Restaurants in State College
Best Restaurants
“What this restaurant does well, it does particularly well. The carbonara is excellent, and easily their top entrée. The limoncello makes for an excellent dessert. Conversely, other entrées, such as the flounder, are okay but not necessarily the best you'll have. The location's ambience is very inviting, conveying, a sense of intimacy and elegance. The service is very good and attentive. It very much has the feel of a date night destination on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday evening.”
“The kid at the front of Asian roots I believe, AMAZING CUSTOMER SERVICE! Can’t tell you how many times he smiled thanked me for my service and twice was told to have a wonderful night. I should mention I’m visiting from Kansas City (go chiefs) so finding a good taco spot out of town is priority no matter where I go. THIS IS THE ONE. Chefs kiss only thing I didn’t like was the tortilla but that’s just me I love the corn tortillas is all. Now to the food. I got 4 asada tacos that were touched with loooove. The meat almost had a bbq-ish taste to it which threw me off but caught my love buds quickly. In my city they’re very… stingy with their sauce. This place let you get your own. I tried 3. I will unshamefully admit I used my fingers to lick the rest of the sauces out even after my tacos were finished. SO GOOD! This place was definitely a hit surely not a miss. And to find out theirs more than one location! I’ll be back before I head home to the lack is sauces !”
“Went to Bonfire Old Fashioned BBQ tonight for fish. Wow, what a great experience. Guy directed us in, held the door, welcomed us, seated us and we didn’t have one server, we had several. The guy (I’m guessing owner manager) cheerfully gave us a sample of their chili over creamy Mac n cheese. It’s a specialty of theirs. Superb. Husb had fish dinner and I had fish sandwich. Superb. Multiple people checked on us several times, free drink refills without a wait. We were thanked for coming in and I believe the lady of the place escorted us out an exit they don’t use on regular basis because it was closer to where we parked and flat covered walk for my husband walking with a cane. We wanted dessert but no room; servings are awesome. We’re going back some evening just to have a treat. Clean, warm atmosphere, spacious seating, great food and service as well as appropriate pricing. Highly recommend. Thank you to the entire staff and kudos to the cook(s) for a very delightful dinner hour. We’ll be back. Lots on menu we want to try!!Parking: Plenty of parking both sides of the building.Kid-friendliness: We didn’t have kids along but overheard the welcome that was given to families. Kid menu very nice.”
“Great experience overall, but the lights above our section kept turning off and on every few minutes. They eventually got it to stop, but it was quite annoying/distracting while it was happening.”
“We waited a bit to be seated (which was expected for a Sunday morning of THON weekend) after we were seated we were immediately waited on and service was great! The portions were full and great, prices were good— everything was wonderful! The staff here is great and courteous given how packed it usually is.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“Sher Halal Gyro has become a personal favorite for its consistently fresh, halal, and delicious meals. One of the most remarkable aspects is the speed and efficiency with which they operate. Despite the fast-paced nature of street food, the team never compromises on quality or taste. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite on your lunch break or indulging in a leisurely meal, you can count on prompt and courteous service. The staff is always ready with a smile and a friendly greeting, making you feel welcome from the moment you approach the cart.”
“It was a super busy night, but my friend and I didnt feel too crowded. Our server checked on us frequently despite how busy it was as well, thank you for being so attentive Biniza! And a couple of gentlemen held open the doors for us which is always a nice bonus ?”
“We were looking for a place to celebrate our son's graduation (yay PSU2023) and Grace was recommended to us. We had a lovely time. The food was delicious, and our waiter John made us laugh. It was a special meal for a special day!Dietary restrictions: My husband is gluten free, and they had good options for him.”
Restaurants with Delivery
“I'd work here but I'd rather be paid in tacos instead of money. I'm deeply upset that this spot has been open for a while and I never had their food until now. I'd buy their food even if I only had a couple dollars to my name. Customer service skills on point. The young man who took the order explained everything and offered great recommendations. 20/10 experience.”
“I stopped in to meet a friend and was delighted by the atmosphere. The coffee and food was great, the staff was very polite to me,especially after a 3 hour drive as I was out of sorts. The only downside is it is very small and busy. We had to.wait for a table.”
“So good. My family went in because we’d never had any of this kind of food and didn’t know what to order. They helped us make some decisions and everything was incredible! Highly recommend.”
“Phantastic Philly cheesesteak place: great phood,, super-phriendly staff. The only negative thing I have to say is that I will always regret that I did not attempt the “Cheesesteak Champ” challenge.”
“What this restaurant does well, it does particularly well. The carbonara is excellent, and easily their top entrée. The limoncello makes for an excellent dessert. Conversely, other entrées, such as the flounder, are okay but not necessarily the best you'll have. The location's ambience is very inviting, conveying, a sense of intimacy and elegance. The service is very good and attentive. It very much has the feel of a date night destination on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday evening.”
“I honestly am more than impressed at the service I received. I thought it'd be a simple in and out with what I wanted. I got way more than that! Their cheesecake was incredible and the dumplings they provided complementary were honestly the best dumplings I've ever had anywhere. It was so enjoyable and I enjoyed the experience so much I couldn't help but tip 2/3rds my order. I want people to know about this place because it deserves the attraction. Incredible experience and food.”
