1. Galanga by Cozy Thai. I could rant and rave about this quaint restaurant all day and night for the rest of my life -- that's how insanely good the food is. Not only is it located right on College Ave, making it convenient for students to grab a bite, but also the atmosphere of the place gives off a relaxed and cozy vibe. The menu consists of a variety of chicken, fried rice, and noodle dishes, all of which are delicious. If you are nervous about trying Thai food, fear not; there are several plates without curry and other spices you may be scared of! I find myself thinking about the pineapple fried rice more than I'd like to admit, but with large portions and cheap prices, you get a lot for your money, which will ease your guilty conscience.
2. Gumby's Pizza. Two words: pokey stix. Cheesy bread topped with spices and paired with marinara sauce or garlic butter: this is the intoxicated Penn State student's go-to snack. But don't cast Gumby's off as just the pokey stix place; they also offer wings, pizza, stromboli and other carb-overloaded foods that will satisfy your bottomless stomach.
3. D.P. Dough. This place is always packed. Whether it's lunch time, dinner time or late night, Penn Staters can't get enough of D.P. Dough. Most famous for its large variety of calzones, there will always be something everyone is excited to devour. With selections such as the Buffer Zone, consisting of breaded chicken, mozzarella, blue cheese and hot sauce, and the Mac Daddy, filled with mac & cheese and bacon, you can't go wrong.
4. The Deli Restaurant. Which, by the way, is not an actual deli, but rather an all-American restaurant serving everything from pasta and fish to nachos and potato skins. Therefore, this restaurant is suitable for every and all occasions. I have been here on a date, with friends, family and, if you are 21, for drinks at the bar. Pricing is relatively cheap, which is exciting for college kids with a thin wallet, and the huge range of food items leaves customers struggling to decide which entree to order, and which to try next time.
5. The Waffle Shop. The likelihood of there being a line outside of this breakfast/lunch place on a Saturday or Sunday morning is pretty much a guarantee. Despite this annoying factor, it is 110 percent worth the wait. When the same breakfast selections at the dining halls get old -- and they will -- the Waffle Shop comes in clutch, offering huge portions of pancakes, waffles, eggs, and more to satisfy your tired tastebuds.
6. Insomnia Cookies.
7. Are U Hungry. Never have I ever heard of a food place quite like this one. While Are U Hungry serves an array of food items including hangover specials, salads and burgers, it is mostly known for its insane combination of ingredients in their sandwiches. The idea behind these "fat sandwiches" seems to be taking every fried and unhealthy (yet delicious) food you can think of, and making a ginormous sandwich out of it. With the number one selling, Fat B**ch, consisting of steak, American cheese, pork roll, egg, two mozzarella sticks, mayo and ketchup, it is clear that this place is perfect for those who are craving greasy food after a night out, or even a stressful night of endless homework.
8. Penn Kebab. Exclusively run at Penn State, Penn Kebab resides on College Ave., running out of a few pick-up windows, making it easy for students to swing by on the walk home and quickly order a chicken or beef dish on the go. Penn Kebab serves authentic food cooked fresh, right before your very eyes, and includes dishes like wraps, kebabs, vegetarian options and other Turkish dishes. Since downtown is buzzing at all hours of the night, it is no surprise that there is typically a line outside the Penn Kebab windows. This place is a must-try before graduation!
9. Wings Over. When I think of watching an away game on TV, the first food that comes to mind is wings. Wings are the epitome of an away game, Sunday football snack, and with several types of wings and ribs with an assortment of different sauces, getting a delivery of these tasty treats is just too easy. Aside from football, wings add a new level of enjoyment for any occasion -- from the frats to the eighth hour of your study session at the library.
10. Chipotle. When I began writing this, I wanted to avoid major chains, such as Panera and Five Guys, since we can assume everyone loves them and they are found everywhere. However, if youhave ever seen the constant line out the door at Chipotle, you know why including this hot spot on my list is a must. If you are craving Mexican food and want it fast, Chipotle is the place to go. Famously mentioned on Yik Yak, Twitter, and many other social media outlets, Chipotle is loved by all but, for some reason, it has become the stereotypical food of choice for college-aged girls. Under many females' list of "likes," you will find Chipotle every single time. You may call them basic, but at the end of the day, all they care about is their burrito, and while they are gulping down their quality Mexican dish, you are sitting there empty handed, so who is the real winner here?
