Top 17 Dining Destinations in State College, Home of Penn State

A beloved Penn State tradition, Berkey Creamery has been delighting patrons with its freshly made ice cream and dairy products since 1865. The creamery prioritizes local sourcing, obtaining about 70 percent of its milk from a herd of cows on campus, with the remainder coming from nearby farms. All production and packaging occur within Penn State’s Food Science Building. Among its flavors, the indulgent Death by Chocolate reigns as a favorite, alongside campus-inspired creations like Mint Nittany and Alumni Swirl. First-time visitors should be aware that the creamery offers only one size for cups and cones, and mixing flavors is not permitted. One taste of Berkey Creamery's chocolate milk will redefine your expectations for all other chocolate milks.

Behind the humble façade of Big Bowl Noodle House lies one of State College’s hidden gems for a quick and delightful meal. True to its name, Big Bowl delivers: for under $12, you can enjoy a heaping Styrofoam container filled with freshly made rice and noodle dishes. Each item on the extensive menu of Chinese and American Chinese cuisine is a hit, and vegetarian patrons will be pleasantly surprised by the variety available.

Nestled in a quaint plaza on Calder Way, Cafe Alina might be easy to overlook if you’re not on the lookout, but this Pakistani gem run by husband and wife team Asam and Afsheen Mirza is a must-experience. Upon stepping inside, guests are welcomed by the enticing aroma of spices and a chic (and highly Instagram-worthy) dining space. Share the chicken charga, or indulge solo with the chicken or paneer karahi for a comforting homestyle meal. Don’t forget to order some vegetable pakoras on the side, and complement your meal with a refreshing mango lassi or a hot cup of chai.

This inviting breakfast spot is always bustling with students, particularly on weekend mornings. While a Belgian waffle topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit is a tempting choice, consider trying the eggs Benedict with rich hollandaise sauce and a side of crispy, well-seasoned home fries; it’s the perfect way to start your weekend. Arrive early to grab a table at this cash-only venue.

Initially a hugely popular food stand at the Downtown State College Farmers Market, Carter’s Table opened its first permanent location at the start of 2023. The restaurant takes pride in offering unique and creative tacos influenced by owner Shawn Carter’s childhood experiences and global travels, earning the slogan “worldwide flavors.” The taco and quesadilla offerings include five-spice beef, Cajun shrimp, chicken shawarma, and Thai barbecue chicken.

This cheerful and sunny café is a favorite among students and locals, not just for its commitment to natural ingredients, but also for its friendly and inviting vibe. The lattes, paninis, freshly baked pretzels, and other offerings are crafted with locally and ethically sourced ingredients. Don’t forget to take home a bag of Sowers Harvest Blend tea to enjoy later.

Perfectly situated just a short stroll from both Old Main and the library, this lively, industrial-style café offers a wide array of options to fuel busy students and visitors throughout the day. The real stars here are the bagels, crafted in-house daily. Be sure to try the popular breakfast special: egg, cheese, and your choice of meat on a freshly baked, buttery bagel. And don't forget to add fried potatoes either on the sandwich or as a side!

Serving the Penn State community since 1926, the Corner Room is a beloved institution and a must-visit spot for students, alumni, and guests. Patrons can expect to be surrounded by an array of Penn State memorabilia while enjoying classic and innovative American comfort food, including a chili recipe that's been around for 40 years and a zesty skillet dish called Eggs in Purgatory. Finish your meal with a serving of warm grilled stickies — a delightful cross between a sticky bun and a cinnamon roll that first appeared at the legendary (but now-closed) Ye Olde College Diner. For a special treat, top your grilled stickies with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.

With its eclectic mix of mismatched tables and chairs set on a concrete floor, Webster’s Bookstore Cafe exudes a charmingly relaxed and hip vibe that has captured the hearts of many students. The cafe offers a variety of vegetarian dishes named after literary works. Try the Wuthering Heights, a sandwich featuring walnut pâté, Brie, and apples, and choose from over 80 types of loose-leaf tea. While waiting for your order, wander through the aisles filled with used books, records, and vintage clothing. If you're fortunate, you might stumble upon a book discussion, concert, or open mic night.