“So from the perspective of a Lebanese woman: Life changing Halal truck for Middle Easterners in State college!! I’m from Detroit with family in Dearborn and I haven’t found any food out here that can compare to the amazing dishes I eat back home and make myself. UNTIL NOW! This is the best Halal Truck EVER!! The one on Pugh street is a scammin sham compared to these guys!! They’re tucked in a space on Calder by Cafe Alina and I assure you, you will not regret it. The lamb melts in your mouth, the chicken is so savory, fish is phenomenal, the white sauce is ON POINT, and they make their own homemade hot sauce!! And they’re so nice!! I found this place about a week and a half ago and have been there about seven times since ? Please check them out!!Seriously. Better than penn kabob, penn pide, totally blows pita cabana out the water, and makes the other trucks look like a joke. I know my Arab food ?”
“The kid at the front of Asian roots I believe, AMAZING CUSTOMER SERVICE! Can’t tell you how many times he smiled thanked me for my service and twice was told to have a wonderful night. I should mention I’m visiting from Kansas City (go chiefs) so finding a good taco spot out of town is priority no matter where I go. THIS IS THE ONE. Chefs kiss only thing I didn’t like was the tortilla but that’s just me I love the corn tortillas is all. Now to the food. I got 4 asada tacos that were touched with loooove. The meat almost had a bbq-ish taste to it which threw me off but caught my love buds quickly. In my city they’re very… stingy with their sauce. This place let you get your own. I tried 3. I will unshamefully admit I used my fingers to lick the rest of the sauces out even after my tacos were finished. SO GOOD! This place was definitely a hit surely not a miss. And to find out theirs more than one location! I’ll be back before I head home to the lack is sauces !”
“Went to Bonfire Old Fashioned BBQ tonight for fish. Wow, what a great experience. Guy directed us in, held the door, welcomed us, seated us and we didn’t have one server, we had several. The guy (I’m guessing owner manager) cheerfully gave us a sample of their chili over creamy Mac n cheese. It’s a specialty of theirs. Superb. Husb had fish dinner and I had fish sandwich. Superb. Multiple people checked on us several times, free drink refills without a wait. We were thanked for coming in and I believe the lady of the place escorted us out an exit they don’t use on regular basis because it was closer to where we parked and flat covered walk for my husband walking with a cane. We wanted dessert but no room; servings are awesome. We’re going back some evening just to have a treat. Clean, warm atmosphere, spacious seating, great food and service as well as appropriate pricing. Highly recommend. Thank you to the entire staff and kudos to the cook(s) for a very delightful dinner hour. We’ll be back. Lots on menu we want to try!!Parking: Plenty of parking both sides of the building.Kid-friendliness: We didn’t have kids along but overheard the welcome that was given to families. Kid menu very nice.”
“This place is amazing. The staff are so nice and the food/drinks are delicious. I have yet to be disappointed at the things being served and I keep finding myself coming back here. Best boba in town!”
“Great experience overall, but the lights above our section kept turning off and on every few minutes. They eventually got it to stop, but it was quite annoying/distracting while it was happening.”
“Vibe is a perfect college town coffee shop. The workers are friendly, the atmosphere is ideal, and the coffee is top notch. I've only eaten a blueberry muffin there, but it was great, and I would imagine their other food is quality too. Highly highly recommend to anyone living in or visiting State College/Penn State.Parking: There's free street parking right around the corner on Barnard Street. Free for 2 hours.Kid-friendliness: My 4-year-old sat there with me, no problems.”
“We waited a bit to be seated (which was expected for a Sunday morning of THON weekend) after we were seated we were immediately waited on and service was great! The portions were full and great, prices were good— everything was wonderful! The staff here is great and courteous given how packed it usually is.”
“I went with my friends the food was soo delicious it was finger licking good.I loved that Uncle, Aunty (The owners of the place) were so kind and amazing I had such a wonderful time.they also have board games, guitar for all your friends do have some fun there.I go there every Saturday now. Just amazing.”
“Once again a great experience here! The place was packed but we were seated right away. We had a wonderful waitress that knew how to please her customers. Never had us waiting for drinks. Was there to give us a refill without us having to ask. The food was DELICIOUS! Plenty to choose from. Plenty of parking. The place was nice and clean. If you enjoyed your coffee, be sure to take a bag home as well. They sell their brand of coffee for you to enjoy later on.”
10
Playa Bowls
“First off the place was SOOO pretty and cute inside!! The acai bowls are delicious and a great size!! If I lived a little closer I would be getting one everyday!! Love this place so much!!?”
“I have yet to actually try the food here but I absolutely plan on it! I picked up an order for ubereats today and was very impressed by the love the owner clearly puts into her work. She double checked the order in front of me and separated the hot and cold foods into separate bags. She also had one of the sauces in a glass jar which personally I think says a lot about the level of care she has. She made sure everything would be okay in the bag and I assured her I would take good care of it. I've never seen a business with such personal touch. I will definitely order from her myself soon. :)”
“My favorite place in State College! The food and service are always excellent!I would call this a hidden gem. It's located below ground level, and not easy to find by casually walking by.I gave them a 4 on atmosphere because there seems to be a storage shortage for the restaurant. It's not off-putting for me, but some might not call it "fine dining." I'm ok with that, more food for me!”
