Imagine eating some of the best Indian cuisine in an opulent royal palace! This is the aura here at Royal Taj, your treated like Royalty there's marble, lit fireplaces, amazing, crafted cocktails, and excellent-attentive customer service. The dishes are plentiful and made with the freshest ingredients. This place does not cut corners on flavor, quality of meat, or presentation. Amazing dishes we tried chicken tikka masala, lamb rogen josh, vegetable pikora, warm and crispy garlic naan. The prices are affordable and the portions are plentiful. I highly recommend this restaurant for a special occasion or date night. The owner is very friendly he comes around and talks to his regulars and introduces himself to his new customers. The experience is memorable. read more

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Finally got to check out this popular spot after hearing so much about it through Yelp. We stopped in for a quick lunch and were quickly seated in a semi-private room surrounded by shelves of REALLY nice whiskey. The owner's collection is really impressive and I'm already planning a trip back with my partner to explore more of the spirits. My friend and I ordered the half serving of fish curry, half serving of butter chicken, and veggie pakoras. Everything was delicious and came out quickly. The butter chicken wasn't like any other butter chicken I've had -- it was more rich in flavor and leaned more towards a tikka masala in my opinion but it was still good. It came with only one serving of rice for both orders so if you prefer more rice, order extra. It wasn't my favorite basmati rice I've had though. The service was extremely attentive and at times a bit suffocating. Once our food came out, we were checked on 5-6 times in a matter of 10 minutes all by different servers. After a certain point, we both got annoyed because we just wanted to have a conversation without being interrupted every 2 minutes. Waters were refilled any time even a small sip was taken. It seemed like the servers were bored and just trying to find something to do. But I would've much preferred our own server just stopping by once, so my friend and I could've enjoyed our time to catch up. Beyond that, the space is gorgeous with lots of fancy decor. We felt a bit underdressed actually. My friend and I both said how we'd love to come back for a nicer dinner and eat at the bar so service is more relaxed next time. read more

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If I could give Royal Taj 7 stars like they do in Dubai, this would easily be the first restaurant in America to earn it. From the moment you walk in, the ambience sets the tone elegant, warm, and truly transporting. The food is nothing short of exceptional rich, authentic flavors that remind you what real Indian cuisine is supposed to taste like. Every dish feels crafted with care and tradition. But what truly elevates the experience is the staff. Attentive, welcoming, and genuinely passionate about what they do, they go above and beyond to make you feel like family. This isn't just a meal, it's an experience. Highly recommend to anyone looking for top-tier Indian cuisine. read more

Upon emphatic recommendation from a friend, Royal Taj became the destination for my birthday dinner on a Wednesday night. I could immediately see why they made Yelp's top 100 romantic restaurants. The outside is meticulously landscaped and lit with soft, beautiful lighting. We were greeted with a smile and seen to our table: sidled up next to the open floor to ceiling window so we could enjoy the breeze and sunset sky. The staff were highly attentive and professional. We thoroughly enjoyed the food and drinks. The mocktails were delicious, creative, and visually quite beautiful. Even the coffee after the meal seemed of excellent quality. There was some sort of misunderstanding about dessert and while we ordered one to split (and could barely justify getting even one because we were so full), they ended up giving us two more on the house. The candle for my birthday was an appreciated touch, too. One remark about the atmosphere that makes a big difference to me is how well they supplied an atmosphere that felt private despite being in a full room. The main dining area was a great deal louder (due to lively large parties), but our offshoot while busy, had tasteful music and we were without any issues hearing one another at normal conversation volume at our table. An area to improve: the hospitality was delightful but we had to decline alcohol twice (gratis, I believe was the intention) at the end of the meal. There are many reasons people do not drink and it should have been enough for us to decline firmly only once. read more

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Food: the food was decent, with the samosa chaat being a bit too sweet. They also gave us complimentary chai. Service: the staff were nice and attentive Ambiance: it definitely felt royal in the restaurant, with regal decorations everywhere It was a bit expensive which contributed to my rating (after tax and tip it was about $66 per person) read more

