A great throwback to the State College of yesterday year. Love the colonial feel, roaring fireplace, and iced cold manhattans. It's not a student bar, I guess that's what the negative reviews are all about?
Jackie W.
We went on the Friday night of homecoming. It was pretty crowded. Bartenders we great. There were 14 of us and when we asked to put our name in for dinner we're told they could not accommodate that big of a group which was fine. When we asked if they could just split us up over two or three tables we were told no. We even stated that that we did not need to sit together and were still shot down. Three of us ended up putting in separately for a table. After the two hour wait, it ended up with only 7 of us left for dinner. Once we got to the table they would not give us a seventh chair. The table was large and plenty big for 8. There was an adjacent table only using 3 of their 4 chairs and allowed us to use on. The management came and took it back. This happened twice. When I asked if there was not one extra chair in the whole restaurant I was told no and was scolded like a child. My table-mate got me a chair from a table that was just seated so I was able to finish my meal in my own chair. I want to mention that there were two large booths that sat empty the whole time we were seated. The server was excellent and the food was good. The rules insane and totally unprofessional and whoever that woman was whether hostess or manager was completely awful and needs not be in the service industry. For the total night we dropped a couple of grand and unfortunately because of that one employee we won't be back to do it again we will spend our money somewhere else. One bad apple spoils the whole bunch.
Raymond Pagliari
A customary stop for my bride and me each time we visit State College, most recently this past week during parent's weekend. Great atmosphere and service. Relaxing and nice wine too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jeff Lucarelli
A classic tavern atmosphere with sophistication and style. Awesome menu and a fantastic selection of drinks, wine, and beer. The Original Sin is a staple of State College!
Meredith C.
We enjoyed an Old Fashioned and an Original Sin. The bar was updated and expanded during the pandemic.The bartenders were attentive and friendly. The old fashioned was mixed appropriately, served over a cube with an amerana cherry and a fruit peel. The Original Sin isn't as I remember but that could easily be me. The drink is for those that don't drink and tasted like seltzer with grenadine. In actuality, the Original Sin is champagne with cherry brandy.The prices are a little high for State College and the Old Fashioned was delivered in a slightly non-traditional glassware for the drink. The Old Fashioned pour was also stingy.
Scott Enterline
Awesome bar our favorite in State College. Newly renovated bar is a great improvement, well done great space. Good wine selection with well made drinks. I recommend Long Island iced tea.
Monica Fox
The best Paloma I’ve ever had. The bartender was super friendly and the atmosphere is warm and classy. Would definitely recommend for a getaway from the typical State College college bar.
Drew Rivera
i had a cousin come into town and she asked me to go back here. the bill was well within reason for the quality.
Jason Clayton
I love this place, great food & service. Bring your hunger - portions are filling. This place has great reviews for a reason.
Curtis F
The service was very welcoming and sociable. Prices are fair. Menu is similar to a restaurant in El Paso I loved.
Very cozy spot to enjoy a drink! They sometimes have a real wood fire going, which adds very nicely to the overall aesthetic. Very friendly staff. I enjoy a Brandy Old Fashioned every time I visit and always leave happy
Asher O
Nice location to meet with family. Prices were fair. This place has many reviews for a reason.
Carolyn Henzi
Reallly nice place! Thursday the drink are really cheap ..$3 beer and $cocktails, also live music play !!!! Very nice and good deal..
Tom P.
These people -- at least the middle-aged male bartender -- do not seem to understand, or care, that they are in the hospitality industry. Stopped in after a long drive happy to be back in State College. Nobody came to serve me. The bartender was busy with his texting behind the bar. Was rude and dismissive as I talked to him. The drinks are expensive here. I left a good tip. This bartender was rude, like I was ruining his day because I showed up at 9:30 p.m. and they were closing at 10:00 p.m. I went to Penn State and have fond memories of meeting friends there. WILL NEVER GO BACK. I wish I could give a zero review. This bartender is the worst I ever encountered ever and wish I could get my tip back. He did not earn a dime and I tipped the twit well. I have NEVER written a review of any establishment ever (I was a bartender and know how hard the work can be) but this guy was a j*** and motivated me to write. FYI.
Melissa Bartee
This is an interesting bar in downtown State College because it's right in the midst of everything (it is right next to the Gaff), but it has a very different vibe to it. It is attached to a nice restaurant so it is a more upscale casual than the super casual nature of the bars around it.It is interesting to go there because they have traditional furniture and makes you feel like you're in a place of some history. They make good cocktails, and this is a nice place to go if you're looking to enjoy the nightlife downtown without rowdiness or blasting music. It is a good place for conversation and the candlelit tables feel very intimate. It is not a huge place which will also get swamped on big weekends like Arts Fest and Blue and White.