Online Reservation Available
“We were looking for a place to celebrate our son's graduation (yay PSU2023) and Grace was recommended to us. We had a lovely time. The food was delicious, and our waiter John made us laugh. It was a special meal for a special day!Dietary restrictions: My husband is gluten free, and they had good options for him.”
“I have yet to actually try the food here but I absolutely plan on it! I picked up an order for ubereats today and was very impressed by the love the owner clearly puts into her work. She double checked the order in front of me and separated the hot and cold foods into separate bags. She also had one of the sauces in a glass jar which personally I think says a lot about the level of care she has. She made sure everything would be okay in the bag and I assured her I would take good care of it. I've never seen a business with such personal touch. I will definitely order from her myself soon. :)”
“My favorite place in State College! The food and service are always excellent!I would call this a hidden gem. It's located below ground level, and not easy to find by casually walking by.I gave them a 4 on atmosphere because there seems to be a storage shortage for the restaurant. It's not off-putting for me, but some might not call it "fine dining." I'm ok with that, more food for me!”
“Nice atmosphere. An older crowd for State College standards. Ordered ribs and they were so soft and would come off the bone so easily. Their BBQ sauce is great. The bread they give out is also great. We went on a spring break day and it was packed! So def a very popular not undergrad eatery. Prices are alright. Food is very very calorie dense. Servers are super nice!”
“Went a few days ago and was very pleased. Staff was more than friendly. We had arrived shorty after 7pm, not realizing they closed at 7:30. However, we apologized and they still let us have two plate of food. With the first plate we were already near full, but had to get another as it was very delicious. They had egg drop and wonton soup. The wonton was very good. They had many vegetable, meat, and sauce options. Had a small section for salads, fruit and cake. Would definitely recommend trying the dark cake which was an espresso cake. Would definitely recommend trying and will be back!!!”
“Got a Sicilian pie and LG pie with toppings. The new york style was good but it was to "floppy". The crust had a nice crispness to it though. The Sicilian pie was on the money. It was thick yet light and airy, very delicious.”
“The food quality and ambiance are above average. Feels like I am in Japan. I was surprised to find out that the restaurant is split into two locations: cooked and sushi. Totally separate buildings. That needs better explanation on Yelp. But the cooked squid on rice I had was very tasty. Need to find and try the raw fish place.”
“I got a spicy tuna bowl with sesame shoyu and spicy mayo. Absolutely delicious, reasonably priced for how massive the portions are, and service was quick and friendly. I’ll definitely be coming back.”
“Very beautiful restaurant with friendly staff and EXTRAORDINARY food! I drive way out of my way to eat here. Definitely try the chicken gyros and baklava!Vegetarian options: Plenty of veggie options.Parking: Very large parking lot.”
“I think it is the best Chinese restaurant in State College. I came here multiple times and most of the dishes are authentic (some of them can very spicy). The service is also good.”
“10/10, wow. I usually don't like getting tacos from places because they are legit all the same. But the fish and shrimp tacos were killer and unique. Must try!! It was super quick and the guys were nice!”
“Delicious and intimate place to dine. The menu had a decent selection and the bartender was fabulous. Drinks were delicious! Very creative food and drink menu. I recommend the mozzarella salad!”
“This place is hard to beat with it's second to none quality meals and appetizers. Cattered business events try Olde New York. Some where last minute with the family stop off at Old New York and finally 6pm just getting off work gotta catch your teams kick off in 20 mins. with its amazing wing options and wide variety of beverages to enjoy Old New York is the place to be. Where even if your team loses your experience there still makes it a win. Hope to see you there next time ?✌️?”
“This place is always amazing. The atmosphere is fun and inviting but also a little fancy. The food is fabulous. Today my wife and I took advantage of their new "pick two" lunch menu. I had a shrimp po-boy and a bowl of the gumbo. We both agreed the gumbo was the best we've had in a long time. The shrimp po-boy was also very good and was spilling out of the bread. We were completely stuffed after eating our lunch. We highly recommend Gigi's!”
“Excellent Japanese food in State College. We had an appetizer and a main dish each and it all came reasonably fast and it was amazing. The place is very well put together too, and the staff is nice and helpful. Would definitely recommend and come back.”
“Nice atmosphere. An older crowd for State College standards. Ordered ribs and they were so soft and would come off the bone so easily. Their BBQ sauce is great. The bread they give out is also great. We went on a spring break day and it was packed! So def a very popular not undergrad eatery. Prices are alright. Food is very very calorie dense. Servers are super nice!”
“Went a few days ago and was very pleased. Staff was more than friendly. We had arrived shorty after 7pm, not realizing they closed at 7:30. However, we apologized and they still let us have two plate of food. With the first plate we were already near full, but had to get another as it was very delicious. They had egg drop and wonton soup. The wonton was very good. They had many vegetable, meat, and sauce options. Had a small section for salads, fruit and cake. Would definitely recommend trying the dark cake which was an espresso cake. Would definitely recommend trying and will be back!!!”
