Penn State fans, here are 9 new restaurants to check out in State College
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Let’s be honest, you can only tailgate for so long.
Then it’s time to either hit the highway home or duck into a restaurant for a break from the action, a bite to eat and some libations. Or maybe you want to grab some breakfast en route to Beaver Stadium.
The State College dining scene has no shortage of options including favorites such as The Corner Room, The Tavern and Deli Restaurant.
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With a new football season arrive several new restaurants. To help you strategize your pre or post-game dining game plan, here’s a short list of some new eating options in and around State College.
Roots Natural Kitchen opened this summer in State College.
A healthy dining option, Roots Natural Kitchen is a small but growing chain celebrating natural foods. Its fifth location opened this summer on East Beaver Avenue. Roots offers signature bowls and salads with an option to create your own from a menu of grains, greens, dressings, vegetables and proteins such as grilled chicken and tofu. Partners Alberto Namnum and Alvaro Anspach opened the first one four years ago in Charlottesville, Virginia, catering to the University of Virginia.
270 E. Beaver Ave.
The superfoods chain opened earlier this year along Beaver Avenue (actually it’s next to Roots) specializing in smoothies, and smoothie, kale and oatmeal bowls.
Brooke Gagliano, a New Jersey native developed the chain after visiting friends in California, where she noticed acai trucks on every corner. The first one opened in 2016 and now operates more than 50 locations.
Bowls are made from frozen bases – açai berry and banana; pitaya or kale with pineapple, banana and almond milk; and various combinations of toppings. The Frutta Bowl is built from organic açai berry and banana, granola, strawberries, pineapples, kiwis, Nutella, peanut butter, honey and coconut flakes.
262 E. Beaver Ave.
Bagel Crust opened a shop along West Beaver Avenue in State College.
Bagel Crust has been part of the town’s food scene for several years. But it recently opened a new outpost on West Beaver Avenue. Find it between Burrowes and Fraser Streets next to the Hyatt Place and Target. Bagel Crust specializes in – you guessed it – bagels, and not just the cream cheese slathered variety. They make dozens of breakfast and lunch bagel sandwiches from a Baja California to a turkey chipotle. They also sell omelets, sides such as home fries and chips as well as a full beverage menu. Of course, you can order a dozen bagels to go. Perfect for that morning tailgate.
225 W. Beaver Ave.
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Hi Way Pizza has returned to East College Avenue in State College.
Hi Way Pizza is a familiar name to Penn Staters, and now it’s back at a familiar location. Dante’s Restaurants recently closed Inferno Brick Oven Pizza to bring back Hi-Way. It had previously occupied the building for about 30 years until Dante’s opened Inferno in 2008. Look for HiWay’s hand-spun pizzas, salads, burgers and cheesesteaks as well as traditional bar food such as wings.
346 E. College Ave.
Take your tailgate indoors. The restaurant’s proximity to Beaver Stadium makes Tailgate Sports Bar & Grill a prime pit stop for football fans. The restaurant replaces Letterman’s Sports Bar & Grill at the Hampton Inn State College along East College Avenue. New owners took over last fall and waited until the off season to switch gears. Tailgate’s menu features a variety of burgers, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, appetizers, wings, soups and salads, as well as homemade entrees. It’s also kid friendly with a menu designed for pint-sized diners.
1031 E. College Ave.
Smash Falafel
Owner Hitham Hiyajneh is at it again, this time with Smash Falafel, according to StateCollege.com. Hiyajneh has developed other concepts such as Yallah Taco and Burrito. The new vegetarian-focused restaurant replaces UR Pizza on Calder way with authentic falafel, homemade pita and build-your-own pizzas. It’s expected to open later this week.
214 E. Calder Way
BRGR will open Sept. 9 in State College.
BRGR is moving east with its first location outside of Pittsburgh. It’s pulling into the former Citizens Bank building on West College Avenue. The chain specializes in gourmet burgers and handmade shakes and is scheduled to open Sept. 9. The 120-seat restaurant will have a bar and incorporate elements such as the vault and safety deposit boxes into the Americana design. Diners can build their own burgers from several kinds of beef, as well as turkey, salmon, tuna, bison and falafel with various toppings.
122 W. College Ave.
Owners Monica and Duke Gastiger have left the hubbub of downtown State College to open RE Farm Cafe in Patton Township. The couple, who previously owned The Rathskeller and Spat’s Cafe and Speakeasy, purchased Windswept Farm for their farm-to-table restaurant. The cafe is located in an old farm house that previously served as a bed and breakfast.
1000 Fillmore Road, Patton Township
Yet another restaurant in State College has changed up its theme and name. Mike’s Wood Grill replaces Luna 2 along East College Avenue. The owners removed pasta from the menu and added a wood grill where they cook burgers, steaks and seafood. But those who remember Luna’s pizza are in luck – the original Faccia Luna pies are still on the menu. Diners also will find fresh seafood and the same hot dogs sold at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
2609 E. College Ave.
Penn State has its first home game of the season on Aug. 31. The team will be playing the University of Idaho Vandals at 3:30 p.m. at Beaver Stadium. The Nittany Lions are the favorite for the game.
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