Catch every Penn State game at Champs Downtown, one of the largest and most renowned sports bars in the region. This popular weekend destination has established itself as a cornerstone of State College's vibrant nightlife. Champs boasts an extensive drink menu featuring a variety of beers and inventive mixed drinks, including “booze bags” served in fun pouches and their signature Dirty Sprite in grape or berry flavors. The bar offers generous portions of classic pub food like wings, loaded nachos, sandwiches, and pizza to help soak it all up. With a spacious layout, Champs includes a lively main bar area at street level and a basement featuring a smaller bar, pool tables, arcade games, pinball machines, and more. While patrons under 21 can usually enjoy the food and atmosphere, the bar typically operates as a 21-plus venue on weekend nights and during special events.

Originally launched in Pittsburgh, the upscale burger joint Brgr made its State College debut in 2019, setting up in a spacious former bank building. The industrial-chic decor perfectly complements Brgr's gourmet burgers, fries, and milkshakes. If you're dining with friends, start with Chachos—nachos made with potato chips—or indulge in poutine. For your main course, choose from an impressive selection of signature or custom burgers, including options like Angus beef, grilled chicken, Impossible burgers, salmon, or even bison (the kitchen is very accommodating for dietary preferences). Don’t miss out on their rich milkshakes, with boozy varieties for those looking to treat themselves.

For those seeking a reprieve from the bustling nightlife of State College, Local Whiskey is the perfect retreat. Whiskey enthusiasts, both seasoned and budding, will be delighted by the impressive selection of over 300 varieties. If whiskey isn't your preference, this stylish venue also offers an extensive range of other spirits and seasonal craft cocktails. Whether you enjoy strong drinks or prefer something alcohol-free, Local Whiskey pairs them with top-notch pub fare—the fries here are simply unmatched.

Tucked away in an alley, this Venezuelan gem in State College is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Owner Ady Martinez honors her grandmother Juana with dishes crafted from cherished recipes and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. While the menu features delightful options like tacuchos (Venezuelan wraps) and cheese-filled cachapas, you can't leave without savoring an arepa and a tall glass of Venezuelan chicha, often likened to a liquid arroz con leche (rice pudding).

At Big Dean’s, the menu may be brief, but it’s all about perfecting one dish: Nashville hot chicken. Try the Go-To, featuring four crispy, juicy tenders available in three heat levels, served with a thick slice of buttery Texas toast and your choice of creamy coleslaw or crinkle-cut fries. Pair it with a refreshing glass of sweet tea for a taste of the South right in Pennsylvania.

Nestled at the back of a plaza on College Avenue, Momotaro is a vibrant cafe that specializes in boba tea and offers a tempting selection of desserts to satisfy any sweet craving. The taro milk tea with boba is a must, but don’t miss out on their delightful cakes like tiramisu, creme brulee, and various cheesecakes. You can also indulge in a bowl or cone of green tea ice cream topped with sweet red beans.

In central Pennsylvania, high-quality seafood can be hard to come by, but Tadashi offers an impressive selection. This Japanese restaurant on South Atherton strikes a balance between casual and refined, making it perfect for any occasion, from first dates to celebratory dinners. Start with a couple of their signature sushi rolls and then savor a comforting bowl of chicken or unagi donburi for your main dish. Tadashi also has a second, smaller location nearby on College Avenue that specializes in ramen, featuring tender pork served in a rich, flavorful broth.

Originally, the first Lupita’s location was tucked away inside a rather unremarkable Uni-Mart, far from campus, yet this didn’t stop loyal fans from making the journey for some of the finest Mexican cuisine in the area. In 2022, Lupita’s opened a second location on Beaver Avenue, attracting many new patrons. Now conveniently located within walking distance of campus, this casual Mexican Mytoury is the perfect stop for delicious tacos, gorditas, flautas, sopes, quesabirrias, and more.