Whether you’re a Columbia local or just passing through, Harper’s Choice is a well-kept secret for curious food lovers. Tucked between Hickory Ridge and Wilde Lake, this welcoming neighborhood is bursting with unique flavor, friendly faces, and a surprising diversity of dining options. From hearty family-run spots on Harper’s Farm Road to artisanal bakeries hiding near Cedar Lane, here’s your guide to Harper’s Choice’s best eats.
Harper’s Choice Eats: Where Community Meets Cuisine
Harper’s Choice may not be the largest village in Columbia, but it punches above its weight with a dining scene that represents both global flavors and local traditions. The neighborhood’s heart beats strongest around the Harper’s Choice Village Center at 5485 Harpers Farm Rd, which serves as a culinary anchor and gathering spot for residents. Let’s dig into some favorites!
Neighborhood Restaurants: Casual, Family-Friendly, and Flavorful
- Maiwand Kabob (Harper’s Choice Village Center)
- *Cuisine:* Afghan and Mediterranean
- *Vibe & Price:* Casual, family-friendly, with generous portions for $10-$18 per entree.
- *Why Go?* If you ask a Harper’s Choice local where to eat, this family-run gem tops the list every time. Their charcoal-grilled kabobs are legendary: marinated chicken, juicy lamb, and the melt-in-your-mouth chapli kabob, all served with fluffy rice and homemade naan. Don’t skip the house-made yogurt sauce or split a platter for a hearty meal on a budget.
- Pizza Boli’s (Harper’s Choice Village Center)
- *Cuisine:* Classic American pizza with a twist
- *Vibe & Price:* Takeout favorite; pies run $12-$20
- *Why Go?* You’ll find no shortage of pizza options in Columbia, but Pizza Boli’s in Harper’s Choice is adored for its extra-cheesy pies, zesty wings, and super late hours. Best for a quick night-in or a slice after school—locals swear by the spicy Buffalo Chicken specialty pizza.
- Asian Taste (Harper’s Choice Village Center)
- *Cuisine:* Chinese takeout and sushi
- *Vibe & Price:* Classic takeout, $9-$15 per dish
- *Why Go?* Asian Taste is beloved for lightning-fast delivery and big-flavor favorites like General Tso’s chicken, Singapore mei fun, and crunchy sushi rolls. It’s your go-to for a cozy night when you need comfort food done right.
Bakeries and Sweet Treats: Harper’s Choice’s Hidden Sugar Rush
One of Harper’s Choice’s lesser-known treasures is its growing dessert scene. While you won’t find huge chains here, you will discover a few local bakeries and grocers worth a special trip.
- Giant Food Bakery (Harper’s Choice Village Center)
- *Vibe & Price:* Affordable, convenient, great for custom cakes or cookies
- *Why Go?* While a supermarket bakery may seem basic, Giant routinely surprises with fresh-baked breads, brightly decorated sheet cakes, and classic pastries. Locals count on their cake artists for birthdays, and you can grab fresh bagels, croissants, or chocolate éclairs for a weekend brunch at home.
- Café Bagel (close by, towards Old Annapolis Rd)
- *Cuisine:* New York-style bagels, breakfast, and coffee
- *Vibe & Price:* Cozy, casual, $5-$9 for breakfast
- *Why Go?* A Columbia staple worth the short drive, Café Bagel has a cult following for its pillowy-crisp bagels, hand-sliced lox, and homemade creamed cheeses. Early morning line? Absolutely worth it.
Food Trucks and Pop-Ups: Columbia’s Best Kept Secret
Harper’s Choice residents know that some of the neighborhood’s best eats don’t have a fixed address. Visit the Village Center on weekends or during community events, and you’ll find an ever-changing lineup of local food trucks parked near the playground or along Harper’s Farm Road.
- Red Bean Caribbean Soul (frequent food truck guest)
- *Cuisine:* Jamaican and Trinidadian
- *Why Go?* The jerk chicken and curry goat are full of island flavor, and they dish up plantains, peas and rice, and pepper shrimp with a smile. Find them at Friday night fairs or check their Facebook page for pop-up schedules.
- The Shuckin’ Shack (occasional seafood pop-up)
- *Cuisine:* Fresh, steamed seafood
- *Why Go?* Order a bucket of Old Bay-spiced shrimp or a plate of oysters, and you’ll discover why this pop-up draws crowds from all over Howard County. The communal, picnic-table setup brings summer vibes, even in the cooler months.
Coffeeshops and Cozy Corners
Morning fuel is a high priority for Harper’s Choice locals, and while the area doesn’t have a huge café density, a few favorites stand out.
- Dunkin’ (Harper’s Choice Village Center)
- *Why Go?* For quick caffeine and classic donuts, it’s the community’s go-to. Grab a box for a weekend soccer game or meet a friend for a midday coffee fix.
- Kolache Kreations (delivery/pop-up)
- *Why Go?* A Harper’s Choice kitchen-turned-local phenomenon, Kolache Kreations specializes in sweet and savory stuffed pastries—think sausage and cheese, or fruit and cream cheese—often delivered by pre-order for local events or farmers markets.
Hidden Gems and Global Finds
Look closely and you’ll find small, family-run spots with devoted followings:
- Tandoor Grill (near Harper’s Choice, Cedar Lane)
- *Cuisine:* North Indian, Pakistani
- *Vibe & Price:* Casual, $11-$22
- *Why Go?* Go for the smoky tandoori chicken, silky chicken tikka masala, or vegetarian samosas—each dish is fragrant with warm spices. A best-kept secret for flavor-packed weekday lunches.
- El Salvadoreño Restaurant (short hop down Cedar Lane)
- *Cuisine:* Salvadoran
- *Vibe & Price:* Mom-and-pop charm, $7-$13
- *Why Go?* Order pupusas—thick, stuffed corn cakes—hot off the griddle and pair them with tangy curtido relish and house salsa for an authentic taste of El Salvador. Their horchata is creamy and sweet—perfect for sipping on the go.
Final Bites: Why Harper’s Choice is a Foodie Favorite
More than just a village on a map, Harper’s Choice offers a culinary adventure for every craving and budget. Whether you’re debating over naan or bagels, ice cream cones or kabobs, the neighborhood’s restaurant clusters around Harper’s Farm Road and Cedar Lane guarantee good eats and even better community vibes. The next time you’re hungry, skip the big chains and let Harper’s Choice’s local food scene surprise you—you might just discover your next favorite bite.