New to the State College bar scene or just unsure of when to hit up where? Here’s a list of 10 of the most popular bars downtown, and what to expect if and when you’re planning on going.
Bar name: The Shandygaff Saloon
Nickname: The Gaff
What kind of time you’ll have: It’s honestly hard not to have a good time at the Gaff. Just beware... karaoke night is strictly karaoke, so be ready to listen to (and sing along with) some brave individuals.
Hot nights: Wednesdays - Karaoke aka “Gaffeoke”
Specials: $6 liquor pitchers, $3 Tallboys
Known for: Varying signature liquor pitchers, the permanent smell of cigarette smoke
Bar name: The Phyrst
Nickname: N/A
What kind of time you’ll have: The Phyrst is full of green hats, twenty PHYRST birthdays are very much a thing here. Rock out to some live music, play some pool, and if it is your birthday, lose the hat ASAP to avoid getting kicked out.
Hot nights: Live music 365 days a year, you can’t go wrong with whatever day you choose to go.
Specials: “Half price everything” happy hours (changes daily)
Known for: Table Wars, Irish Trashcans, Stars and Stripes shots
Bar name: The All-American Rathskeller
Nickname: Skeller
What kind of time you’ll have: Skeller is huge, so there’s plenty of room to move around. No overcrowding here, which can be hard to come by in State College.
Hot nights: Primarily a place to go on the weekend, especially if you’re looking for live music.
Specials: $3 liquor mix drinks varying daily
Known for: 3 bars in one location – impressive.
Bar name: Mad Mex
Nickname: N/A
What kind of time you’ll have: Mad Mex has two very different seating areas. The outdoor tables provide a more relaxed daytime vibe, while the huge bar and surrounding tables inside are perfect for the night out. Come early and hungry, you don’t want to miss their specials.
Hot nights: Mad Mex Mondays - $6 Big Azz Margaritas (all day) and $6 all you can eat mini burritos (4-10pm)
Specials: Happy Hora (weekdays 4:30-6:30pm)
Known for: Big Azz Margaritas, all of the Mexican food you could ever possibly desire.
Bar name: Indigo
Nickname: N/A
What kind of time you’ll have: Indigo is by all means a nightclub, so come with a group of friends who are ready to dance.
Hot nights: “Thurstayyyy Thursdays” - directly from their official website
Specials: Happy Hour – 10pm-12am nightly, $1 long island iced teas from 10pm-12am on Thursdays
Known for: Their long (but fast moving) line.
Bar name: Primanti Bros.
Nicknames: Primanti’s, P. Bros
What kind of time you’ll have: The perfect pregame spot. Awesome sports bar to get a table with friends and family, watch a game, and / or grab something to eat.
Hot nights: THE place to be for any sports game you want to watch on one of their many TV screens.
Specials: “Half price everything” happy hours (changes daily)
Known for: Their sandwiches (duh), Drunk Ducks (yes, it’s a drink), $1.50 pizza slices during happy hour
Bar name: The Lion’s Den
Nickname: The Den
What kind of time you’ll have: The Den is a great time, but don’t go unless you’re planning on dancing; it can get rowdy, so be sure you’re up for it.
Hot nights: The Den is ONLY open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, so take your pick!
Specials: $2 long island iced teas until 12am
Known for: Mind Erasers, their huge outdoor patio
Bar name: Café 210 West
Nickname: Café
What kind of time you’ll have: Café is notorious for being packed to day drink any and every time the temperature is above 55 degrees. Their outdoor tables are perfect for soaking up some sun while enjoying a cold one.
Hot nights: Popular day drinking spot after class on Fridays (note the people with backpacks)
Specials: Varying specials all day, every day of the week
Known for: Signature Café teas (variety of flavors)
Bar name: Bill Pickle’s Tap Room
Nickname: Pickle’s
What kind of time you’ll have: Pickle’s is definitely a more relaxed environment compared to other bars, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. You’ll run into a lot of alumni on the way, especially on game weekends.
Hot nights: Tuesdays - Country night (live music and DJ)
Specials: Varying daily, $3 Jack Daniels drinks from 10pm-12am on Tuesdays
Known for: Never having cover… Score.
Bar name: The Darkhorse Tavern
Nickname: Darkhorse
What kind of time you’ll have: Expect a low-key, chill time at Darkhorse - unless you have one too many Tonto’s…
Hot nights: Tuesdays - Kinky Quizzo (with prizes…)
Specials: Half-price drinks and draft beers during Happy Hour
Known for: Tonto’s Demise
