> All I wanted to do earlier was drop the pin at my current location (which Google Maps couldn't divine due to no GPS) and then "Search Nearby" for eating places.

    /me 
    goes to maps.google.com
    clicks on a random area of the map
    a "location" card pops up with lat/long and estimated name
    clicks on the card to validate the location
    a second card pops up below with a street view shot,
     "photos", "explore this area" with "search nearby" and
     "getting around" with traffic and travel options
    a third "quick facts" card is slid below
    clicks on "search nearby" and types "restaurants"

Also possible: type "restaurants near whatever", or simply "restaurants", which scopes the request on the current viewport.

Seriously.