I love the vibrancy of downtown State College, with its eclectic mix of stores and interesting restaurants and bars. I try to get there as often as possible, but as many a townie will tell you, sometimes planning a night out in the downtown area is an event in itself (always worth it in the end).
Of course, March in State College means spring break, and for those of us who don’t plan to travel, it means we get our town back for a little while. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love all the energy that the students bring to this area, but it is also nice when things are a little calmer.
There are a few new nightlife spots that are making the downtown area even more vibrant, and spring break (March 9-15 this year) might just be a great time to check them out (although we may have to wait a little longer for a few of these new locations).
For those looking to venture out, either over break or any time, let’s take a look at some of the new and upcoming nightlife options in State College:
Electric makeover
Back when it was the Darkhorse Tavern, the basement/back-alley bar at 117 E. Calder Way was a dark and divey local favorite known for its wings. Jax Bar and Kitchen took over after the Darkhorse closed in 2018, but it never really seemed to get off the ground.
Now the space seems to be lighting up with a new look, theme, and owner. The Hideaway Electric Speakeasy is the latest nightlife spot opened by longtime Lion’s Den owner Chris Rosengrant and Michael Fullington. With a speakeasy feel and neon vibe, the location looks like a fun place to enjoy a cocktail. No word yet if you need a password to get in.
We Are in State College
Philipsburg’s We Are Inn has found a second home in State College, in the former longtime home of Damon’s Bar & Grill. Located at 1031 E. College Ave., the near-downtown location was most recently home to Tailgate Sports Bar & Grill and Lettermans before that.
Owner Pat Romano has a hit up in Philipsburg, so it will be interesting to see what he does with this location — one of the biggest restaurant locations in the area — when it opens sometime this spring, hopefully in March.
Plans include a family dining area on the main level, a bar and patio with its own distinct feel, and a fine-dining type of space in the middle level. The lower level will be open for functions such as banquets, weddings, awards ceremonies, and reunions. When not reserved for those kinds of special occasions, Romano plans to open up the space for nightlife activities. Word is there are plans for a country night with a mechanical bull. We are … excited (but don’t expect to catch me on that bull).
Midwest appeal
When I first heard that Brothers Bar & Grill was coming to downtown State College, I was intrigued. I hazily remember going to the chain’s original La Crosse, Wisconsin, location as a college-aged patron back in the late 1990s. It was a fun night, and those fun times seem to have continued over at the 134 S. Allen St. location that opened in February 2024. By day the large open space provides a Midwest corner bar type feel, where you can get a beer and some fried cheese curds (as a Wisconsinite, I am obligated to get these whenever they are on a menu). By night the music is loud, and happy hour specials are flowing.
Tavern style
Connecticut based Riko’s Pizza will soon be slinging tavern-style pizza at its new bar and restaurant on the corner of South Pugh Street and College Avenue, above Doggie’s Pub. Of course, nothing goes better with a cold draft beer than pizza, and it appears Riko’s will have plenty of options available in the remodeled location that used to be home to local favorite Spats Cafe. The restaurant will have a full bar with a wide selection of craft beers, wines, and specialty cocktails, which all sound like they would pair well with the thin tavern-style pizza Riko’s is known for. With 14 TVs, it might be a fun new place to catch a game and hang with friends.
Big things with Big Springs
I’ve already written about Big Spring Spirits’ new partnership with the Scholar Hotel at 205 E. Beaver Ave., but if you are looking for a good craft beverage you cannot go wrong with one of our local makers. Opened last fall during football season, the new downtown location is already making its mark in the State College nightlife scene. It is just one of the many ways the Bellefonte craft spirit maker is bridging out to new spaces and serving up craft cocktails.
Triplett’s scores
While not technically downtown (close enough), if you have not checked out the newly remodeled Nittany Lion Inn, spring break might be a good time to get a glimpse of this historic Penn State landmark now owned and managed by Scholar Hotels. Over winter break, I stopped for a drink with friends at the hotel’s Triplett’s bar and was impressed with the collegiate atmosphere. Named in honor of trailblazing Penn State halfback Wally Triplett, the open bar room provided a fun place to watch a little football and catch up. T&G
Vincent Corso enjoys drinking local and meeting new people at Central Pennsylvania’s many interesting establishments.