“Food was amazing, could not fault it. Portions are right size which we loved, and prices were reasonable.Service is excellent.Definitely go to place for a nice good”
24 Hour Restaurants
“The food is absolutely amazing! The workers are very kind! And the environment is very pretty and comfortable! I absolutely love this place.Vegetarian options: There are so many vegetarian and vegan options! I’m pescatarian, and I was able to have many of the food options provided here!”
“I visit here daily when in the area... great service and great coffee... Thanks for making my mornings a whole lot better..IDK what I'd do without a morning tasty coffee!!!”
“We were driving on I-99 on our way from Texas to the Catskills for Thanksgiving with the family. We stopped here for a ‘pit stop’ and to grab a quick bite for lunch. The stall doors in the women’s restroom were much, much heavier than normal doors and close with a lot of force. My wife didn’t expect that and it slammed on one of her fingers pretty hard. When she came out I was standing in the order line, she came over, told the lady what happened and asked for a cup of ice. The lady sprang into action, got some senior people to help my wife. My wife then asked for some Neosporin and a bandage because she thought it was cut (it wasn’t), and was given them quickly. The manager came over to apologize and asked my wife to show her what happened since that was the second report, and they reviewed it. All in all we couldn’t have asked for more assistance. BTW, the food I ordered was good.”
“The best pizza in state college. After working around pizza for so long in the area this is pizza that is too underrated. If you haven’t been there before you need. Try more than the pizza too but the pizza is really good the crunch, the cheese stays everything about it is great.”
“The food quality and ambiance are above average. Feels like I am in Japan. I was surprised to find out that the restaurant is split into two locations: cooked and sushi. Totally separate buildings. That needs better explanation on Yelp. But the cooked squid on rice I had was very tasty. Need to find and try the raw fish place.”
“Katie was wonderful thank you Katie we were new to Penn State and she helped us feel at home sweet lady !!Kid-friendliness: We didn’t have young kids but the booth next to us did ! The kids were loud but the server was so nice to them !! I had the salmon Bagel it was so delicious I would drive back there for just that and were from Chicago!”
Takeout Restaurants
“This bakery is fantastic. All the breads I've had here are great, but my favorite is the mountain loaf. Sweet treats are OK; the main draw is the bread. They tend to close early so try to come by at least an hour or so before closing, or earlier in case anything has sold out.”
“Sher Halal Gyro has become a personal favorite for its consistently fresh, halal, and delicious meals. One of the most remarkable aspects is the speed and efficiency with which they operate. Despite the fast-paced nature of street food, the team never compromises on quality or taste. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite on your lunch break or indulging in a leisurely meal, you can count on prompt and courteous service. The staff is always ready with a smile and a friendly greeting, making you feel welcome from the moment you approach the cart.”
“This is a little gem of a creamery. I tend to spread the love around between all of the local creameries (Reedsville, Old Mill, Meyers), which we are so lucky to have so many, but Meyers is my main love. It's been around since I can remember, and no other creamery has better chocolate milk, NONE. Ice cream is top-notch as well. They carry other fun, locally sourced goods as well, like Cafe Lemont coffee (best local coffee, IMO) and Otto's soda, among other things. Stop in. Get a scoop (or a shake). Do some shopping. You won't be disappointed.”
“Chew Chew Bun is a true gem! I tried the Mellon bun (per recommendation of the owner) and it made the rest of my day a treat. I was also shocked when I ordered this and a coffee for a price much lower than my usual coffee finds in State College.”
“Cannolis are solid. Rolls are hot and soft from foil, cheese steak is delightful and filling. Service was easy, called ahead and got my food quick and simple. Although I wish they were open later rather than earlier in the day. The town is night owl territory lol”
“Outstanding customer service! The Staff was happy and they made sure you understood how to order, etc. They ensured that you received the correct order. Talk about some gourmet, pleasing cookies!!!!!!!!!!!”
“Cute little cafe with great drinks and amazing service! Drinks are delicious, staff are friendly and patient, and the atmosphere is cozy. A great find in State College. Makes me feel even better that a portion of all proceeds go to a good cause. I highly recommend this place whether you're looking for a quick drink or a relaxing study session.”
“Definitely one of my favorite spots in State College, but parking especially on busy days is definitely questionable to difficult and up to impossible depending on how busy the area ”
“The food here was so good we went in on a Thursday morning and the servers all seemed annoyed we were even there though. Our girl didn't really come check on us and there was a 15 minute gap between us receiving our actual plates. But the food tasted good.”
“Absolutely delicious pizza! The macaroni and cheese pizza and the basil ricotta pizza I got was amazing and unique! Definitely a good place to sit down with some friends and eat delicious and affordable pizza.”
“It was a super busy night, but my friend and I didnt feel too crowded. Our server checked on us frequently despite how busy it was as well, thank you for being so attentive Biniza! And a couple of gentlemen held open the doors for us which is always a nice bonus ?”
“Coffee Hemp & Tea is a mom and pop artisanal coffee shop. It is run by Angel and his family who also grow the hemp and produce the hemp products they sell. They also have personal relationships with the coffee farmers from whom they import their beans and try to import beans that are not often sold in the US, so it all has a very personal feel to it! That's not something you will find at any other coffee shop in State College.On top of all that, they have pastries and the usual coffee shop fare for sale. Board games, books, and comfy seating inside, with an outdoor area + tent to enjoy your beverage outside.”
