savory base that was not the skin, a fun and unexpected textural detail that showed real care in execution. We also tried a seasonal specialty cocktail that may or may not still be on the menu. It was delicious, balanced, and not overly sweet, the kind of drink that disappears faster than planned. The space itself is large, attractive, and thoughtfully laid out, with multiple seating areas that make it feel lively without being chaotic. The service was excellent: attentive, polished, and warm without hovering. Smashing Grapes clearly knows how to run a dining room. Would I go back? Yes. Did I enjoy myself? Absolutely. Did I leave thinking this was the best value in Columbia? Not quite. I am happy to spend money on a great meal, but at this price point there is stiff local competition. Smashing Grapes is a stylish, well run restaurant with solid food and great service. Dial back the salt just a touch and be a bit more generous with portions, and it could very easily move from very good to truly great. read more

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The restaurant was sooo beautiful. Service by Tina (manger) was amazing from start to finish. She was soooo sweet, so kind and made sure that everything was handled with care. She truly is the face of this restaurant! She alone is a great reason to come. It's definitely refreshing!!! Man the food is absolutely made to perfect!!! Just woooww! Must try!! read more

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Elegant, the decor is classy and stunning! On a beautiful fall Sunday, we arrived in time for the brunch menu. I chose French toast that didn't need any syrup and the strawberry mocktail. The food was delicious! Our waitress was attentive and knowledgeable. My husband also enjoyed the avocado toast that I brought home. read more

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My husband, parents, kids, and I came here for my birthday dinner. I'm SO glad we did. From the moment we walked into the door, to the time we were walking out with our to-go bags, everything was great! Our server, Cassius was so sweet and so awesome. I had the Lavender French 75 for my cocktail. It was delicious and well made. For my entree (which is sadly no longer on the menu ), I had the penne pasta with vodka sauce and lump crab meat. It was MOUTHWATERING! The addition of the sweet corn was perfect. I enjoyed it so much that I went back two days later to get it again. I hope they bring it back! I will be returning no question. read more

Smashing Grapes - Lavender French 75 - Wine Bars Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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Wonderful food. Great service. I enjoyed my pizza and salad. I will definitely return.

I've been here three times and two out of the three, I've had excellent customer service. Great location with the surrounding options, a truly beautifully decorated interior with plentiful seating. Loved the wine selections! However, food is just okay. I believe this is a great place to have a wine experience, but I would choose another location for food. read more

A fine dining experience that is missing some of their marks. Smashing Grapes is one of two fine dining restaurants located in the Merryweather area. True to their name, they boast a robust selection of wines as well as other drinks and an impressive cocktail variety. Their menu sports typical American cuisine: steaks, seafood, pizza, and pasta dishes. The food I had was delicious. The Mediterranean Salad was fresh with plenty of topped meats and a light dressing. The Charred Octopus appetizer was bouncy and flavorful, though I think the pieces were too large, requiring me to cut through the chewy meats before I could comfortably put it into my mouth. The Veal Marsala had excellent handmade pasta noodles, but the meat itself was surprisingly tough for veal. I also tried the Avocado Chicken Tagliatelle, which was my favorite bite of the night, with a creamy avocado dressing on top of their fresh pasta and covered in juicy grilled chicken. Each dish had a wine recommendation which went excellent with the meal. The biggest drawback of Smashing Grapes is the service. First, making a reservation with a human being is impossible. You either have to deal with their online 3rd party app or call their phone number and speak to an AI. I tried moving my reservation to a later time, but found it impossible using both options. Despite being fully booked, their were numerous empty unused tables during peak hours on a Saturday, and even then, service was slow as our server had to bounce from table to table non-stop. We weren't given bread like some of the other tables around us, and the server admitted to forgetting. Our food also took too long to get to us, which might explain why the veal was so tough, because it had been sitting in a warming light for too long. And when we were finally ready for the check, it took our server almost 20 minutes to deliver it to us. Smashing Grapes might be in trouble if it cannot find more staff. Until they do, it's not worth spending premium money on a subpar dining experience. read more

I went to the Smashing Grapes location in Annapolis and enjoyed it, but it didn't last long. I was happy to see another location in Columbia. Just as I expected the decor and ambience was lovely. I don't know who designs the restaurants in this group but they always do a great job. I had the lobster bisque and braised short ribs with onions, zucchini, carrots, and a parsnip purée. The lobster bisque was just OK. It wasn't as rich and creamy as others I've had in the past and it needed a little more flavor. The short rib was delicious. It was fork tender with just the right amount of gravy and it practically melts in your mouth. I enjoyed the vegetables too. They weren't just afterthoughts on the plate, but they were properly prepared and seasoned, and they complemented the short rib really well. My only complaint was, I wish there was more meat on the plate. Tonight's occasion was a birthday dinner, not mine but someone else's, and the staff was so helpful and accommodating. I was able to secretly give my waiter a candle for the dessert and was able to give them my card before the guest of honor arrived so that I was able to pay for the meal without any complications. I believe we tried the dessert special that night, which was a sweet potato poundcake or something like that. They should make that a regular item on the menu. It was that good but I'm biased because I love sweet potatoes. read more

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My boss came into town and wanted to grab dinner so the pressure is on to wow her. Lol I came across this place online and read great reviews so we decided to visit. I did make a reservation online which was easy and of course missed our time due to having to stay back at work for a bit but I called in and the host was pleasant and said we were still ok to come in. Front staff was great. Our waitress was good as well. I ended up ordering a glass of resting which was super yummy and my boss and I split the buffalo cauliflower as an appetizer. I loved that the sauces were paired on the side so the cauliflower could stay crispy. It was delicious. For my entree I ordered the avocado tagliatelle which comes with blackened chicken, avocado cream sauce, bell peppers, jalapeños, pistachios and goat cheese. It was delicious. I was a little nervous because I not a huge avocado person...but it was just a hint of the flavor. The portion was enough to take home leftovers. After dinner I ordered a dessert that they ran out of but they were nice to comp another choice. Great customer service. The donuts were good and reminded me of churros. Overall we had a great meal in an great ambiance. I also didn't know they were sister properties with blackwall barn and lodge. Thats where I had my wedding rehersal dinner and I took my boss there last year for dinner. Everything was fantastic. Will def be back for date night with my hubby. read more

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Had a wonderful late lunch here between the Christmas and New Year holidays. Our server was attentive and made great suggestions along the way. I had the peach ice tea, garlic edamame and the cilantro shrimp sandwich. All very delicious. My guy opted for the ahi tuna and the house burger topped with an egg and accompanied by broccolini and loved all of it. The decor is modern and posh. There are glass enclosed private dining rooms and a spacious bar area too. We'll definitely be returning. read more

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Wow! This place was amazing to try and left impressed! We started with the shrimp and lobster bisque and I encourage anyone who visits here to definitely get this! So yum! Also, shared their traditional charcuterie board which had a little bit of everything to please your tastebuds. For main course we had their daily special which included hanger steak, potatoes, and brussel sprouts and it was good. For me the brussel sprouts were star of the dish. Great staff, clean restaurant, with a nice atmosphere. Looking forward to going again in the near future! read more

Actually, I want to give 5 star! It deserves but a few things stopped me. -Lobster bisque soup was not warm and a bit salty for me. -Caesar Salad, was really creative. The sauce was the most important thing for Ceaser Salad, but it was pretty less. I asked for more sauce, of course they brought more. It was good! -The last thing for lamp shank! The look again was perfect. But it need more sauce. Ambience and service was really good. Our waitress Haba (I am not sure her name is correct) I will come back for sure. read more

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