Where to eat at Penn State?

Submitted by jcgold on

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?

Steve in PA

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.

bluebyyou

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.

Steve in PA

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.

bluebyyou

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?

Steve in PA

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.

FingerMustache

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

http://www.statecollege.com/shop/dp-dough/menu/calzones/

patol8

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?

mgokev

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?

Indiana Blue

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 !

jgunnip

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.