State College, PA is considered as one of the best university towns in America. Living in this locale, though, is not just for students but for everyone. You will be amazed by the wealth of activities and destinations here, as well as its thriving local restaurant scene.
Fuel your appetite with the best restaurants in State College:
Plaza Mexican Bar & Grill
1550 South Atherton Street
Looking for authentic Mexican food? Plaza Mexican Bar & Grill has got you covered. This food spot is part of the Plaza Azteca chain of restaurants that promises the best eats that Mexico can offer. Try their signature sizzling fajitas or drop by during Happy Hour (Mondays to Fridays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) for their margarita made in-house with fresh lime.
Their bestsellers include classic enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, and nachos.
They also have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, making sure to accommodate every customer with different food requirements.
Other than dining in, they also have delivery and takeout options available. Enjoy their savory offerings in the comfort and safety of your home.
Bistrozine
409 East Calder Way
Bistrozine will satisfy your cravings for flavorful Asian-infused dishes with a Western twist. It specializes in tapas or small plates of savory dishes or appetizers, encouraging you to try and enjoy a bit of everything on their menu.
Ocean Explosion is one of their bestsellers, made up of wonton-wrapped seafood bites on a guacamole base, drizzled with sweet and spicy aioli.
Don’t forget to order their specialty beverages to pair with your meals, such as the Mango Monster, Salted Caramel Pretzel, and Everything Matcha; or their healthy teas.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, they only currently offer delivery and takeout. Rest assured, though, that you will enjoy the same excellently prepared food.
Otto’s Pub & Brewery and Barrel 21 Distillery & Dining
North Atherton Street
Located next to each other along North Atherton Street and with the same owner, Otto’s Pub & Brewery and Barrel 21 Distillery & Dining serve local food and fresh craft-brewed beer. Charlie, its co-owner and head brewer, created the businesses’ specialty beer recipes, such as the Hellcat, Red Mo and Black Mo, and the Jolly Roger.
The brewery and restaurant feature a family-friendly and casual atmosphere. The cuisine here is made with fresh ingredients from local farms, wineries, and bakeries. They have dine-in, takeout, curbside pickup, and outdoor seating options. There’s free delivery for beer and spirits, and orders for both food and drinks can be done online.
Faccia Luna Pizzeria
1229 South Atherton Street
Up for a casual Italian dining experience? Faccia Luna Pizzeria is popular with the locals and visitors for their wood-fired pizza – and why not? It was previously voted as best pizza by State College Magazine. This urban trattoria also offers fresh pasta, sandwiches, appetizers, and salads. Their beverage menu includes Italian estate-bottled wines and a wide variety of American microbrews.
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, seating at the restaurant is currently at a limited capacity. They also have outdoor seating, takeout, and curbside pickup options.
RE Farm Cafe at Windswept Farm
1000 South Fillmore Road
RE Farm Cafe offers a unique dining experience with its farm-to-table dining concept. Fresh ingredients are locally grown or raised from the restaurant’s own Windswept Farm and are masterfully prepared by an in-house chef. There’s always something new to try from their often-updated seasonal menu.
In line with the state’s response to the COVID-19 threat, RE Farm Cafe only accepts dine-in reservations on weekends. But you could pre-order their chef prepared meals for curbside pick-up through REpast Home Foods.
Penn State Berkey Creamery
119 Rodney A. Erickson Food Science Building, University Park
It may be cold outside these days but it’s never a bad time to have some ice cream – especially if it comes from this ice cream place found within the Penn State University campus. Their frozen treats are created with milk from over 200 Holstein cows and the technology of some of Penn State U’s best food and dairy scientists. The quality of their ice cream has made Berkey Creamery an institution in Pennsylvania.
The store will be closed for the holidays and will be reopening January 11. By then, you can resume ordering your favorite flavors and have bulk orders shipped by visiting their online shop. Curbside pickup is available.
For more information on life in State College and the surrounding communities in Centre County, get in touch with our team at Heritage Realty Group for expert advice from a trusted local realtor. Let us help make your process of moving to State College, PA a smooth one. Call us now at 814.231.0101 or drop us a note here.