State College Recommendations?

by mundyscorner99 on Dec 2, 2009 2:10 PM EST Comment 58 comments

I wanted to see if anyone could give me their restaurant/bar recommendations in State College. I'm looking for something on or close to College Ave that would be considered casual, but on-the-nicer side for drinks and/or dinner for a date. I didn't attend PSU, so my memories of where things are near campus are more related to attending sporting events and/or visiting college friends back in the day, and I obviously don't know the campus as well as most people on here. I apologize this isn't PSU sports related, but I will preface it by saying that we are at least going to a PSU hoops game afterwards.

In addition to your recommendations, if anyone has any thoughts on the following places that come up on searches I'd also appreciate it: The Corner Room, Allen Street Grill, The Tavern Restaurant.

Thanks in advance.

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Allen Street Grill and the Tavern are “on the nicer side” . There is also Cafe 210 which is on the west end of College Ave. In terms of niceness for a date, its a small step down from the other two but is casual. Cafe 210 is like the “chili’s” of bars. Nice casual food \ restaurant area slightly away from the bar.

If its for a date, I’d go with Allen Street Grill or the Tavern. Good Luck

by MrBrianPSU on Dec 2, 2009 2:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I like the corner, but it I wouldn't consider it a date place

My vote would be for the tavern.

A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.
Bill Cosby

by psu on Dec 2, 2009 2:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Thoughts

I never liked the food at the Corner. It wasn’t bad. Jush meh.

I always liked the Deli for dinner. Nice place with good food and not too expensive. Not as upscale as the Tavern.

I ate at the Allen St. Grill once and it was good.

For drinks I always liked Cafe 210. Good bar without the frat guy feel.

Mike
Black Shoe Diaries

by BSD on Dec 2, 2009 2:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Good website for state college

http://thecrosshairguide.com/in-depth/beaver-stadium-game-day/beaver-stadium-restaurants/

by 86psu09 on Dec 2, 2009 2:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Zola

is amazing if you’re willing to lay down some cash.

by jigalion on Dec 2, 2009 3:00 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Second Zola....

http://www.zolabistro.com/zola.html

One man doing the work of 100's for the good of 1000's

by rahpsu92 on Dec 2, 2009 3:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Third Zola

by Bob Sacamano on Dec 3, 2009 8:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Spats Cafe

Great food and drink. Nice setting.

Gotta get a Tea at Cafe 210.

However, i am still a fan of having an Original Sin at the Adam’s Apple (located at the back of the Tavern).

For breakfast, nothing beats the Diner (grilled stickies)

Big Ten Titles for everyone.

by QBsneak12 on Dec 2, 2009 3:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

You must be expecting Mundy’s date to go VERY WELL, considering you’re giving him breakfast ideas.
My rec: Waffle Shop for pecan waffles.

"God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy"

by NJ lion on Dec 4, 2009 2:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Looove

the Allen Street Grill. The whole second floor thing… and the atmosphere is just awesome. Especially when sitting at the end with the windows facing Allen, as opposed to College Ave.

by GreatScawt on Dec 2, 2009 3:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Pickles Tap Room is nice.

Really a hybrid bar/restaurant. Great waitstaff, as clean as a bar off College Ave can be, and good for drinks and it has a nice menu. Not a “sit-down” place after 5PM on weekends, but early on a weekday it should be fine.

by Cairo on Dec 2, 2009 3:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I like the Tap Room too, I think it would be a nice place for an early dinner. The problem is that at some point most places become bars instead of eateries. Chili’s is right down there too, no worried about it becoming just a bar.

"We are not normal, We are Legends. People will tell their kids about us." - Deon Butler before Ohio State Game 2008.

by Rogue Nine on Dec 2, 2009 10:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

What was that german type place people were raving about a few months ago?

I’d recommend that, even though I haven’t ever been there, just because that’s where I want to go.

by The JuggerNitt on Dec 2, 2009 3:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

It's Herwig's Austrian Bistro

But I have another new nugget. If you were adventurous enough to head to the old Schnitzel’s in Bellefonte, you’ll hopefully remember it as I did: as a wonderful celebration of German meats. The setting was awesome too – it was in the basement of the old hotel, and Spring Creek ran pretty much up against the windows. Unfortunately, that building went up in a blaze about 5 years ago. However, the folks who ran Schnitzel’s now have a place out East College between the Mt. Nittany Expressway and the mall called Olde New York. They have Wiener Schnitzel and Jaeger Schnitzel, galumpkies, pierogies, and wursts in addition to “regular” food like burgers. I highly recommend it (and the German beers they have on tap, including Oktoberfests).

