First, I'd like to thank all for their input and recommendations! I finally ended up going to Black's Bar and Kitchen in Bethesda. Not bad, only a 30 mile drive from zip 21042 right down ole 29. No problem finding the restaurant and my friends, but to my chagrin, it was closed with a paper sign in the door saying something about Superbowl Sunday. Anyway, we re-grouped and proceeded across the street to Houston's for a very nice afternoon evening. Drinks were well sized and reasonable and the food was very good. IMO service was a bit spotty as the waitstaff seemed to cling to the end of the service bar. Overall, a good experience. Route 29 is indeed a wasteland for restaurants. I thank you all for the advice to "drive a little further" south.