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This was an amazing experience. A gem in the Columbia area. The food was so flavorful and plenty. I got crab tikka masala and it was perfect. The crab was real and plenty, the sauce was perfectly textured and flavored. Had some spice with coconut to balance it. Was amazing with rice too. Also got the chicken kebab and that was perfectly flavored and tender. The chili garlic naan was spicy! My cousin got salmon and when you put the lemon on it, it tasted great. Only complaint was the lemonade, it had a foul taste and smell. Idk if that's just how they make it or not. The manager, I think, with the bald head. Was super friendly and helpful. We came at night on a Friday without reservation and he quickly sat us down. Genuine hospitality. I defintely would come back. Great place to bring guests as well read more

Royal Taj - Crab tikka masala - Indian Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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I absolutely recommend this location! The food was incredible- lots of flavor and extremely tasty. I had the butter chicken and chicken tikka masala. The dessert menu was also very delicious. Service was exceptional (was greeted by the door, walked around to the bathroom, my glass of water was filled each time I took a sip, and was checked on multiple times). The bar was also STACKED with options and the drinks they made looked great. Ambiance was so grand and royal! I'm definitely coming back. read more

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I don't think it is possible to have less than an amazing time at Royal Taj! Ambience? 10/10. Staff 10/10. Food? 10/10. I also love that the Manager walks the dining room and he is so charming. read more

Yet another great review for this restaurant. I think the one recommendation I have is to balance the creamy dishes (such as the butter chicken or other "softer" curries) with the more liquid based curries (such as the lamb curry). Otherwise, you do have a mixture of overpowering flavors that may not gel with one another. But nothing beats the service here, the never ending rice, and the absolutely phenomenal flavors that have you wanting more. read more

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Love this place so much!! I've recommended it to others and they had nothing bad to say! They really know how to roll out the red carpet here and make you feel special! Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a good dining experience, you will want to come back again and again. Just as I do! I came to celebrate my birthday and had the best time. The service is top notch! I got the chicken tikka masala, which was delicious! You can request the spice level. I like it hot! The drinks are really good! If you haven't been to Royal Taj, add them to your list! read more

We celebrated my daughter's 21st birthday here. 20 years in Columbia and somehow we'd never been here. But I'm glad we tried it! We were seated pretty soon after arriving, they were really busy that night. The food here was excellent - they chef really knows his business! There were 7 of us there and we ordered a wide variety of dishes, all good. Lots of naan and a couple of amazing apps to share too. When the server found out that it was my daughter's birthday, he brought out a complimentary glass of champagne for everyone at the table, which was an incredible way to end the meal and we really appreciated it. When you go, don't forget to look around! This place is beautiful and their bar inventory is spread around the entire place - extensive doesn't come close to describing it, bottles that I've only heard of, never seen anywhere else. You need to check this place out! read more

Butter chicken and rice were 12/10!! Tika paneer and the goat cheese naan/garlic naan were amazing!! The staff is impeccable. We stopped in for an early dinner on Monday. Only two tables occupied and a couple at the bar. This place might be a bit pricey, but you cannot beat the ambiance, service, food quality and cleanliness. Very very cool place. read more

Really the best Indian food in HOCO. Well decorated, cozy ambiance setting compare to typical Indian places. Perfect to have family celebrations. Their service is fast and great. We usually have Tikka masala and lamb vindaloo. So so good! Highly recommend for those who live in HOCO. read more

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Royal Taj, where fine dining meets great Bourbon. I mean from the ceiling to the floor, it was bourbon galore. I did not mean to rhyme but it is true. I was very impressed as I looked around the restaurant. They have by far one of the most extensive bourbon collections in the area. Royal Taj is a tri-fecta; great Indian cuisine, bourbon + Whiskey, and great service. I met the owner, he was awesome. I look forward to my next visit. read more

