Fresh Flavors Expand Greater College Park’s Menu
New Restaurants Have Terps Covered for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Dessert
Shake Shack, which opened in the Union on Knox development in December, is one of a slew of new and upcoming restaurants in Greater College Park.
Photos by Stephanie S. Cordle
From morning coffee and bagels to late-night sweet treats, a heaping portion of popular and promising restaurants is headed to Greater College Park.
Acclaimed Chinese fare, Raising Cane’s and a steakhouse are among the options joining recent additions including Call Your Mother Deli and Shake Shack in Greater College Park, the $2 billion initiative to reinvigorate the community around the University of Maryland campus.
“To see the high-quality offerings that are coming to College Park is validating,” said Ken Ulman, UMD’s chief strategy officer for economic development and president of the Terrapin Development Co. (TDC). “We’ve got a lot more to do, but we’re really excited about the progress that we’re seeing.”
See what’s cooking along the Baltimore Avenue corridor:
Arepa Zone
A taste of Venezuelan cuisine will arrive later this spring at Aster College Park, the mixed-use community that’s also home to Trader Joe’s. TDC was happy to recruit the restaurant, which also has several locations in D.C. and Virginia, Ulman said, to offer Terps not only traditional arepas—flatbreads stuffed with various ingredients—but also bowls, empanadas and desserts.
Call Your Mother Deli
While not in Greater College Park proper, the popular chain’s new “lil’ deli” in Riverdale Station is close enough for Terps to pick up their favorite schmears or sandwiches. The eye-popping pink and blue bagel-mobile opened its food truck-esque doors in February.
College Park Shopping Center
This plaza saw a pair of popular chains open their doors in recent months: In October, The Greene Turtle sports bar and grill added to its more than 30 locations in the site previously occupied by Jason’s Deli, becoming a new go-to for burgers, beer and Terps games. Then in January, Honey Pig Korean BBQ—which also has restaurants in Ellicott City, Md., Northern Virginia and Texas—began serving its savory, smoky meats grilled at the table.
Compass Coffee
The D.C.-based chain opened its first Maryland location in January, at street level in the new Hub College Park apartments on Knox Road. Not only can Terps get their caffeine fix with a variety of blends, but they can also add some foamy flair to their mugs with the shop’s latte art print machine—a fun addition to the area’s existing coffee options like the brews at Vigilante, Shop Made in Maryland, Starbucks and Dunkin’, Ulman said.
Falafel Inc.
Terps looking for a quick, wallet-friendly lunch beyond typical drive-thru grub can grab a $4 sandwich or $5 bowl at this fast-casual falafel spot. Building on its successful D.C. locations, the restaurant opened across from Landmark Apartments on College Avenue in October, with locally sourced ingredients and an equally delicious philosophy to keep prices low. And with every meal purchased, the chain, partnered with World Food Programme, gives back to help refugees in need.
Li Chun Café
The owners of Northwest Chinese Food—recently named College Park’s 2024 Business of the Year and consistently ranked among the region’s best restaurants—celebrated the grand opening of this new concept on Saturday. Located on the ground floor of City Hall, Li Chun specializes in a whole different point of the compass—Northeast Chinese cuisine, including bing, traditional wraps from the region. The café also highlights Chinese tea culture, with offerings like oolong and jasmine green tea, as well as Asian-inspired coffee creations, like its Tai Ji Mango Yogurt Latte.
“Just like our other restaurant, our mission is to introduce the community to authentic Chinese flavors and unique dining experiences,” said brand manager Xue Ling.
MidnighTreats
Terps looking to satisfy their sweet tooth will find a new late-night cookie option at Insomnia Cookies’ old location. MidnighTreats, open until, yes, midnight on weekdays (and 1 a.m. on weekends), doles out humongous plant-based doughy creations, with flavors like classic chocolate chip, cookies ‘n’ cream and blueberry pop-tart.
PrimeTime
While GrillMarX Steakhouse and Raw Bar opened in The Hotel at the University of Maryland in 2023, another hotel just to the north on Baltimore Avenue is slated to add its own sizzling eatery this spring. Cambria Hotel College Park will debut Primetime, an upscale restaurant offering steak, chops, seafood and elevated comfort food, on March 27, with décor celebrating historic sports heroes.
Raising Cane’s
The chicken finger giant, known for its combos with crinkle-cut fries and Texas toast, will take over the spot previously occupied by Nando’s Peri-Peri. While the opening date is TBD, Ulman said, “you will see a line two blocks long” once it begins welcoming customers.
Union on Knox
The prominent new development where 7-Eleven and the former Marathon Deli location once stood welcomed its first student residents in the fall, and it’s shaping up as a culinary hub. Shake Shack and the relocated Insomnia Cookies opened there in December, with Chopt Creative Salad Co., Duck Donuts and a new Pho Tom location slated to join them later this spring.
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