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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Maryland chapter.

The holiday season is here, and everyone’s real favorite holiday has followed suit – Friendsgiving. Whether you’re in the dorms, a house or an apartment, Friendsgiving is the perfect way to celebrate the semester (almost) ending. One of the hardest parts about this iconic holiday each year is the lack of kitchen space in many on and off-campus living arrangements. It’s almost finals season too, so who really has the time to cook a whole Friendsgiving dinner anyway? 

Fear not, if you’re looking for an easy out to celebrate friendship and the semester coming to a close without the time and effort of cooking everything, your local College Park restaurants have you covered. While it may not be traditional, think “holiday with a college twist” for this Friendsgiving. College Park has countless fave restaurants that definitely deserve a spot at every Friendsgiving table. Here are a handful of drinks, appetizers, entrees and desserts to try this holiday. Instead of each friend making a dish, all they have to do is pick up an order from one of these restaurants.

Drinks: To kick off your night, take to a local spot for a College Park cocktail or pick up a delicious alcohol-free sip from one of these restaurants.

The Hall

  • Apple of my Eye: Calling all whiskey lovers! This cocktail is the perfect fall sip. Start your evening off with a blend of Friendsgiving flavors including apple whiskey, cranberry, blackberry and more.
  • Pumpkin Espresso Martini: Friendsgiving can last for hours. There’s all the prep, the actual event and sometimes even a post-dinner outing. The Hall’s new pumpkin espresso martini will keep you fresh and awake throughout the evening – think spiked PSL. 

Board and Brew

  • Sparkling Apple Chai: For those interested in alcohol-free drinks, Board and Brew beneath the Varsity has countless options including their sparkling apple chai. This quite literally has everything you need for the perfect fall drink: cider, chai, ginger beer and more. 
  • Blood Orange Herbal Tea: Will this Friendsgiving be chilly? Your guess is as good as ours. Either way this flavorful tea has you covered. Drink it in-house or take it to YOUR house for a Friendsgiving sip on-the-go.

Denizens Brewing Co.

  • Hike The Alps Kellerbier: While you may not be able to hike the Alps around Friendsgiving, you could try your luck with hiking to this Riverdale Park brewing company for this floral Lager. 
  • Cool Breeze: If you’re looking for a darker brew, Cool Breeze is the perfect Friendsgiving seasonal stout. With notes of chocolate chips and coffee, it’s great for any fall day – especially a holiday.

Appetizers: As the night goes on, enjoy these delicious apps as you listen to holiday music, talk about the semester or sip on another cocktail.

Ledo Pizza

  • This Maryland classic has it all from taco cheese fries and toasted raviolis to caesar salads and wings. Take your pick because with all of these options, we really can’t decide. 

The Spot Mini

  • Dumplings: One of the best comfort foods is dumplings. If you’re looking for a little more comfort on this Friendsgiving, The Spot Mini’s dumpling variety has something for everyone in your group. From a pork and chive option to chicken and cabbage, choose one or more to get your meal started off right.
  • Sushi Combo: If you have a larger party to cater to try one of their sushi combos. With multiple options you get $40 worth of sushi that will leave everyone satisfied before the main course begins.

Marathon Deli

  • Marathon Fries: We had to include this UMD classic. If you’re looking to stay true to your Terp lifestyle, why not celebrate the holiday with Marathon Fries. For $5.75 a box, double or even triple your normal order for the dream appetizer.
  • UMD Sticks: And if you’re looking to try something new alongside or instead of Marathon Fries, try their UMD Sticks because you can never go wrong with mozzarella sticks.

Entrees: For the main event, you can’t go wrong in College Park. With countless iconic spots, mix and match flavors for your perfect main course. 

Nando’s

  • Full Platter: Travel all the way to South Africa without ever leaving College Park. If you’re a turkey hater, Nando’s has a great replacement for you. Their Full Platter includes a full chicken plus two of their mouthwatering sides. This meal is perfect for a two or three person table.
  • PERi-PERi Wings: Another great group entree option are their PERi-PERi wings. Get 12 wings and a side for under $20. And if you love your sides, upgrade to two for only a few dollars more.

Silver Diner: 

  • Free-Range Turkey Platter: For a more classic Thanksgiving dish, try Silver Diner’s Turkey Platter. Featuring turkey, sourdough toast, gravy, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce plus a choice of soup or salad, this option will definitely feel like Turkey Day.
  • Thai Cauliflower Quinoa Pasta: Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about your vegetarian friends. Silver Diner has an array of meatless meals that are perfect for this year’s Friendsgiving including this coconut curry pasta dish. 

Burtons Grill & Bar

  • Short Rib Grilled Cheese: If you’re looking for an elevated experience – maybe you’re a senior getting ready for your last college Friendsgiving or maybe you just want an excuse to get dressed up – whatever the reason, Burtons Grill & Bar has the meal for you. Their short rib grilled cheese is a mouthwatering take on a classic dish. With maple sriracha and pickled red onions, this dish is everything you need for any holiday.
  • Mediterranean Chicken Risotto: Just because you may not have this at your normal Thanksgiving dinner, doesn’t mean it isn’t the perfect Friendsgiving match. This dish fuses Italian and Mediterranean flavors and includes ingredients like pesto, feta, lemon butter sauce and more. 

Pho Thom

  • Pho: Pho Thom has a great selection of Phos for this Friendsgiving. If the weather turns cold, Pho is the perfect choice for your meal. Choose from a variety of proteins to make your perfect bowl of holiday Pho.
  • Fried Rice: While Pho is in their name, their other menu items are just as delicious. Try one of their fried rice including curry fried rice, Thai fried rice and more. Plus, if you order extra, it makes for great post-Friendsgiving leftovers.

Desserts: While the entree is supposed to be the most important part of a meal, dessert is the real star of Friendsgiving – well, and every meal. Choose from one of these local sweet shops, or go rogue and find your own.

Class 520

  • Oreo Secret: Oreos are a necessity for any holiday. For this dessert, it comes in a new form: rolled ice cream. With a vanilla base and a choice of regular or mint oreos, this dessert is a must this holiday season.
  • S’mores Galore: Take yourself back to warmer days with this s’mores treat. After a day filled with some of the best food the area has to offer, you have to finish off strong. This rolled ice cream flavor is almost impossible to beat and is a great way to end your day.

Insomnia

  • Jinglebread: Insomnia is the place to be for all things holiday. With multiple fall and winter flavors, they offer the perfect finale to your celebration. Try this cookie straight after dinner or wait for a midnight snack. 
  • Candy Apple: Apple is definitely a quintessential fall and Friendsgiving flavor. The limited time cookie has toffee pieces, dried apple, m&ms and more.
Katherine Mahoney

Maryland '24

Katherine Mahoney is from Olney, Maryland and is studying at University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism. Katherine looks forward to gaining a more in-depth perspective on the field of journalism and hone her journalistic abilities in order to give voice to those who remain without in our ever-connected society.