“First off the place was SOOO pretty and cute inside!! The acai bowls are delicious and a great size!! If I lived a little closer I would be getting one everyday!! Love this place so much!!?”
“I have these almost everyday! Personally I order 6 unsalted pretzels and the container, about 8-12oz. CINNAMON SUGAR DIP! Yes! PEOPLE get it! You won't regret it. IT'S HEAVENLY! I have that for breakfast on my days off- no cooking. Lol Honestly a great place with great people! The new owner is a truly kind person. And the girl behind the counter is lovely. Also if your going for savory flavors- honey mustard is good! And the PEPPERONI ROLL WITH that MARINARA- DEFINITELY worth a try! Lastly- the FROZEN LEMONADE is an ICEE on NEXT LEVEL !! Addicting in itself! It's just a heartwarming experience no matter my mood. From spicy mustard to brownie batter dips in individual dip portions, bottles and small tubs.. choose your favorite. I told you mine!”
“Cheese shoppe is the coolest cafe in State College. The owners are nice, all the baristas are social and happy to talk. The coffee is old-school which is a plus for me, and they regularly roast in house so you get to be there to see that as well. I wish they'd have more outdoor seating, but space is an issue so I get it.”
“Love raising canes. It was a Friday night. Not to crowded, easy ordering and food was great. I have had raising canes in Colorado and it was amazing, this in state college was just as good.”
“I've been traveling to State College regularly for years. I had no idea that American ale House existed. Found it when looking for a Sunday brunch spot, and was pleasantly surprised. Great brunch menu along with good looking lunch and dinner menu. Reasonable prices, quality food. Sunday bloody Mary bar as a bonus. Would definitely recommend and would definitely return”
“Hands down the best place to get seafood in Seafood in State College. They have both the freshest fish and the most variety. I had the most delicious fish I have ever had the pleasure of eating from here - a succulent and buttery sea bass. If they don't have it fresh, they often have it frozen, which is nearly just as good. They also have a variety of other seafood: oysters, calamari, various seafood dips, clams, etc. Don't forget crackers, lemons/limes, and sauces! They have it all!The store layout is nice in that it feels more like a market than a sterile grocery store. They have Maine-themed decorations and table displays throughout so that it is fun to shop and look at all the neat offerings. Their staff is super nice and always willing to help find something or answer questions!”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“It’s the Lord’s chicken! How can you go wrong? It was a PACKED house when we showed up, and somehow they got everyone in our group of 16’s order correct and it came out fast!!!”
“First time visiting Quaker Steak & Lube.Atmosphere is excellent. Service is very good.Food is excellent. Potato soup was very tasty.My chicken 5 tenders were perfectly cooked and the bourbon sauce had just the right amount of sweetness and zing.The bacon cheese burger was cooked as ordered and was very flavorful.Emily, our server, was very attentive. She even took our order without the use of paper and pencil. Love that.All in all, an excellent experience.Definitely will return.”
“This is a great place if you are a freshman, especially living in East and looking to meet more people. However, there are better commons like West, South, or Pollock. Also, it could feel a bit overwhelming when from a different residence area and really weird once you aren’t a freshman. It is still a good overall commons though!”
“I like BK food depends on who waits on u if friendly or not. Or slower than normaldepends on the lication n the staff working some are great n friendly some just push ya ”
“I needed 2 dozen donuts for an early evening meeting. Not only did I get what I wanted but I got 2 donuts that were better than I expected. Thanks for good customer service.”
“Moe's is pretty much the same as and chain burrito place. The food is good and the servings are generous. They do have especially good queso-- just spicy enough!”
“Visited this location late after work and was helped by an employee named Drew. He was very kind and had great customer service. Food was prepped correctly and was very good.”
“Dairy Queen is my favorite place to get ice cream and other delicious treats. Going here always reminds me of having fantastic left overs, but there are not left overs. My favorite part about dairy queen is the ice cream. I always get an ice cream cone or a milkshake. My second favorite thing that they offer is the chicken tender basket. They have great sauces that they can put on any of your favorite treat. There is one thing that I think could be a little bit better. I feel like if they made there food (not there ice cream) just a little bit better, it would be a 5 star fast food chain to eat at.”
“Great restaurant, really long wait at times but it's not their fault. Student traffic and staffing issues are to blame for a lot of the wait but they do their best!”
“Originally I didn't order an iced coffee but I got an iced coffee but when I addressed the problem they swiftly gave me a new hot coffee and a refund! They were very very nice even during a busy time and the coffee tastes great!”
“Taco Bell still tastes like Taco Bell from 20 years ago. Dorito tacos are my favorite and as long as its made fresh and not just sitting under a heat lamp its good. Any food sitting under a heat lamp doesnt hold very long. The tacos get soggy quick so they need to be made to order. Other things like Quesadilla can sit under a lamp for a bit and will still be fine. Some fried food can be held for a little while and still be ok. The service is usually really good and there really isnt any atmosphere to speak of they just have a nice dining room as long as its clean it works. Any State College Taco Bell you should receive the same food quality the same food service.”
“Five stars!! I placed and order the night before for five dozen donuts to be picked up at 8:25 am on a Wednesday. They did not get the order, and when I arrived, no donuts. HOWEVER, despite how busy they were, they filled my order right away. That is customer service above and beyond. Thank you!!”
