OK, let's be honest. Downtown State College is easily the best part of Happy Valley— when not considering athletics, obviously. While most can say they will always appreciate and remember their underage drinking days, once you hit the big "two-one" those shameless and mischievous nights kind of become a thing of the past.
Being that you're finally legal in one the best college towns, you'd be crazy to not take advantage of the downtown night life. It doesn't even matter if you have every *intention* to black out or if you simply just want a nice brewski to accompany you and your book. With tons of unique bars— it's safe to say that you will consider one "home" and your ultimate go-to. It's the place your friends will know where to find you on a night out.
Here's what your favorite bar in Downtown State College says about you:
1. Bar Bleu
Easy one of the *low-key* killer spots to go to. Odds are you like the "sports bar" environment and the appetizers that come along with it. There's also a good chance you are a member of Greek life or a proud lover of giant fish bowls and crave them weekly.
2. Brewery
One of the more sophisticated spots you can hit up. Tons of alumni come here and for obvious reasons. You can never go wrong with their steal prices, either. You're probably a beer lover if you love Brewery... Duh.
3. Café
Oh, Café. Let's talk teas— since they serve almost every flavor known to man with every single one always getting the job done. Cafe definitely gives you the sense of community with live bands and the best outdoor set up in all of Happy Valley. If this is your usual place to stop at on a night out, your name is likely (and proudly) on the '55 Days' plaques.
4. Champs (Reopened 2017)
With the February reopen, it seems that Champs is the ultimate place to be. With the different floors, arcade, TVs and liquor selection— it's Happy Valley's very own version of Dave and Busters. If this is your new favorite place to be, odds are you're into that mainstream and trendy lifestyle. Not judging, no worries.
5. Chrome
Easily one of the most underrated, small bars. "Chrome is Home" is no lie. The staff, bars and drinks are incomparable. They have huge appetizers for a small price, oh and not to mention— killer hookah packages with awesome DJs. If you love Chrome, you're probably a cool person and love that "cozy" feel. Follow them on social media, too. You're welcome, in advance.
6. Darkhorse
Another hidden, less mainstream gem in State College. It's always fun and they even have sex trivia once a week. Tons of alumni, including past athletes come here often. If this bar is your favorite that means you're all for a fun yet "adult-ish" good time— especially during football weekends.
7. Den (Founded 1959)
Man, oh man. The Den is an interesting one. Den Tuesdays and Thursdays... are interesting. I mean, there are two stripper poles? The Den gets packed but I'll admit, it's always a good time. If you're more on the wild side and have blacking out on your weekly agenda— this is your spot.
8. Envy *RIP Levels* (Founded 2017)
Like Champs, Envy recently had it's grand opening. It's just like Levels, but way more nicer. If you like to own the dance floor in flashing neon lights without having to deal with the craziness like at other downtown clubs, this is your spot.
9. Gaff (Founded 1848)
I might be a little biased, but the Gaff is easily the best bar in State College. Being known for liquor pitchers (which no doubt have killed you more nights than one) and being the only smoking bar in State College prior to 2017, this place will never fail you. It's the oldest bar in Happy Valley but like a good liquor— the older the better. If this is your favorite place you probably thrive in settings with happy people, throwback jams, making incredible memories each visit it being a given seeing both parents and alumni get on your level during football and graduation season.
Gaff, I love you so much it hurts.
10. Inferno
Inferno is definitely one of the more low-key spots which comes to surprise because their Happy Hour specials and music is always 10/10. If you come here you probably like getting the New York City feel when in actuality you're stuck in Central Pennsylvania.
11. Indigo (Founded 2008)
Ahhh. If participating in Thirsty Thursday, this is the one place you wouldn't mind waiting FOREVER in line just to get in. The lights, music and specials are great. It's definitely THE club to go to in State College with a huge bi-level layout with three bars. If this is your favorite place you probably have the "no regrats" attitude and like dressing up (are likely single, too) ... and have tons of basic group pictures by the Indigo wallpaper by the entrance.
12. Liberty
Yet another underrated place with good drinks and a very lax environment— that you could even study or read a book here. If you love Liberty because you straight up like chilling out with a drink in hand. You're probably over the party phase (if you even had one) while enjoying good company and good beer. They even have Jenga so it's a win/win.
13. Local Whiskey
Good vibes, good food, great place to catch a game. You're probably a savvy and sophisticated person if this is your favorite place. Tons of alumni come here, too. I totally recommend taking family here when visiting. If you don't go to Local Whiskey, odds are you snapped a picture of their chalkboard, though. They give us all life.
14. Mad Mex
Tequilaaaaaaaaaaaa. And nachos. And a killer patio. That is all you need to know, so if this is your favorite place— you're fun and I like you.
15. Phyrst (Founded 1966)
Home of celebrating your twenty-PHYRST birthday with traditional green hats. Their phyries and on-tap choices are killer. There's always live music— even on Sundays courtesy of MHZ. If this is your favorite bar, you're easily a proud beer snob. Honestly, all the glory to you.
16. Pickle's (Founded 1948)
The bar with the most interesting history. The bar is named after the legendary Bill Pickle's and is home of Country Night Tuesdays. This place is always packed, especially with alumni on football weekends. They have good food, but hardly anyone knows that. Drinks are cheap and strong. There's never a cover, either so really— how can one ever go wrong? The answer is simple because they can't. You definitely love being with a huge scene of people, have great patience for standing, booze and watching sports if this is your go-to.
17. Primanti's *RIP Gman* (Since 2014)
Pman is easily home for our fellow Pittsburgh Nittany Lions. This bar is always fun with crazy but worthwhile lines). It's the home of the drunk duck. The art on the walls are so unique and the bathrooms are honestly something else— I'm referring to the decor, of course. You probably are a member of Greek life, love the "big bar" feel, or a football fangirl since the athletes come here often... if you're a regular.
18. Saloon (Founded 1976)
One of the more popular dive bars— this place is small but fun with live music. If you love Saloon you're probably shamelessly addicted to Monkey Boys and know the ultimate cures for hangovers. Be my friend, please. Show me the ways.
19. Sharkie's
The legitamate definition of low-key. Given the reputation as the "townie" bar, this place is small but shouldn't be skipped over. There's never a cover and stay true to the pub-feel with pool, darts and beer selection. If you love Sharkies you are probably not into crowed bars. If you aren't a regular, odds are you've bought something on the bottle shop side of the bar.
20. Skellar (Founded 1933)
One of the most popular bars football weekend and an alumni favorite, the Rathskeller won't ever disappoint. This picture does not do the bar justice since there's a whole other side. This place is fun and underrated. If you love Skellar, you probably love more intimate yet still raunchy settings.
21. Z Bar (Founded 1973)
A restaurant based type of bar feel, it's definitely somewhere you'd want to go for a good meal with drinks. It's a good date spot and place to take your family. If this is your go-to, you're probably not a student— or into drunk shenagians.
22. Zeno's (Founded 1972)
Must be a "Z" thing, but this place also isn't the black out type of scene. It's fun, serves great drinks, and there's food right next door. If you like this bar best, you probably don't like trendy places but love having a solid good time regardless. Zeno's is one of those places you might accidentally end up but on the flip side, you'll ultimately be thankful for.
Everyone has good stories... If you're catching my drift. Whether you're a student, alumni or have visited Happy Valley— comment below your favorite bar and favorite memory from it!