But that was all related to JN’s comment, not the original post, sorry. Here’s something related to the original post:
One of my favorite parts of the drive to Pittsburgh from State College is the sign on 22 for Mundy’s Corner and Nanty Glo. You can’t make that stuff up….

Bacon is almost as great as being a Penn Stater

by NittanyTide on Dec 2, 2009 3:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That's my hometown....

Hence my screen name – mundyscorner99. I live in the Pittsburgh area now, but people do seem to chuckle at the Nanty Glo name for sure.

by mundyscorner99 on Dec 2, 2009 3:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Isn't Turkey Foot near there also?

Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.
Vince Lombardi

by PaJoe on Dec 4, 2009 6:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Coming from the other side of the state

my favorites were Snow Shoe and Jersey Shore (WTF?)

by The JuggerNitt on Dec 2, 2009 3:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I was so befuddled by Jersey Shore that I looked it up (from Wiki)

Jersey Shore was originally named Waynesburg by the two brothers, Reuben and Jeremiah Manning, who laid out the town circa 1785.4 Around the time that this was happening, a settlement arose on the eastern side of the West Branch Susquehanna River (Nippenose Township), opposite Waynesburg. A rivalry developed between the two settlements, and those on the eastern shore began referring to the settlement on the western shore as the “Jersey Shore,” because the Manning family had relocated from New Jersey. The nickname became so fixed that in 1826 the original name of Waynesburg was officially abandoned and changed to Jersey Shore.

Lucky gun, fake fifth, 8XY bitch
Daryll Clark, The Penn State Football Story Is...

by letsgopsu on Dec 2, 2009 4:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting & Random Jersey Shore Fact:

Hunter S. Thompson was the editor of the newspaper in Jersey Shore at one time.

"Victory without honor is an unseasoned dish. It might fill you up, but it won't taste good" - Joe Paterno

by MilroyBoozer on Dec 3, 2009 11:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

My fave is Blue Knob. Come on.

by PSUJunny05 on Dec 2, 2009 4:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Olde New York

is awesome!.. Great food, and Oktoberfest on tap, what more could you ask for?

"The only cohesive passing game in the whole damn conference was in Happy Valley." -Rivalry Esq.

by BSmith717 on Dec 2, 2009 10:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Herwig's

by STU Boy on Dec 2, 2009 3:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Good recommendations so far

I’ll also throw in Rotelli (Italian) and Cozy Thai (although that’s BYOB)

by speedomike on Dec 2, 2009 3:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The Shandygaff

Has that nice “second floor thing” going for it. Get a seat by the windows overlooking the State College scene. Quality drinks at competitive prices. Food’s great if they have any. And the bathrooms are top notch.

Plus there’s a dance floor for you and your date.

by The IC Lion on Dec 2, 2009 3:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

If this description

of the ‘Gaff is true, it’s improved by 1000x since I was last there in 1996.

by Joe 96alum on Dec 2, 2009 7:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And another 1000x since 1991

I spent A LOT of time there – cheap beer & good music. What else did you need?
Were there windows in the place? And the bathrooms were dumps.

"God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy"

by NJ lion on Dec 2, 2009 10:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No no, don't worry

the ’Gaff is still the ’Gaff, and that will (apparently) never change.

"In the beginning the Universe was created.
This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move."

by IcersGuy on Dec 2, 2009 11:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

These are all good recommendations, thanks

Right now I’m leading toward the Tavern, based on the recommendations here and ones I’ve read via searches. But I’m going to keep all of these in mind for future visit. Thanks for the info.

by mundyscorner99 on Dec 2, 2009 3:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

hope you get lucky

Lucky gun, fake fifth, 8XY bitch
Daryll Clark, The Penn State Football Story Is...

by letsgopsu on Dec 2, 2009 4:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

by PSUJunny05 on Dec 2, 2009 4:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The restaurant is important

but the excitement of 3,000 fans (and no students) to see PSU-Gardner Webb (probably the game I’m going to) should be enough to make it a good night. Judging by what I saw for the Sacred Heart game I would expect the crowd to be about the same as that.

by mundyscorner99 on Dec 2, 2009 5:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I love the fact that BSD readers are actively seeking dating advice on here.

On a related note, I’ve got to name my first child. Thoughts?

by PSUJunny05 on Dec 2, 2009 4:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Obvious

Zug.

by Why did I Graduate? on Dec 2, 2009 4:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If I had a son, I would name him “Rusty Blades [Surname]”. Or Carl Monday.

"I don't know. I don't know. [waves hand dismissively] First, you'd have to tell me what a 'BCS' is. I don't know."

by ReadingRambler on Dec 2, 2009 4:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I was thinking Lenny Leonard Surname or Carl Carlson Surname.