“It was a Penn State football weekend (vs Indiana)...and 3 of us walked in post-game & intended to order. But Jimmy John's was in the process of closing due to it being a high volume day where they essentially were out of rolls. We understood, thanked him & were about to be on out way when he did find one loaf. I think because he felt we were so nice (I'm sure they encounter their share of entitled college kids) he offered to split the loaf 3 ways to help us out. Then, because the sandwiches were non-standard he wouldn't charge us...and wouldn't even take a tip from us. We go to all the games and we assured him we'd be back MANY times due to his excellent customer service and for just being a generally nice young man. He didn't ask for this Google review and my only regret is that I didn't jot down his name to personally, publicly recognize him. He was obviously the shift lead and perhaps even the shift manager. Whoever owns this franchise location should feel proud to have an employee like this.”
“I stopped getting fries from all McDonalds because they are never crispy enough when I ask for them to be extra crispy. Today that was different, the younger gentleman with tattoos on both of his lower arms is phenomenal. He let the kitchen know to make them super crispy and when they were brought out to me I was so pleasantly surprised at how well they came out. I didn’t catch his name but whoever he is, give this guy a raise! Really listens to customers and always kind!”
“Food is always delicious ? and affordable..However service is lacking and food is typically not made or ready when we go. We end up waiting 30 minutes or longer.”
22
The Greek
“Very beautiful restaurant with friendly staff and EXTRAORDINARY food! I drive way out of my way to eat here. Definitely try the chicken gyros and baklava!Vegetarian options: Plenty of veggie options.Parking: Very large parking lot.”
23
Rey Azteca
“After a long day of hiking we decided to hit our favorite State College area Tex Mex joint. As always we were greated at the door and taken to our table right away. Right away our server, Kyle D, was there to get us started with drinks and answer a few questions we had. We have had Kyle as a server before and he is always on point. After a few minutes of talking with Klyle we placed our order. I usually get fajitas but wanted to switch it up and got 3 tacos, tacos de camaron, which were absolutely delicious. I will definitely be getting those again. All in all my wife and son were very pleased with our meal, and Kyle is always a pleasure to have as our server. Hopefully we will be back very soon. Thanks for making our dinning experience a great one”
“Great ? Service, Food & Selection! 5 ?stars ? ???? & 5 ?????Vegetarian options: Many ?Dietary restrictions: Something for everyone ?Kid-friendliness: Very Kid Friendly ?Wheelchair accessibility: Wheel Chair Accessible ?”
Cheap Eats
“Went here to try someplace new, and it was like finding treasure, the food was great and the restaurant was so clean and cozy. I ordered the basil ribeye and it was delicious. What I really liked about the place was that there were swing seats, how cool is that!!”
“This place is fantastic. Had the King Kong burrito one time it was even good heated up three days later but last time it was there I had the street tacos I believe I didn’t even have time to take a picture. They smelled so good couldn’t control myself highly recommended.”
“Wow, I had a great time here. My boyfriend and I like trying all kinds of ciders from different places. This was one of the best we have ever been to. The cider was excellent and the service was incredible. I wish we lived closer so we could go more often.”
“Had one of their Pides which is kind of like a pizza but the sauce is a little more complex, and has cheese for days. It was extremely good, and it was a cool place to try! I'll definitely be going again.”
“Had a traumatic breakfast from Bagel Crust, so I went to Rothrock after. Their Lox toast and Latte cured me. I will not make the same mistake next time, Rothrock is home. Rothrock is life. Always consistently top tier. Thanks again Rothrock gang!”
“I eat at this location about once a year. The staff has always been competent and polite. The food is well prepared and tastes great. Never a problem that I can recall.Kid-friendliness: Seems to be child friendly. They have a sign indicating reduced or free meals for children and a small room for families wanting to eat away from the rest of the customers.”
“What a great basement bar. Absolutely love the old school vibe. Excellent variety of draft and bottle beers as well as some great mixology. Food is available from the Corner Room upstairs and will be delivered to your table. After restaurant closes they allow outside food to be brought in. Friday night had two live bands that were excellent. Can’t wait to return.”
“Definitely the best bubble tea place in State College, the prices are better than at Kung Fu and Momotaro, and the bubble tea is made with better and more fragrant tea. Plus they have absolutely delicious crepe cakes!”
“I stopped here randomly, looking to grab a small dish to satisfy my munchies. Ordered the sesame noodles which price wise should have been a small dish. Well, it was huge! Served very fast, fresh and flavorful, not to mention, the chilly oil is fire!!! Will be coming back!”
“First time eating there. I had the pot roast sandwich and potato salad and both were delicious. Store is very clean and welcoming. The staff is very nice and showed concern when I mentioned my food allergies. Highly recommend.”
“The perfect neighborhood bar where the drinks are solid, the atmosphere relaxed, and the prices are just high enough to ensure that it’s not overrun by undergrads. It’s the one place I can go downtown that feels like it’s meant for me, not people trying to get drunk fast or parents visiting for the weekend. Thanks Chumleys!”
“My first time at a Cracker Barrel did not disappoint. I am Canadian and there aren't any here. I ordered the catfish with fried okra and turnip greens. What a treat! The staff greeted me with a welcome and smiles. Looking forward to my next visit.”
