My vote would be Republic in Takoma Park:
http://www.republictakoma.com/

It's owned by the Black family--Black Market Bistro, Black Salt, Addies (RIP), etc.

I live in College Park, and this is a perpetual issue for us (where to find nice restaurants nearby). Our go-to is typically Busboys and Poets. There's also a decent restaurant in the UMUC Marriott on campus. Oh, and Adele's on campus is fine as well.

I would not recommend Hank's; if you want that type of food, I'd opt for Franklin's. And the last time I went to Mrs. K's Toll House, the food was bland, over-salted, and seemed targeted to the elderly.

There are a lot more options in DTSS. We ate at 8407 Kitchen Bar this past weekend and thought it was pretty good.

That's nice of you to plan a celebration for your friend. I'm sure she'll appreciate it regardless of where you end up.

Rays in DTSS? And since you're willing to drive 30 mins, you could really go just abou anywhere in DC (although Upper NW would be a pain). What about Zaytinya?

I haven't been recently, but thought of Mrs. K's Toll House.

Hank's in Hyattsville is nice -

http://www.hankseats.com/main/index.cfm

Bus boys and poets
Tara Thai
- not exceptional places but close to CP

My friend is completing her master's degree at UMCP in May. Both of her parents died in the last year, and there are a group of us who want to plan a really nice celebration for her after the ceremony. Does anyone have a suggestion of a nice place within about a 30 minute drive? We'd like to stay in the range of $50 or less pp with some drinks included in that. TIA.