Bored of the dining hall and want to try something new but don’t know where to go? Students of Penn State and visitors abroad, the choices for food near campus are endless. Take some time to figure out where you will be spending your money for the best eats in downtown State College. Explore downtown State College as an expert after you check out the best places to fill your stomach. From discounts to live performances, take advantage of all the best food during your time at Penn State.
Fear no more as I break down the top 10 places to eat in State College, Pennsylvania.
1. Federal Taphouse
Enjoy some top-quality American cuisine at the Federal Taphouse located one floor above Target on South Fraser St. Open from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM, diners can enjoy a fresh kale salad for lunch and a juicy bison burger with some poutine for dinner, along with a view you can’t beat. Looking over East College Avenue when the streetlights start flashing make the Federal Taphouse the best spot in State College. With a brunch menu offered on the weekends, you got the best kickstart to your day along with a mimosa (if you’re of age). Cleanse your palette with over 100 beers on tap as well as 10 wines.
2. The Waffle Shop
Chances are on a Saturday or Sunday morning ,a line of people wrap around East College Ave, and for good reason. This famous breakfast spot will continue to be one of the most popular attractions in State College. The Waffle Shop’s menu with a variety of classic breakfast favorites can satisfy all your stomach’s desires., even if you do want to pop on by for lunch as well. Students at Penn State can always count on The Waffle Shop to satisfy their tastebuds after a late night. Everyone loves an old-fashioned diner in their hometown, and to Penn State students, it’s The Waffle Shop.
3. Gigi’s Southern Table
A great combo of local cuisine and seafood, Gigi’s offers laid back southern comfort food where friends can gather and enjoy a local beer. A casual but elegant place to dine, you might take a visitor here to feel that sophisticated vibe. A very welcoming spot, Gigi’s restaurant and wine lounge accepts dressing casual. Diners can experience live band performances on Wednesday and Friday evenings with a seafood menu featuring delicious crab cake and shrimp and grits. Sit in a low top booth to appreciate the modern look of the place or check out the bar as you root for the hometown favorite Penn State football team.
4. Little Szechuan
If you want some of the best Chinese food in State College, stop by West College Avenue and enjoy some Asian fusion for an affordable price. Chinese dishes such as ma po tofu and dan dan noodles highlight the authentic-feel of the menu. Spicy food lovers can stop by to satisfy their tastebuds and compliment their mouth with some savory scallion pancakes.
“The general Tso’s chicken tasted very authentic as it was cooked to perfection, even though it’s technically not real Chinese food, haha. It’s a cool spot downtown and the people working were very welcoming,” Pennsylvania State freshman Marquis Holland said.
Stumble in on most nights, you may wait upwards of 30 minutes but trust me, the food outweighs the wait. I recommend the chicken lo mein, but many other protein options will also fill your stomach up after a long wait.
5. Sher Halal and Gyro
Drunk munchies, or “drunchies”, the clever name everyone calls this food truck on East Beaver Avenue. The line will almost always long during the middle of the night, but moves quickly thanks to the two familiar faces always working in the truck.
“Even if I see a line, I know the wait will definitely be worth it. My go-to is the chicken over rice with the red sauce, even though it has a kick the flavors are still great,” Pennsylvania State freshman Andy Chen said.
Choose from lamb, chicken, falafel or seafood to be served as a gyro or over rice. Sher Halal is the State College equivalent to the Halal Guys in New York. Get some white and red sauce, but don’t ask for too much red sauce because it packs a punch.
6. Yallah Taco
Replacing the fast-food chain Taco Bell, Yallah Taco was the Mexican cuisine upgrade the people of State College needed. With $6 burrito Monday, $5 taco Tuesday, there won’t an excuse one can come up with to not grab a bite to eat on McAllister Alley at least once a semester. The late night scavengers crowd the taco joint in need of a juicy burrito. They close at 2 a.m. according to their website, but any student knows that they close when people stop showing up. Satisfy your hunger after a night out with a Godzilla burrito or a humble three taco platter.
“I went on a Saturday night after going out and I stood in line for a solid 20 minutes. I got a burrito, and it was some really good authentic Mexican food for a good price,” Pennsylvania State freshman Emma Brown said.
Late nights when you come south from the fraternity houses down to East College Avenue, Yallah Taco’s beaming lights and Hispanic music will make you a fool to not walk in for a taco. The kitchen moves fast so you should expect a fast visit. Think about it—a high-quality Mexican meal will be better than dorm food after a night out.
7. BRGR
BRGR on West College Avenue offers a great selection of draft beers, and of course, burgers. From the outside it may look like a takeout restaurant with very little sitting room, but enter and enjoy a true sit down dinner with great music and sports playing on the TVs by the bar. Any toppings from mushrooms to onion rings can spice up your burger, along with a handmade milkshake. Enjoy a s’mores shake with chocolate liquor, or pass on the liquor if you can’t legally order it. If you don’t feeling a burger, you will find many other American comfort food options such as nachos and wings to fill your stomach with love.
8. Pho 11
The walk to North Atherton St. will be well worth your time to Pho 11 Vietnamese restaurant. Only available for takeout, it still has the same taste as if it just came off the stove. Adding soy sauce and duck sauce with the beef will be a match made in heaven as it elevates the dish by a ton! Take it back to your dorm/apartment on a cold day to warm your soul with delicious authentic Asian food
9. The Corner Room
The Corner Room on West College Avenue possesses an atmosphere that’s second to none. Looking out to a busy College Avenue while sitting at your table with friends? Definitely the type of quality time you simply can’t pass up. Visitors usually take their time visiting to have some quality food with an even better view of town. Classic favorites, from hot sandwiches to seafood plates, give people lots to choose from. Weekends will be The Corner Room’s busiest days, as people love to take some time to enjoy the electric atmosphere of downtown on a busy weekend night.
10. Irving’s Bagels
Irving’s: a top choice for bagels and baked goods for a student rolling out of bed on a late Sunday morning. Strolling out of bed hungover isn’t the best feeling on Sundays, so a fresh toasted bagel along with a cold juice or hot coffee works as the perfect answer. Located on East College Avenue with a welcoming entrance, it’ll be hard to walk past when you feel in need of a bite to eat early in the day. This will be the kind of spot where you can get an energizing meal and whip out your laptop and work for hours on end.