A great throwback to the State College of yesterday year. Love the colonial feel, roaring fireplace, and iced cold manhattans. It's not a student bar, I guess that's what the negative reviews are all about?
We went on the Friday night of homecoming. It was pretty crowded. Bartenders we great. There were 14 of us and when we asked to put our name in for dinner we're told they could not accommodate that big of a group which was fine. When we asked if they could just split us up over two or three tables we were told no. We even stated that that we did not need to sit together and were still shot down. Three of us ended up putting in separately for a table. After the two hour wait, it ended up with only 7 of us left for dinner. Once we got to the table they would not give us a seventh chair. The table was large and plenty big for 8. There was an adjacent table only using 3 of their 4 chairs and allowed us to use on. The management came and took it back. This happened twice. When I asked if there was not one extra chair in the whole restaurant I was told no and was scolded like a child. My table-mate got me a chair from a table that was just seated so I was able to finish my meal in my own chair. I want to mention that there were two large booths that sat empty the whole time we were seated. The server was excellent and the food was good. The rules insane and totally unprofessional and whoever that woman was whether hostess or manager was completely awful and needs not be in the service industry. For the total night we dropped a couple of grand and unfortunately because of that one employee we won't be back to do it again we will spend our money somewhere else. One bad apple spoils the whole bunch.
A customary stop for my bride and me each time we visit State College, most recently this past week during parent's weekend. Great atmosphere and service. Relaxing and nice wine too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A classic tavern atmosphere with sophistication and style. Awesome menu and a fantastic selection of drinks, wine, and beer. The Original Sin is a staple of State College!
We enjoyed an Old Fashioned and an Original Sin. The bar was updated and expanded during the pandemic.The bartenders were attentive and friendly. The old fashioned was mixed appropriately, served over a cube with an amerana cherry and a fruit peel. The Original Sin isn't as I remember but that could easily be me. The drink is for those that don't drink and tasted like seltzer with grenadine. In actuality, the Original Sin is champagne with cherry brandy.The prices are a little high for State College and the Old Fashioned was delivered in a slightly non-traditional glassware for the drink. The Old Fashioned pour was also stingy.
Awesome bar our favorite in State College. Newly renovated bar is a great improvement, well done great space. Good wine selection with well made drinks. I recommend Long Island iced tea.
The best Paloma I’ve ever had. The bartender was super friendly and the atmosphere is warm and classy. Would definitely recommend for a getaway from the typical State College college bar.
i had a cousin come into town and she asked me to go back here. the bill was well within reason for the quality.
I love this place, great food & service. Bring your hunger - portions are filling. This place has great reviews for a reason.
The service was very welcoming and sociable. Prices are fair. Menu is similar to a restaurant in El Paso I loved.
Restaurantji Recommends
Very cozy spot to enjoy a drink! They sometimes have a real wood fire going, which adds very nicely to the overall aesthetic. Very friendly staff. I enjoy a Brandy Old Fashioned every time I visit and always leave happy
Nice location to meet with family. Prices were fair. This place has many reviews for a reason.
Reallly nice place! Thursday the drink are really cheap ..$3 beer and $cocktails, also live music play !!!! Very nice and good deal..
These people -- at least the middle-aged male bartender -- do not seem to understand, or care, that they are in the hospitality industry. Stopped in after a long drive happy to be back in State College. Nobody came to serve me. The bartender was busy with his texting behind the bar. Was rude and dismissive as I talked to him. The drinks are expensive here. I left a good tip. This bartender was rude, like I was ruining his day because I showed up at 9:30 p.m. and they were closing at 10:00 p.m. I went to Penn State and have fond memories of meeting friends there. WILL NEVER GO BACK. I wish I could give a zero review. This bartender is the worst I ever encountered ever and wish I could get my tip back. He did not earn a dime and I tipped the twit well. I have NEVER written a review of any establishment ever (I was a bartender and know how hard the work can be) but this guy was a j*** and motivated me to write. FYI.
This is an interesting bar in downtown State College because it's right in the midst of everything (it is right next to the Gaff), but it has a very different vibe to it. It is attached to a nice restaurant so it is a more upscale casual than the super casual nature of the bars around it.It is interesting to go there because they have traditional furniture and makes you feel like you're in a place of some history. They make good cocktails, and this is a nice place to go if you're looking to enjoy the nightlife downtown without rowdiness or blasting music. It is a good place for conversation and the candlelit tables feel very intimate. It is not a huge place which will also get swamped on big weekends like Arts Fest and Blue and White.