2. Gumby's Pizza. Two words: pokey stix. Cheesy bread topped with spices and paired with marinara sauce or garlic butter: this is the intoxicated Penn State student's go-to snack. But don't cast Gumby's off as just the pokey stix place; they also offer wings, pizza, stromboli and other carb-overloaded foods that will satisfy your bottomless stomach.
3. D.P. Dough. This place is always packed. Whether it's lunch time, dinner time or late night, Penn Staters can't get enough of D.P. Dough. Most famous for its large variety of calzones, there will always be something everyone is excited to devour. With selections such as the Buffer Zone, consisting of breaded chicken, mozzarella, blue cheese and hot sauce, and the Mac Daddy, filled with mac & cheese and bacon, you can't go wrong.
4. The Deli Restaurant. Which, by the way, is not an actual deli, but rather an all-American restaurant serving everything from pasta and fish to nachos and potato skins. Therefore, this restaurant is suitable for every and all occasions. I have been here on a date, with friends, family and, if you are 21, for drinks at the bar. Pricing is relatively cheap, which is exciting for college kids with a thin wallet, and the huge range of food items leaves customers struggling to decide which entree to order, and which to try next time.
5. The Waffle Shop. The likelihood of there being a line outside of this breakfast/lunch place on a Saturday or Sunday morning is pretty much a guarantee. Despite this annoying factor, it is 110 percent worth the wait. When the same breakfast selections at the dining halls get old -- and they will -- the Waffle Shop comes in clutch, offering huge portions of pancakes, waffles, eggs, and more to satisfy your tired tastebuds.
6. Insomnia Cookies.
Next to pokey stix and D.P. Dough, Insomnia is the perfect snack after you are all partied out. Staying open till 3 a.m. as well as delivering, Insomnia's freshly-baked, warm cookies are nearly impossible to resist. Serving a multitude of cookies including peanut butter cup, s'mores, double chocolate chunk and M&M, Insomnia hits the spot. Offering specials such as the Sugar Rush with 12 cookies, the Major Ranger with 18 cookies, or the Big Man On Campus with 24 cookies Insomnia cookies can be bought for any number of people, and they make a great birthday present that won't blow your budget.
7. Are U Hungry. Never have I ever heard of a food place quite like this one. While Are U Hungry serves an array of food items including hangover specials, salads and burgers, it is mostly known for its insane combination of ingredients in their sandwiches. The idea behind these "fat sandwiches" seems to be taking every fried and unhealthy (yet delicious) food you can think of, and making a ginormous sandwich out of it. With the number one selling, Fat B**ch, consisting of steak, American cheese, pork roll, egg, two mozzarella sticks, mayo and ketchup, it is clear that this place is perfect for those who are craving greasy food after a night out, or even a stressful night of endless homework.
8. Penn Kebab. Exclusively run at Penn State, Penn Kebab resides on College Ave., running out of a few pick-up windows, making it easy for students to swing by on the walk home and quickly order a chicken or beef dish on the go. Penn Kebab serves authentic food cooked fresh, right before your very eyes, and includes dishes like wraps, kebabs, vegetarian options and other Turkish dishes. Since downtown is buzzing at all hours of the night, it is no surprise that there is typically a line outside the Penn Kebab windows. This place is a must-try before graduation!
9. Wings Over. When I think of watching an away game on TV, the first food that comes to mind is wings. Wings are the epitome of an away game, Sunday football snack, and with several types of wings and ribs with an assortment of different sauces, getting a delivery of these tasty treats is just too easy. Aside from football, wings add a new level of enjoyment for any occasion -- from the frats to the eighth hour of your study session at the library.
10. Chipotle. When I began writing this, I wanted to avoid major chains, such as Panera and Five Guys, since we can assume everyone loves them and they are found everywhere. However, if youhave ever seen the constant line out the door at Chipotle, you know why including this hot spot on my list is a must. If you are craving Mexican food and want it fast, Chipotle is the place to go. Famously mentioned on Yik Yak, Twitter, and many other social media outlets, Chipotle is loved by all but, for some reason, it has become the stereotypical food of choice for college-aged girls. Under many females' list of "likes," you will find Chipotle every single time. You may call them basic, but at the end of the day, all they care about is their burrito, and while they are gulping down their quality Mexican dish, you are sitting there empty handed, so who is the real winner here?
