Oh the Places You'll Go (Eat)! - UMD College Park

UMD Psych Commencement 2014 with Scott a.k.a Dr. Evil (Photo credit: Trish Bell)

One of the perks of being married to Scott is that I get the honor of sitting in the front row of the Psychology Commencement Ceremony and meeting parents beaming with pride and anticipation as their kids walk across the stage and receive their diplomas. After congratulating the parents on their kids' accomplishments and eagerly listening to their stories I often inquire if they are staying in town for dinner and if so, start rattling off a list of my favorite restaurants close by. I can't help it, I'm a foodie. Graduations and food go hand in hand and I want to make sure that visiting Terp parents are well educated when it come to their food options. While Route 1 has no shortage of chain restaurants like Chipotle, Pot Belly's, and IHOP that are always popular with college students (don't get me wrong I frequent them too) there are several top-notch mom-and-pop restaurants in the area.

If you are in the mood for Thai food, Aroy Thai is where it's at. When Morgan attended College Park Nursery School, we would often stop here for lunch... and when I say often I mean a couple of times a week :) You can read my full write-up here.

FYI- keep in mind this is a very small restaurant if you have a large party.

Thai: Aroy Thai
Location: 4511 College Ave, College Park, MD 20740 Phone: (301) 864-5550

Chicken Tom Yum Soup

Chicken Pad Kee Mao

My mom loves Indian food but is not necessarily a lover of buffets. On her last visit I told her that we had to go to Tiffin (now Red Chillies) for their buffet lunch. I knew she would love it, and made sure we got there right as they opened so we were one of the first ones through the line. While sitting down enjoying a few rounds from the buffet line, in the presence of a table of monks no less, my mom exclaimed that this was the best Indian food she had ever had. I aim to please :)

Indian: Tiffin

Location: 1341 University Blvd E, Takoma Park, MD 20912 Phone: (301) 434-9200

Naan

Tandoori Chicken

Also in Langley Park, on University Blvd. is a great hole-in-the-wall "cash only" restaurant, Pho 75. This is a "no-frills" establishment that only serves Pho. On rainy days when Morgan is in preschool, this is where you'll find me at lunchtime :)

Vietnamese Pho: Pho 75

Location: 1510 University Blvd E, Hyattsville, MD 20783 Phone: (301) 434-7844

Pho #12

Fishnet 

Location: 5010 Berwyn Road, College Park, MD 20740 Phone: (301) 220-1070

Located off the beaten path in Berwyn Heights is a small Turkish-inspired restaurant Fishnet serving fresh fish and craft beers daily. If you are looking for restaurants that pride themselves in serving fresh, local, sustainable foods then you should definitely check out this adorable neighborhood gem. Update: Unfortunately Fishnet permanently closed down.

Fish Sticks

Salmon Tacos

If you find yourself on campus during weekday lunch-time hours I highly recommend tracking down the Green Tidings food truck. Visiting their facebook page and twitter feed is the quickest way to find its current location. Their creative menu featuring fresh, local, organic ingredients changes every two weeks. 

Lamb Shank Sandwich

What is your favorite foodie spot close to campus?