Or Yo Xing Heyno Augustus Eisner Alexander Weiser Knuckles Jeremijenko-Conley.

by PSUJunny05 on Dec 2, 2009 4:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

can't go wrong with

Joseph Vincent….

or if you can get it to pass….simply “Paterno”

Big Ten Titles for everyone.

by QBsneak12 on Dec 2, 2009 4:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

7

"God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy"

by NJ lion on Dec 2, 2009 10:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Cornley Smash 05

Because I assume your full name is PSU Junny 05

"The only cohesive passing game in the whole damn conference was in Happy Valley." -Rivalry Esq.

by BSmith717 on Dec 2, 2009 11:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Walker Lee

I say let's rock the Orange Bowl, because nobody will remember in five years anyway.

by jesse. on Dec 3, 2009 8:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Phil Yeboah

"I don't know. I don't know. [waves hand dismissively] First, you'd have to tell me what a 'BCS' is. I don't know."

by ReadingRambler on Dec 3, 2009 8:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I always thought the best date place in state college

was Facia Luna. It’s pizza, but upscale, so vaguely expensive but not really. Its not in downtown (i.e. not walkable), but if you’re driving to the BJC it don’t matter anyway.

The tavern’s a good call, too.

I wouldn't trust old rooster me neither.

by spakajewia on Dec 2, 2009 4:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Mundy's Corner....

We are the PAGANS !

by DerryPharmer on Dec 2, 2009 5:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The Nanty Glo Sheetz is where I usually stop

on the way to State College, it’s a bit more than halfway for me.

On topic, you can’t go wrong at the Allen Street Grill. Cafe 210 can be nice if it’s not too crowded, the service can be a bit spotty there. One time I got a sandwich and I could count eight fries on the plate. I was like ‘Is this all of the fries?’ and they were ‘well that’s all we have.’ Grrr. 210 IMO is best when a band is there. I like the breakfast at the Corner Room, otherwise it’s OK. Pickles Tap Room will have more of an adult crowd, they have good TV sightlines for sports viewing, I’ve never had the food there.

If you have a hot date, you can always try Hooters to see how your girl measures up . . .

by Joe 96alum on Dec 2, 2009 7:52 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The Big Sleaze...

Oh wait nevermind

Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face

by psupride on Dec 2, 2009 8:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Per my requirements

make sure you make a stop over at the Gingerbread Man. It’s a great little establishment, and the food is decent too (the pizza is actually really good).

Personally, The Deli is always a great stand-by, and the one time I did stop in Spats, I really enjoyed the food.

"In the beginning the Universe was created.
This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move."

by IcersGuy on Dec 2, 2009 8:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Come on IcersGuy

The pizza is edible after about 15 pitchers of beer but it is far from really good

Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face

by psupride on Dec 3, 2009 8:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know

I’ve had it both as deliver and fresh at the G-Man. Couldn’t stand the delivery, but that was a number of years ago. Then I tried it while actually at the G-Man (and prior to much drinking), and I actually rather enjoyed it. Not the GREATEST PIZZA EVAR!!! but more than passable (and if you’re comparing to other drunk pizza options, far superior to Canyon or College).

And again, I have my allegiances to attend to. :)

"In the beginning the Universe was created.
This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move."

by IcersGuy on Dec 3, 2009 10:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I might be showing my age

but the best drunk pizza will always be Acme

Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face

by psupride on Dec 3, 2009 11:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Screw romance go to the skellar

"No, Donny, these men are nihilists. There's nothing to be afraid of"

by psu in the w-b on Dec 2, 2009 9:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The company I work for

is having our office Christmas party at The Allen Street Grill… I’ve never eaten there myself… I know this doesn’t really help you at all, I’m just relatively excited to eat for free and get fairly drunk in front of my coworkers after only working there for a few months…. Hooray adulthood!!

"The only cohesive passing game in the whole damn conference was in Happy Valley." -Rivalry Esq.

by BSmith717 on Dec 2, 2009 10:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

every time i took my girlfriend to state college

we ate at the Deli, she’s now my wife. (im sure not proposing on MSU saturday in 08 helped the ratification process)

also, take your date to walk down the brick alley between the tavern. thats where all the magic happens. something about the piglets gets you laid, EVERY TIME

For the glory

by lionalum05 on Dec 3, 2009 12:21 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

So if I want marriage, it's the Deli

but no strings attached sex is the ally near the tavern? writes it down feverishly

by PSUisMyHeart on Dec 3, 2009 12:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Does it ever get any better

than sex in an alley?

"For me the game wasn’t grounded in reality. It was about the uniform you put on that turned you into a warrior. It was about the mythology of the battle, the victory, the defeat, the struggle." - Mike Reid, PSU '69

by jtothep on Dec 3, 2009 7:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs