Where to eat at Penn State?
I've tried asking this in some of the tailgating forums, but have gotten nowhere so far.
My friend and I are driving up Saturday Morning to State College and do not have the necessary equipment to tailgate (e.g. a gas grill). Thus, we are planning to grab a pre-game bite in town. However, I've had no luck in finding somewhere that stands above the rest with the exception of the creamery.
Any ideas on where I should go pre-game? Anywhere to absolutely avoid?
October 25th, 2010 at 10:33 AM ^
Cafe 210 is #1 place to eat there for dinner-type food. The Diner is what the name says and I would be comfortable recommending either of those.
All the chains are represented as well if you want to go that route.
October 25th, 2010 at 10:58 AM ^
The Diner is good for typical diner fare, but I don't know what your gripe is with the Creamery, which is good for ice cream (and little else). I've been to the Creamery a couple of times and the ice cream is very good, inexpensive and in large quantities. Peachy Paterno was excellent.
There are a bunch of non-chain eating places near the campus but they will be crowded.
October 25th, 2010 at 11:14 AM ^
Ice cream is good there as it is everywhere. And there's no better spot to sport your M gear obnoxiously. That said, it's more of a family/couples thing than a proper place for drunken, loud M fans (which is what you should be).
October 25th, 2010 at 11:36 AM ^
The Creamery is standing in line 45 minutes to an hour for ice cream that you couldn't tell the difference between it and Hershey's or other supermarket stuff.
As I said, it's overrated. It's like the old local pictures on the walls at national chain restaurants...part of the PSU experience but don't be tricked into thinking the ice cream is something better than you've ever had before.
October 25th, 2010 at 11:49 AM ^
That's like saying it's tough to get into Blimpy's for a burger an hour after a game. The last time I was at the creamery, two years ago when we played PSU was an hour after a PSU pep rally (friend's daughter was a PSU cheerleader and had to go see her strut her stuff). It took less than five minutes to get served.
Steve, do you have something against that place? Even if the ice cream sucked, which it doesn't, it is a well known tradition at PSU. Why not give it a shot?
October 25th, 2010 at 12:40 PM ^
That's one thing that makes this a great place.
"part of the PSU experience but don't be tricked into thinking the ice cream is something better than you've ever had before."
That summed it up my thoughts. I'm quite familiar with it after spending 4 years there. I don't have anything against the creamery.
October 25th, 2010 at 10:34 AM ^
Buy a small disposable grille usually pretty damn cheap. Get some Brats and your favorite beer. From what I know the staidum is in the middle of nowhere. I would rather not have to do the drive but, that is just me. But if you wish to not take my advice here is a google link that'll give you the downlow on Happy Valley eats.
October 25th, 2010 at 10:35 AM ^
I have a portable charcoal grill: the issue is that they only allow gas grills in the tailgate lot. Otherwise, I'd be doing what you say.
October 25th, 2010 at 10:39 AM ^
My bad... I was unaware of this rule.... Yeah check the link then. My sister-in-law is a huge PSU homer and her whole family is from Happy Valley but, I cannot get ahold of her or else I'd have some good suggestions for ya.
October 25th, 2010 at 10:36 AM ^
Are U Hungry
- pretty much put anything in a sandwich to include:
- fries, mozz. sticks, chicken fingers, gyro meat, cheesesteak, etc
http://www.campusfood.com/restaurant.asp?campusid=78&mlid=242014
DP Dough
- kinda the same deal as Are U Hungry (minus the fries) except it goes in a calzone
October 25th, 2010 at 10:42 AM ^
Easily worth 20 pounds of the girth I put on there. I thought they had closed.
October 25th, 2010 at 10:45 AM ^
its like sex wrapped in dough...if sex was 3000 calories
October 25th, 2010 at 12:34 PM ^
Just in case you didn't know, a chain is DP Dough (I had to make it rhyme). They are slowly spreading their Buffer Zones (the best) throughout the midwest
October 25th, 2010 at 10:36 AM ^
The Corner Room (I think thats what its called) was where the wife and I went at PSU. Pretty good food. I've heard good things about The Diner too, isn't that where they have the sticky buns that everyone talks about?
October 25th, 2010 at 10:57 AM ^
Yes, you get the famous "grilled (fried) sticky buns" at The Diner, and they're worth a try, although too many and you're likely to need the local hospital to treat your coronary. They also have very good cheap breakfasts there... I'd recommend it. They're at 126. W. College.
October 25th, 2010 at 10:48 AM ^
I remember seeing a clip of Todd Blackledge's taste of the town in Happy Valley. It looked delicious but I can't remember where that segment was shot. Ye Old College Diner I think?
October 25th, 2010 at 10:51 AM ^
Mad Mex and Rathskeller are always good choices.
October 25th, 2010 at 10:57 AM ^
...Wegman's. I'm absolutely serious.
October 25th, 2010 at 11:02 AM ^
I went to the Wegmans in Fairfax VA last night and got crab stuffed chicken breasts already prepared and seasoned and ready to cook. Perfect.
October 25th, 2010 at 11:25 AM ^
You have no idea how much I miss that store...
October 25th, 2010 at 11:36 AM ^
best thing to ever come out of rochester. always worth a visit, wherever you see one.
October 25th, 2010 at 11:57 AM ^
It opened after I graduated but my friends say it's good:
October 25th, 2010 at 12:05 PM ^
Awesome authentic german/austrian food.
October 25th, 2010 at 12:58 PM ^
With the money you are going to spend eating out you can buy a small portable gas grill at Wal-Mart.
October 25th, 2010 at 1:08 PM ^
Bad news Hooters closed ... Good news - was replaced by an Irish Pub (can't remember the F .... ing name ... think it was Kildare's). Pretty typical bar fare ... sweet waitresses - Nice TV's all over .... could really use some Maize and Blue color scheme !!! Ate there on Saturday.
Kildare's on East College (College runs the length of campus, like State in AA). Also furher down - the Deli has a large selection of brews and grub ... nice place !!!
Either would work. My daughter is a senior at PSU ... so been there alot. She will be with me at the game ...but she is clear where I stand !!!
Go Blue !
October 25th, 2010 at 2:01 PM ^
I was going to suggest Hooters.
Went there four years ago before the game. Some drunk PSU fan came up to our table of about 8ish M fans who were taking in Game 4of the ALCS and tried starting some shit. After a few minutes he was removed from the establishment for being a dumbass and a PSU fan bought our table a pitcher of beer for the troubles.
October 26th, 2010 at 12:09 PM ^
...pleasant home fan stories.