I am reposting this, as i dont think my last post was listed under MD. Sorry for the repetition.
Anyway, looking for a 'nice' restaurant for dinner that is within a reasonable driving distance from College Park. Prefer a mix of seafood and other menu items as one in the party doesnt care for seafood or beef.
DC appears to be the closest, but willing to drive up to 1/2 - 3/4 hr..
thanks,
dee

Restaurants in Annapolis would be Lewnes (beef primarily); Ruth's Chris (also beef); Chart House (seafood & chicken); Piccolo Roma (Italian) Cafe Mezzanotte (Italian); Carrolls creek (Mixed plus seafood and on waterfront); Pussers (Marriott waterfront hotel restaurant) and Northwoods (rated top DiRona years in a row but nonwaterfront).

DC: Nora's; variety, Obelisk Italian; Old Ebbitt Grill mix (nice place good tourist spot) Prime Rib (good beef) Philamena's Italian; and many, many others.

Most every restaurant listed has chicken and vegetarian dishes on their menu.

If you are looking for a weekend Friday, saturday you'll need a reservation. If you're looking for DC or Baltimore you will need a good map and probably a parking lot. Parking will be difficult in both cities.

Ciao

There probably isn't much close to College Park but you could easily drive or metro into DC and find lots. Have you posted on or looked at chowhound.com?

Les Folies is very good. It is in Annapolis but would be just within your 45 minutes as it is not downtown. Take Rte. 50 east. Take Aris T. Allen Blvd. (Rte. 665 I think) toward Riva Road. Turn right onto Riva Road and Les Folies is the 2nd driveway (very close to turn off). You will need reservations but not a tie.
Also check the Wheaton area-there used to be several "tried and true" places around there.
Silver Spring has one of our faves-Sergio's. It's next to/behind a hotel on Colesville Road-you need reservations but it is excellent Northern Italian. Mrs. K's Tollhouse used to be good-also on Colesville Rd.
IMHO, Ruth's Chris is way over-priced for steaks. Lewnes isn't far behind but had superb steaks our 2 visits there. Good luck!

dosu,

I recommend Franklin's restaurant. It's also a brewpub but don't let that deter you - it's quite nice.

It's a 5-10 minute drive from College Park - just drive south on Rt. 1 from College Park until you see it on your left. Great mix of seafood and other items - quite a varied menu. Also excellent beers (of course) and a great wine list.

Look at the menu to see more, but your table MUST order an appetizer of Black Skillet Mussels. Trust me. Also, look to the specials of the day - not on the website but usually worth getting.

http://www.franklinsbrewery.com

Another option is Lupo's Italian Chophouse in downtown Colege Park on Rt. is very good but expect to pay $10-$15 for apps. and $25-$30 for entrees. Lupo's is very good Italian cooking and also has great wines.

Hi dosu, Below is a site for Annapolis food places from another thread. You can find reviews of Lewnes (and others?) fyi. Please let us know where you ended up!

http://www.surfannapolis.com/entities

Jerry's Seafood in my old hometown of Seabrook is sometimes thought of as the only top-line restaurant in Prince George's County. It's Crab Bomb is noted as a very tasty dish. Seabrook is ten minutes east of College Park.

Great idea! Here's directions, etc.:

http://www.jerrys-seafood.com

Just wanted to adjust the comment by bardo1. "Another option is Lupo's Italian Chophouse in downtown Colege Park on Rt. is very good but expect to pay $10-$15 for apps. and $25-$30 for entrees. Lupo's is very good Italian cooking and also has great wines." There are much less expensive items at Lupos. the food quality is top notch and is close to where you are looking. Food and service great, Very reasonably priced

its a little late to reply to this...but for those looking through archives for trip advice:
i must make a plug for Mi Rancho in Silver Spring. unbeleivable authentic latino food (central american/mexican for the most part) the family style fajita platter lets you build your own fajita with chicken, shrip, amazing beef steak, peppers, onion, rice and everything else imaginable on freshly made tortillas.
a great home-made hot sauce is available only if you ask for it specifically.