Exploring Happy Valley’s dining scene
Happy Valley is more than a destination for sports and scenery; it’s a culinary haven waiting to be discovered. From cozy cafes nestled in historic towns to innovative eateries pushing the boundaries of flavor, the region’s dining scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Visitors will find farm-to-table fare, artisan creations, and local flavors that celebrate the best of Pennsylvania’s bounty.
In this article, we explore the must-visit spots that make Happy Valley a food lover’s paradise, showcasing places where you can savor the local charm and taste unforgettable dishes. Whether you’re a fan of rustic country meals or upscale dining experiences, Happy Valley’s restaurants invite you to take a seat and experience true destination dining.
"Happy Valley’s restaurants invite you to take a seat and experience true destination dining"
324 Decker Valley Road, Spring Mills
Award-winning wines, events
Since 2009, Seven Mountains Wine Cellars has been creating exciting, new, and different wines that will invigorate your senses and change the way you enjoy wine. Enjoy a wine tasting in their wine cellars located in the beautiful Seven Mountains Region—you can choose from their award-winning vintages, seasonal favorites, or gifts like the 12 Days of Christmas wine case. In the summer, their campfire nights are not to be missed. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets and your favorite campfire snacks to enjoy a campfire and live music. Pets are welcome on a leash.
351 Wise Rd, Howard
Amish-made artisan cheese
Explore the cave-aged, Amish-made artisan cheeses of Goot Essa in Happy Valley. Each cheese is handcrafted in small batches to ensure the highest quality and attention to detail. With 19 varieties available, you can sample the range in their tasting room, savoring cheese made fresh from the farm at the height of its flavor. Every purchase feels special, whether for your table, a celebration, or a thoughtful gift.
The name “Goot Essa” means “good food” in Pennsylvania Dutch, reflecting a commitment to the traditional, handcrafted recipes that have been cherished for generations.
125 E. Pine Grove Rd., Pine Grove Mills
Upscale farm-to-table dining
Flour & Stone is located beside its sister restaurant, Pine Grove Hall, located in Pine Grove Mills. Pine Grove Hall has shifted to locally sourced casual dining, while the new Flour & Stone features field-to-table fare. Enjoy dishes like short rib gnocchi, croquettes, and porchetta. The beautiful venue offers both dine-in and seasonal outdoor seating, creating the perfect upscale dining experience.
101 E. Pine Grove Rd., Pine Grove Mills
Locally sourced casual dining, cocktails, live music
The newly reimagined Pine Grove Hall now features a casual menu (read: great pizza and sammies) while still highlighting locally sourced food, craft cocktails, and live music. (Its field-to-table concept now continues in its sister restaurant next door, Flour & Stone.) Known for its “Eat, Drink, Listen” revolution, the restaurant features live music like “Hops & Hymns” and jazz throughout the week.
576 S. Foxpointe Dr, State College
Wines, tastings, events
This family-operated “farm-to-bottle” winery focuses on dry white and dry red wines, with over thirty wines to please every palate, from crowd-favorite Appalachia Red to their award-winning Ice Wine. Wines can be purchased by the glass or bottle at their beautiful timber-frame tasting room—their patio is a perfect place to watch a Happy Valley sunset. The winery features live music and ongoing events throughout the year.
320 Pine Grove Rd, State College
Breakfast specialties, sandwiches, salads
Check out the eatery that has been featured in national media like College GameDay on ESPN! A local hot spot for breakfast and lunch, Naked Egg features both indoor and seasonal outdoor dining. Enjoy favorites like huevos rancheros, smoked salmon benedict, or shrimp and grits for breakfast, or cheesesteak, fajitas, or burgers for lunch.
220 E. College Ave., State College
Homey, colonial-style eatery
Proudly serving downtown State College since 1948, The Tavern offers extraordinary experiences on game day and beyond. This historic venue offers fireside seating in cold weather months and outdoor seating during warm weather. Enjoy familiar favorites like chargrilled lamb lollipops, Tavern steak salad, or prime rib paired with their extensive wine list. Make a reservation for elevated American comfort food, timeless cocktails, and first-class service.
