I've had a lot of people passing through this area ask for recommendations on where they can stop to eat. Here are some of my favorites!
BREAKFAST //
THE ORIGINAL WAFFLE SHOP - I don't know if I could say enough about this place. They have 3 locations, and according to Trip Advisor they fill spots #1 and #2 for best places to eat in State College, and I'd have to agree!
Having traveled to many places and being a huge lover of breakfast, I can honestly say this is one of my favorite breakfast joints for a couple of reasons. 1) It's always packed, but the line moves quickly. 2) The food always comes fast, and it's consistent 3) the orange juice is freshly squeezed each morning and delicious 4) Lastly, the pecan pancakes melt in your mouth! Okay, enough - now I'm hungry!
Favorites: OJ - Coffee - Mini Platter One egg, two bacon strips, two pancakes (add pecans).
LUNCH + DINNER //
HAPPY VALLEY BREWING - The brewery offers a more formal area upstairs and a casual, dark pub atmosphere downstairs. Both are great, it just depends on what you are looking for.
Favorites: Appetizers - Pork 'n Buns - the most delicious pulled pork, Korean bbq sauce on steamed buns & pickle. For me, the best shareable app will always be the Short Rib Nachos! Main entree - Pitch Fork Salad - a batter-fried chicken, roasted corn, with veggies and buttermilk dressing. Beers - I'm a huge fan of IPA's so I always try those.
OTTO'S PUB AND BREWERY - At Otto's they focus on craft beer and fresh ingredients sourced locally. The American bistro cuisine offers a variety of dishes, from salads to homemade pizzas, steaks, and specials that are always changing. They have vegetarian and vegan options making it easy for anyone. On weekends you'll find this place gets packed, but with a large atmosphere, craft beer, and often times music, you'll understand why.
THE FIELD BURGER & TAP - At the field, they specialize in, yes you guessed it, burgers and fries! They also aim to source locally and feature Amish cheeses, local bread, and craft brews from central PA. You can't skip the fries that are served in a bucket and spread onto the table on brown paper. They offer many unique burgers and have a variety of meat options for the burgers. You can expect to spend $10-$18 on a burger. Don't skip the milkshakes for dessert, even if you have to share one, They use ice cream from the Penn State Berkey Creamery and are SO delicious. They can be spiked with booze or served the traditional way.
Favorite: Appetizers - Parmesan and Truffle Fries - Burger - The Sportsman or The Black and Smoky Blue - Milkshake - Salted Carmel Pretzel or Chocolate Peanut Butter
AMERICAN ALE HOUSE AND GRILL - If you’re looking for something other than a pub or burger joint, the Ale House is a perfect pace for a celebration or date night. Located in Toftrees, a more secluded area of State College, the ambiance is a nice change for the hustle of the downtown area. The moody lighting, piano bar and classy yet, funky interior provide more of an upscale but comfortable vibe. The food is slightly on the pricey side but full of flavor and not something you can just get anywhere in the area. Highly recommend for those special occasions.
Favorites: Appetizers - Baked Potato Soup & Ale House Calamari - Main entree - Black Garlic Crusted Salmon & Day Boat Scallops and Crispy Duck
COFFEE + SWEETS //
ROTHROCK COFFEE - Easily the best coffee in State College! From pour overs to nitrogen brews, matcha lattes, and affogatos, they have it all. They roast the beans themselves and have smoothies, sandwiches, acai bowls, baked goods, etc. to munch on. The atmosphere is clean, modern, spacious, and they offer free wifi.
PENN STATE BERKEY CREAMERY - If your looking for a sweet treat look no further. The creamery is a landmark on campus known for their rich, creamy ice cream which they've been serving for 150 years. They've mastered the science of smooth and delicious ice cream - literally. The methods developed by Penn State's food and dairy scientists have made the creamery a world leader in ice cream and dairy manufacturing. Ben Cohen & Jerry Greenfield from Ben & Jerry's are alumni of PSU and took a course on basic ice cream production here in 1978. How cool is that!
With a long list of over 100 ice flavors, 10 frozen yogurts, and 6 sherbets, there is something for everyone. You can find more than 20 flavors being served in bowls, cones and half gallons at their on-campus store at any given time. They will even pack the half gallons on dry ice for you or ship them for an additional fee. Not planning a visit anytime soon? No problem, you can order online and have them shipped.
Some of the most popular choices are; Peachy Paterno, Death by Chocolate, and Butter Pecan.
Are you local to the Central PA area and have any other suggestions for those passing through? Share your favorites below! xx ASH