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I have driven by and you can see the lights at night from rt198 Its a hidden entrance to this shopping center. The place looks like Royalty eats here, like famous celebrities or politicos dine here kind of spot. Very intimate, dress nice. The staff is wonderful and very attentive. Came on a busy Fri. Night. Make Reservations even if your a couple. Food was delicious. Cocktails were expensive...go w a bottle of wine instead. The fish bites appetizer is delicious Mango Curry Chicken was good, I went w medium heat. I will turn up on the next one. read more

This place has amazing Indian food. As someone who is Indian who typically does not like to go out to eat at Indian restaurants, this is definitely one of the exceptions because everything is done well. We went here for my friends birthday and the staff was very attentive. They cut our cake and served it for us, took pictures for us, and even gave everyone a complimentary shot because it was my friends birthday. The food here is great; I really can't find anything that I don't like. For the appetizers I definitely recommend the samosa chaat. It's like a deconstructed samosa with chutney and sauce on top. Very delicious. For the entrees, I really enjoyed the chicken korma, the lamb shag, and the chicken vindaloo. The chicken korma is super rich and creamy - you can taste the nuts that go into the sauce. The lamp shag - lamb with spinach is delicious; the spinach is creamy and rich and it pairs well with the tender lamb chunks The chicken vindaloo is also very delicious - it has that acidic tang to it but it's subtle and more of a complimentary flavor which I can really appreciate. Vindaloo made by my family is typically much more acidic tasting so I actually like this restaurants better. Over all the food was great; the quality is amazing and while the portions may not seem huge, it's really rich and is actually a lot of food! I always recommend family style at Indian restaurants; each dish is so different and it's fun to try a lot of them! read more

Royal Taj - Samosa chaat - Indian Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

Came here today for my breakfast and Royal Taj did not disappoint. The food, service and atmosphere are fantastic read more

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Large parking lot and so I had no problems with finding parking. I don't recall if we made a reservation but we didn't have any problems with getting a seat. I used to live in the area and have never been here but so glad I was able to come here. The food was delicious and the service was top notch. We ordered the Shami Kabob for an appetizer and then I ordered the Goat Biryani and Garlic Naan. The Shami Kabob was well fried and not oily. It had a really great flavor. I loved the Goat Biryani and they do warn you that it has bones in it but it did seem more bone than meat. Overall, the flavors were amazing and the drinks were very good. I would definitely recommend coming here and service was definitely notable. read more

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Amazing food and great atmosphere! Royal Taj exceeded my expectations. The flavors were rich and authentic, and every dish we tried was cooked perfectly. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, making it perfect for both a casual meal or a special night out. I especially loved their [insert favorite dish, e.g., butter chicken or biryani]--absolutely delicious! Highly recommend Royal Taj to anyone craving authentic Indian cuisine. I'll definitely be coming back. read more

Royal Taj - Layers of flavor, perfectly spiced #LambBiryaniLove" - Indian Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

This is where I go when I want a really good Naan bread, tandoori chicken or just craving Indian food. I love when I get to sit by the fireplace and the liquor selection is vast! I hardly drink here, but the bar is just part of the ambiance and I'm for it. Plenty of parking is available. I would suggest reservations or being aware the average pick up time for to go food is 30mins +/- read more

We were traveling and trying to find someplace good for lunch. We ended up trying Royal Taj and it was delightful. Even at lunchtime, there were no less than 25 staff members standing around, waiting to accommodate the customer with superior service. Numerous employees stopped by to check on us. The second there was a single crumb on our tablecloth, somebody came up and wiped it away. Jesmon expertly answered all of our questions about the food content without having to go back and ask the chef a single time. Clearly they are all well trained. The food was also delicious. And if the service and food were not good enough, the atmosphere was lovely. It was impeccably clean and beautifully decorated. Highly recommend this for a special event or just an every day treat. read more

Royal Taj - Items We Enjoyed - Indian Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

This is a Punjabi restaurant and I've grown up eating that cuisine/I cook it. While I didn't order Punjabi dishes, I wasn't impressed with the chai or food. Even if a dish isn't Punjabi per se, a Punjabi restaurant makes everything from chai to any dish FLAVOR PACKED. I purposely got dishes that I don't eat much like Gobi Manchurian and Chicken Biryani. The Gobi (Cauliflower) was just okay- I expected it to be super crunchy and it wasn't. The biryani was meh- I wish it was more spicy (and I told the waiter to make it extra spicy!) Also, the portions are small considering what they're priced for. I have to say the chai was the most disappointing thing. I take my chai seriously and this was a disgrace; I asked for masala chai. The flavor...just no...I tried adding more sugar than I normally take to force myself to finish it. The ambiance is amazing though. You definitely feel transported into the British India/Maharaja Royal vibe. I would give this place another chance MAYBE with different dishes, but honestly I can cook this stuff myself for more flavor and for a fraction of the price. read more

Royal Taj - Chicken Biryani - Indian Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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We came here for dinner and it was so good! We didn't make a reservation and they seated us very quickly despite being very busy. The service here is top tier, everyone is so attentive. During the dinner time, the lighting is so romantic and I think it would be perfect for a dinner date :) There is plenty of parking. The inside of the restaurant is gorgeous and I think the portion size is perfect. I have only been here once but I can't wait to go back! read more

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What an amazing place. Everything we sampled on the menu was amazing. I've never had any Indian lobster dishes before my visit here, the ginger curry was also spectacular. The seasoning on the chicken and lamb was just right, and the service is absolutely amazing. I would say this is probably the best experience I've ever had in an Indian restaurant. Don't miss out an opportunity to go see this place for yourself. read more

Royal Taj - Indian Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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We ran into a couple who highly suggested we check this place out. Everything they told us about this place was described to a T. The ambiance screams very elegant. When you entered, you are greeted immediately and given a choice of seating per their choice. The wait staff stayed on top of everything, keeping our glasses full, getting crumbs and removing trash and dirty dishes. They constantly checked on us asking how was the service, how was the food, etc. The host even came over to ask how was everything. As a compliment they offered us a complimentary drink. It was very thoughtful. My entree, I ordered the special, halibut with sautéed corn, and hubby ordered the tadori chicken platter. Everything was very good and the ambiance was very nice. read more

DO NOT BUY the BOGO deal from Uber Eats here!!! Last time I picked up my order, their employee actually asked why I didn't just buy the full-price portion. Apparently, their Uber Eats BOGO deals just split a regular portion in half. I've been wondering why the BOGO portions are so small. This is a scam. read more

It's been a while since I've reviewed this spot but I truly cannot say enough about it. I've gone many times the past few years. It will always be a favorite! Service like this is so hard to find, the staff is incredibly friendly and hospitable, plus the food is amazing. I've never had a bad dish or app! Even for to go, the service and food are both incredible. It's a must visit! read more

Royal taj is the original Indian food for the Columbia area. Originally starting in a smaller location, they grew to a massive restaurant in the Columbia restaurant park. When you eat there you see why it has been around so long and everyone loves it. The food is true to culture and what you expect with Indian cuisine. The chai tea is my personal favorite. I also am a sucker for their chicken tikka. Not only do you feel at home with the food, but the service is outstanding. They offer you the world the moment you sit down, make you feel like you are being hosted by someone hosting royalty (no pun intended with royal taj), and you are constantly waited on. Not to mention you're just comfortable. The chairs are cushioned and it's not the type of place to do the tricks to turn over tables quickly. Royal taj is my favorite in the area. Make sure you stop and visit! read more

Royal Taj - Chai tea - Indian Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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Wednesday 3/12/25 I found out about this place on Reddit while searching for the best MD restaurants. The ratings and reviews were some of the best I'd seen for an Indian spot, so I had to try it. I had planned my birthday dinner here with my family and called ahead a few weeks before to place a reservation. When we got there they said couldn't find it which didn't make much sense. Luckily, they were still able to take care of us and find us a table relatively quickly. The ambiance was very nice: it was dimly lit with neat interior designs. The service was great: they helped explain the menu and gave me complimentary items for my birthday. We got plenty of different items but the ones I tried were the mango lassi $6, meat amosa $8, vegetable samosa $6, chicken tikka Marsala $27, lamb Roganjosh $30, bhatura $6, garlic naan $6, gulab jamun free, goat cheese naan $7, a complimentary birthday celebration shot of Bailey's, and a complementary birthday cheesecake. The best way for me to break down my experience would be in notes of what I liked and disliked: WHAT I LIKED: - Goat cheese naan was so good that we had to get another order. - The garlic naan was solid. - The Lamb Rogan Josh was flavorful. - The ambiance of the restaurant is A+. - The service was great and friendly. - We ordered the gulab jamun and kheer, and they made both complimentary. - The complimentary birthday cheesecake and birthday shot. - The mango lassi was good. - You have unlimited rice for your food dishes WHAT I DISLIKED: - The pricing for the items is OVERPRICED. - The portions received do not match the price tag at all. - Bhatura was underwhelming. - The samosas were okay, I've had them better at many other places, but the meat samosas were noticeably dry. - The chicken tikka Marsala was alright, but was not worth it Overall, my experience at Royal taj can best be explained as follows: the ambiance was excellent, the service was great, but the food itself was alright and overly priced. I wouldn't see myself coming back, but it was a cool experience. read more

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Royal Taj is a restaurant that makes you feel special -- even if you're not the birthday guest. The food? Absolutely amazing. There's a huge variety of options -- different proteins, biryanis, and so many types of naan. Honestly, I wanted to try everything on the menu. We went with the lamb roganjosh and goat biryani as our mains, plus garlic naan on the side -- and everything was flawless. The meats were incredibly tender, soaked up all the sauces, and tasted so fresh. The roganjosh paired perfectly with rice -- I couldn't stop spooning it up. And the biryani was beautifully layered with spices and fragrance. There's only one word to describe it: perfect. Service was genuinely heartwarming. From the moment we walked in, the entire team made us feel welcome and cared for. Everyone was warm, attentive, and thoughtful. We didn't order dessert, but just before we left, they surprised us with a slice of cheesecake and two cups of chai. It wasn't just delicious -- it was such a kind gesture that made the night feel extra special. The overall vibe was lovely. Many families were dining in to celebrate birthdays and special occasions. The indoor decor feels like a cozy little palace, with chandeliers and warm wood details. The outdoor space has glowing eave lights and fire pits -- dining out there felt a bit like a "glamorous camping" experience. I'll definitely be back! read more

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The food is great here from my viewpoint. Excellent take on traditional favorites. Service is impeccable, the manager is the best. And it's a beautiful place to enjoy a meal read more

The best Indian in the dmv! Came here to celebrate my birthday with my friends and the wait staff was extremely attentive. The food is exquisite. I had the crab and shrimp tiki masala with garlic naan which was so delicious! The place is cozy and the staff is very hospitable. read more

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For years I've heard about Royal Taj and finally got there after husband insisted we go. Now I get it - 110% worth it. The building, while non-descript from the outside, the interior is completely decorate with extravagant items. Super welcoming. We were sat in a side room next to the window, was happy it wasn't cold there. Service was top notch. Only once did my water cup make it to empty and when the server noticed, apologized profusely. Otherwise, I was topped up when half full (and I drink a lot of water). We definitely slow-rolled the meal and the server was super willing to let us do that. We started with Chaat Papri - wasn't sure what to think based on the description, but was delish. Had the meat samosas (2 come in an order) next with 3 different chutneys - all made perfectly. For mains - I had the Chicken Mango Curry (mild) and husband got the lamb vindaloo (medium). Was all delicious. We got some of the mains to go and passed on dinner. Excited to go back in the future. read more