“Absolutely delicious tacos. The 3 for $12 with a pop is the perfect lunch. My taste buds craved more, but the stomach was happy. I just discovered this gem and will now make it a regular stop.”
“I didnt eat so I cannot rate the food but it smelled fantastic. I was very impressed with this place. Its a hidden gem. The guy serving up great conversation and beer was amazing. I think his name was Dippz sorry if I got it wrong. Being a beer snob these beer were spot on. One was better than the next. I will definitely be back here.”
“The garlic rolls are excellent. Salad was just iceberg, not what you expect from a nicer restaurant. Iced tea wasn't the best either. Our entrees were both good.”
“Coming from the west coast, I find this town lacks good Mexican food. I just had the best burritto (hands down) I've ever had being here for 1.7 years. Don't waste your money at La plaza, Taco Hell, or Chipotle. This is where you go. Ty to the staff and tip my hat to the cook!”
“This is a favorite of the locals. The seating area is tight - very tight in fact - but the food is so, so worth it! I'm gluten sensitive and their gf pizza is amazing. In a town where very few restaurants have a wait, you can expect one here. And parking can be a bit tricky - there is some parking in the lower lot of the motel that you can use, yet even with that, you may find parking a challenge during their busy times.”
27
Mercato Mio
“Delicious and intimate place to dine. The menu had a decent selection and the bartender was fabulous. Drinks were delicious! Very creative food and drink menu. I recommend the mozzarella salad!”
“This place is hard to beat with it's second to none quality meals and appetizers. Cattered business events try Olde New York. Some where last minute with the family stop off at Old New York and finally 6pm just getting off work gotta catch your teams kick off in 20 mins. with its amazing wing options and wide variety of beverages to enjoy Old New York is the place to be. Where even if your team loses your experience there still makes it a win. Hope to see you there next time ?✌️?”
29
Legends Pub
“Ordered Caesar salad and buffalo wings. We enjoyed both. It was pretty empty when we were there which was nice- I’m sure it gets loud if it’s full. Oddly enough, I loved the French fries here. Good value. We stayed in hotel so super convenient to walk down to.”
“There is nothing I can say to express how great this place is. The quality of food was beyond anything I even imaged, especially for the price (which is quite fair, esp with inflation as it is!). The service was quick, the wait staff was so wonderful, and just everything. Great. I had been craving some Sichuan eats ever since leaving Chongqing in 2020. This hit that spot and then some. I haven't had Dan Dan Mian like this in YEARS. Not to mention the spicy mala xiaobao and the other entrees I ended up getting (did a bit of a roulette and hoped for the best! - I was not disappointed !) I felt transported back to good days with old friends. I honestly even teared up a wee bit.I wish I had taken photos to show y'all the presentation of dine in as well. It was so crisp and tasty looking.If you even remotely think you might wanna try some of the best Sichuan bites this side of the Pacific, this is your spot. Go here. Don't walk, run over. It slaps.”
Latest Reviews
“We left a concert late at night at the Bryce Jordan center and showed up here with a large group. There were 31 of us. Our server was super awesome. She did a great job. Was very attentive and kept a positive attitude even though we were noisy and needy. The IHOP stayed open after their normal closing hours just to let us finish eating. It was a great example of customer service.”
“Food was good but went hoping for the lunch buffet all you can eat pizza bar but they didn't have it back yet so was alittle disappointed but got a deep-dish an it was delicious”
“Outback burger, Aussie fries, strawberry kiwi lemonade and chocolate thunder from down under. I was stuffed. We were happy expect our waitress kept forgetting things and I had to walk to the bar and get my wife some Splenda. All in all pretty darn good.”
“Great subs, great fries, good value for the price. Clean restaurant and friendly staff. Check out their daily specials for a good value meal+drink combo, they have a different one every day.My personal favorite sub is the meatball sub, it's excellent.These guys also definitely bleed Blue and White! ? Go PSU!!Vegetarian options: Sandwiches have clearly labeled ingredients, easy to make a vegetarian selection.Dietary restrictions: No peanuts usedParking: Free parking out front in the lot.Kid-friendliness: Menu is simple yet good, pretty kid friendly.Wheelchair accessibility: Ground floor restaurant, no steps besides the curb. Entrance double doors might be tricky, however.”
“Every Christmas my parents send us Gardners chocolates and it has become something we look forward to! I thought my favorite was the pb meltaways, but now I can't get enough of these malted milk balls. Wow!! Will have to sign up for the gym this time around ?”
“Sher Halal Gyro has become a personal favorite for its consistently fresh, halal, and delicious meals. One of the most remarkable aspects is the speed and efficiency with which they operate. Despite the fast-paced nature of street food, the team never compromises on quality or taste. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite on your lunch break or indulging in a leisurely meal, you can count on prompt and courteous service. The staff is always ready with a smile and a friendly greeting, making you feel welcome from the moment you approach the cart.”
Most Popular Restaurants
“This place is always amazing. The atmosphere is fun and inviting but also a little fancy. The food is fabulous. Today my wife and I took advantage of their new "pick two" lunch menu. I had a shrimp po-boy and a bowl of the gumbo. We both agreed the gumbo was the best we've had in a long time. The shrimp po-boy was also very good and was spilling out of the bread. We were completely stuffed after eating our lunch. We highly recommend Gigi's!”
