jimmyblue

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.

Ouch, you've convinced me I should redirect my meeting to Bethesda area...Persimmon looks interesting, what about Black's Bar, or Ruth's Chris on Rt. 355?

I certainly would appreciate your input into the Bethesda and Silver Spring area. Someone mentioned Clyde's in Bethesda, but it got sort of so-so reviews on this board. Any recommendations you have for a finer dining experience, preferably open on Sunday, would be appreciated.

I'm always adventurous as to fine® dining opportunities. What would you recommend a little further south in the way of more "elegant" than a chain type restaurant.

Hello, I am a new member, also new to DC/MD area and will be hosting some out of town friends for dinner.  As I am unfamiliar with the restaurant scene here, I was looking for a comfortable restaurant (good steaks/seafood) about halfway between the DC and Ellicott City/Columbia area to meet them.  They are coming from the south and I will be coming from the north.  I am looking in the general area of Rt. 29 halfway between DC and above as I am somewhat familiar with that road.  Any advice and/or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

"About halfway between the DC and Ellicott City/Columbia area" describes where I live. Oh dear. Are you sure you're not willing to drive further south? It's a bit of a wasteland in terms of what you're seeking. There are three places in Burtonsville (Rt 29 and Rt 198 intersection) that might suit. If the diners are willing to be a little adventurous, there's Cuba De Ayer. Old Hickory Grille's focus lies is somewhere between BBQ and New Orleans. I've heard positive reports about the Italian trattoria in the Burtonsville Crossing Shopping Center, but I've yet to go there (and am blanking on the name... Pepito's?).

Laurel is infested with chain restaurants, but Pasta Plus is a hidden (but hardly secret) gem.

Hello, I am a new member, also new to DC/MD area and will be hosting some out of town friends for dinner. As I am unfamiliar with the restaurant scene here, I was looking for a comfortable restaurant (good steaks/seafood) about halfway between the DC and Ellicott City/Columbia area to meet them. They are coming from the south and I will be coming from the north. I am looking in the general area of Rt. 29 halfway between DC and above as I am somewhat familiar with that road. Any advice and/or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.