Royal Taj - Chaat papri - Indian Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

Royal Taj is a restaurant where you are not just treated like royalty but like family. Not only does it serve some of the best Indian cuisine in the state but the atmosphere is upscale while also being super inviting. The staff and owner are so friendly and professional and the service really is top notch. On top of all that, the food is amazing. Everything we've ever had here has been delicious, you really cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. Classic options we enjoy are the chicken tikka masala and the aloo gobi all with customizable spice levels. And like any great Maryland establishment, the crab cake appetizer is pretty great and served with a delicious green sauce. Great place for an event or a date night. read more

Royal Taj is incredible. It is my favorite place to go for Indian food in Maryland, and my favorite restaurant overall. The owner is often in the restaurant, greeting guests and treating them like family, offering up free drinks and making sure you are happy. My favorite dish is the paneer chili with a bullet naan. It's so spicy, it opens up your sinuses and the flavors stick with you for a while after you leave, in a pleasant way. My boss introduced me to them over 10 years ago, and I go back as often as I can afford to. I won't take a star away for this, but if I had any criticism, it's that the prices are high. However, I would not want them to lower their prices and their high standards. I'll just go as often as my wallet allows, which isn't very often anymore. If I'm looking for a good hit of that top tier food on the cheap, I might order just one entree and a side for carry-out and give a slightly lower tip, but even for carry out I feel like they earn a tip. I drive 23 miles for this food and there's not a whole lot of other reason for me to be in the Elkridge area than for this restaurant. Totally worth it every time. Even if you have never tried Indian food, please give this a try. You won't regret it. read more

Royal Taj to date has been my favorite restaurant in the area. The quality has been consistent every time I've gone. Service is incredibly friendly, efficient, and you can tell they take pride in their establishment. The inside is beautiful and great for both special occasions or dinner with coworkers. It's fine dining with a come as you are vibe. The food is delicious and the portions are very generous. I definitely love Royal Taj and will continue to go over and over. P.s. I always forget to take pictures because as soon as the food hits the table, I devour it. However I normally get paneer tikka masala, mango lassi, and samosas. They never miss! read more

First timers, came here for our anniversary. Walking in the door, the decor is just amazing and gets you thinking "this is gonna be a good meal and experience". Didn't disappoint, service was attentive and food was excellent. We had a group of 5 and sampled each other's meals. With tip came in right around $80pp. Apps, Main course and deserts, no alcohol read more

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I cannot believe I haven't tried Royal Taj until last night! My co-workers in Virginia recommended this restaurant which was such an amazing experience. I placed a take out order for lamb roganjosh, naan, chaat, chicken biryani, lamb biryani and lamb korma. The lamb korma was phenomenal. It's a mild coconut based curry and had so much flavor! When I went to go and pick up the takeout order, the gentleman opened the door for me, personally took my food to my car, gave me complimentary desserts and wished me a happy holiday. Absolutely wonderful service and I'm more than impressed. It's also beautiful decorated for Christmas so there are lights all over the restaurant. I would highly recommend if you want a nice night out to come here! read more

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This place is top tier, the best customer service the most amazing tasting flavors of Indian cuisine please go.

I kind of stumbled into this place on my way to the hotel on a work trip... I wound up having a fantastic night. The guy who greets you when you walk in... small bald guy...He's actually the owner... He moved here when he was a young child from India. He runs a really great place... The food is absolutely amazing... The prices are high, but they reflect the quality. They let me stay after hours and gave me multiple bourbons on the house just for being kind... And I really wasn't that kind. To be honest, I was going through a difficult time and something about this place made me feel that they sensed it and they leaned in and really showed a lot of love. I have never really liked Indian food very much or sought after it... But I will remember this place for a very long time. If you're on the fence, I would just go. read more

Royal Taj - Bourbon and good vibes. - Indian Near Me - Columbia, Maryland