“We left a concert late at night at the Bryce Jordan center and showed up here with a large group. There were 31 of us. Our server was super awesome. She did a great job. Was very attentive and kept a positive attitude even though we were noisy and needy. The IHOP stayed open after their normal closing hours just to let us finish eating. It was a great example of customer service.”
“This place is fantastic. Had the King Kong burrito one time it was even good heated up three days later but last time it was there I had the street tacos I believe I didn’t even have time to take a picture. They smelled so good couldn’t control myself highly recommended.”
“Phantastic Philly cheesesteak place: great phood,, super-phriendly staff. The only negative thing I have to say is that I will always regret that I did not attempt the “Cheesesteak Champ” challenge.”
“My first time at a Cracker Barrel did not disappoint. I am Canadian and there aren't any here. I ordered the catfish with fried okra and turnip greens. What a treat! The staff greeted me with a welcome and smiles. Looking forward to my next visit.”
“I honestly am more than impressed at the service I received. I thought it'd be a simple in and out with what I wanted. I got way more than that! Their cheesecake was incredible and the dumplings they provided complementary were honestly the best dumplings I've ever had anywhere. It was so enjoyable and I enjoyed the experience so much I couldn't help but tip 2/3rds my order. I want people to know about this place because it deserves the attraction. Incredible experience and food.”
“If you want to listen to Lowjack at peak performance, you need to go to The Brew.Wheelchair accessibility: Multiple curb sized steps from the entrance to the main space.”
“Just ordered off the app but whoever was the delivery guy from this store ur awesome pepperchinis are my fav and the pizza is amazing like always but was not exspectimg that many peppers thank my guy should had gave u an extra $5 for ur tip”
“The food is always wonderful when I go with friends and family, & we’re always seated quickly at various times! Miya was our server and she was quick, kind, and helpful when discussing the menu :)”
“What a great basement bar. Absolutely love the old school vibe. Excellent variety of draft and bottle beers as well as some great mixology. Food is available from the Corner Room upstairs and will be delivered to your table. After restaurant closes they allow outside food to be brought in. Friday night had two live bands that were excellent. Can’t wait to return.”
“Definitely the best bubble tea place in State College, the prices are better than at Kung Fu and Momotaro, and the bubble tea is made with better and more fragrant tea. Plus they have absolutely delicious crepe cakes!”
“So from the perspective of a Lebanese woman: Life changing Halal truck for Middle Easterners in State college!! I’m from Detroit with family in Dearborn and I haven’t found any food out here that can compare to the amazing dishes I eat back home and make myself. UNTIL NOW! This is the best Halal Truck EVER!! The one on Pugh street is a scammin sham compared to these guys!! They’re tucked in a space on Calder by Cafe Alina and I assure you, you will not regret it. The lamb melts in your mouth, the chicken is so savory, fish is phenomenal, the white sauce is ON POINT, and they make their own homemade hot sauce!! And they’re so nice!! I found this place about a week and a half ago and have been there about seven times since ? Please check them out!!Seriously. Better than penn kabob, penn pide, totally blows pita cabana out the water, and makes the other trucks look like a joke. I know my Arab food ?”
“This is a little gem of a creamery. I tend to spread the love around between all of the local creameries (Reedsville, Old Mill, Meyers), which we are so lucky to have so many, but Meyers is my main love. It's been around since I can remember, and no other creamery has better chocolate milk, NONE. Ice cream is top-notch as well. They carry other fun, locally sourced goods as well, like Cafe Lemont coffee (best local coffee, IMO) and Otto's soda, among other things. Stop in. Get a scoop (or a shake). Do some shopping. You won't be disappointed.”
“We were seated immediately, no wait. Service was good. We ordered from the 2 for $25 menu. We ordered the spinach artichoke dip for our appetizer, one white cheddar bacon chicken skillet, and one garlic sirloin skillet. The food was excellent. We had good service. Everyone was friendly. Restroom was clean. Good experience.”
“I'd work here but I'd rather be paid in tacos instead of money. I'm deeply upset that this spot has been open for a while and I never had their food until now. I'd buy their food even if I only had a couple dollars to my name. Customer service skills on point. The young man who took the order explained everything and offered great recommendations. 20/10 experience.”
New Restaurants
“Was very happy to hear that Giuseppe’s Pizzeria by Brothers was reopening a family shop in downtown State College. The pizza is excellent and we’ve ordered for takeout on 3 occasions since they opened. Each time the order was ready and waiting when I arrived, and the wait time for pickup has been around 20 minutes at dinner time. Haven’t been there for lunch yet but the amazing variety of ready to go slices in the beautiful glass case is impressive! Highly recommend Giuseppe’s and look forward to many more visits to try some of the other non pizza options as well!”
“sam was our server for the night and they did a great job even while it was packed they seemed to be able to get to us right as we needed assistance. Food portions we're great and not overpriced also seemed like it got to us right when it was made, the atmosphere was wonderful everything about it was a 10/10!”
“So good. My family went in because we’d never had any of this kind of food and didn’t know what to order. They helped us make some decisions and everything was incredible! Highly recommend.”