If you wanna pay them a visit, make sure to do so before they start closing at 10pm and stop selling alcohol! And don't forget to wear a mask! This is in reverse order, so don't come at me! And yes, I didn't include all of them, these are just my top 10!
10. Bar Bleu
They've got a "swanky nightclub" vibe, complete with blue lights and leather couches. On a regular weekend, there's a line out the door, because people are trying to get in there to order a fish bowl or two! Or three…or four.
9. Lion's Den
The Den definitely has more of a dive bar feel, but don't get me wrong, it's tons of fun! Pre-COVID, it's loud, and very much a dance bar, but it's got an outdoor seating spot to go and chill if you don't want to be in the crowd. It's pretty popular though, having good music that you can hear from a block away, and lines down the street from Wednesdays-Saturdays.
8. Primanti Bros.
Lots of students go to watch a football game and enjoy a beer, and their sandwiches are great! Just not as much of a bar vibe as a sports hangout spot. But hey, go for the sandwiches!
7. Bill Pickle's Tap Room
They have a really wide dinner menu, so you could go for a night of dinner and drinks, or you could always just head for the drinks! And for all you country music fans out there, Tuesday nights is country music night! All in all, a solid, all-around American bar.
6. The Shandygaff
The Shandygaff, which is more commonly referred to as "The Gaff", is a staple for a lot of Penn State students. It's fun, and they had a karaoke night once a week pre-COVID, but they only got the #6 spot because they've got a lot of competition!
5. The Saloon
They've got a fun stage and little bar area, which is super fun for formals and events held here! Plus their pitchers are pretty darn good! AND they serve chicken baskets?? Say less.
4. Phyrst
I know this bar has a rep for only being the spot you go to on your 21st birthday, but their drinks are fantastic, and I feel like they're kinda underrated! The environment is fun, even though it's a bit harder to enjoy because of COVID. But still super awesome!
3. Doggie's Pub
Their new outdoor seating is super nice, they've got a fantastic outdoor space, and their live music is always fun! Their drinks and shots are pretty well priced! And they serve Jell-O shots! Plus their food is pretty damn good!
2. Cafe 210 West
Their pitchers are iconic, and their food is delicious! The outdoor seating, both in the front and the back are awesome, and they are the prime spot for day drinking. And those skillet fries?? I mean, come ONNNNN.
1. Champs Downtown
Finally, coming in at the number one spot, we have Champs! They came second in Barstool's Best Bar competition last year, and they are a personal favorite of the Jonas Brothers, who came and held a concert there! Enough said.