100 W College Ave., State College
New American cuisine, timeless views
The iconic Allen Street Grill and Corner Room are instantly recognizable landmarks, featuring great food in the heart of downtown State College. Head to the Allen Street Grill for a fresh take on steak, seafood, and craft cocktails. The thoughtfully reimagined space is a great place for game day reservations, offering some of the best views of town as well as Penn State’s campus. Feeding fans since 1926, the Corner Room offers American classics and contemporary cuisine in the form of shareable plates, sandwiches, handhelds, and entrees.
449 Hublersburg Rd, Howard
Seasonal American fare, beer, wine, cocktails
A beloved local spot since 1827, the Hublersburg Inn serves up vibrant American cuisine in a charming, historic setting. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, the Inn offers seasonal menus, inventive cocktails, and local craft beers, earning accolades for Best Sunday Brunch and Best Bloody Mary. Enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner on the garden patio in warm weather, by the cozy stone fireplace in winter, or book a private dining room upstairs for intimate gatherings of 8-14.
The Bistro
1730 University Dr, State College
Breakfast, quick bites, entrees, cocktails
The Bistro, located inside Courtyard by Marriott, offers classics like modern Cobb salad, BLTs, and wings. A full breakfast menu ranges from fruit and yogurt to French toast, sandwiches, and loaded breakfast tots, accompanied by a Starbucks coffee menu. Enjoy a drink with their crafted cocktail menu, wine, beer, and more.
130 S Fraser St Suite 200, State College
Upscale American dining, beer, cocktails
Adjacent to Hyatt Place State College, Federal Taphouse overlooks Downtown State College from its 10,000-square-foot space filled with windows. The chef-driven menu is created in a scratch kitchen, offering favorites like wings, crab dip, bison burgers, salmon, and artisan pizzas. The restaurant features 100 beers on tap
along with a full wine and craft cocktail menu. The space is great for events, accommodating up to 250 guests, and is also a great place for a romantic evening or to watch a game on one of its 17 flat-screen TVs.
Lionne & 1855 Lounge
200 W. Park Ave., State College
Upscale classic American cuisine, wine
The Nittany Lion Inn (NLI) has been reimagined and reopened in 2024, unveiling new restaurants Lionne and 1855 Lounge. At Lionne, each dish is meticulously crafted with the freshest regional ingredients, celebrating Central Pennsylvania’s bounty of small farms and culinary artisans. From remembered favorite Inn dishes to exquisitely plated new creations, the menu reflects a dedication to superior quality. Beverage options include innovative cocktails made with top-shelf spirits, a diverse local beer selection, and a robust wine list. 1855 Lounge offers top-shelf spirits, wines, hand-crafted cocktails, and small plates like tuna poke, bison meatballs, and crab cakes, all meticulously crafted to create brand-new memories at NLI.
Triplett’s
200 W. Park Ave., State College
Pub fare, burgers, steaks, veggie dishes
Triplett’s, a high-energy pub space within The Nittany Lion Inn, pays homage to Wally Triplett, the trailblazing athlete who was the first Black student to earn a varsity letter on the football team and inspiration of the famous “WE ARE” rallying cry. The relaxed, creative space features familiar favorites with an innovative twist, signature cocktails, and lively energy. The menu is designed into quarters, moving from appetizers to salads to entrees to dessert, offering delicious pub fare like brisket burgers, braised pork belly, and spiced white chocolate mousse. Dine al fresco in warm weather, or meet friends at the Triplett’s bar, designed to be the perfect neighborhood hangout.
200 W. Park Ave., State College
Cafe, bakery, breakfast, lunch
Dear Joe is The Nittany Lion Inn’s cafe and bakery, blending flavor and ambiance with a nod to Coach Joe Paterno. The menu features a diverse range of options, from hearty salads bursting with locally sourced farm-produced vegetables to mouthwatering grab-and-go items that are perfect for those on the move. Offering house-made pastries and breads that are baked daily, along with specialty coffee, Dear Joe is a perfect casual dining option for breakfast and lunch. thenittanylioninn.com/dear-joe
198 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte
House-made spirits, cocktails, events
Situated in Bellefonte’s scenic Match Factory with views of Talleyrand Park, Big Spring Spirits uses the award-winning water from Big Spring to craft a lineup of spirits enjoyed in taverns, restaurants, and homes throughout Pennsylvania.
The tasting room offers a menu of over 50 unique craft cocktails, showcasing their house-made spirits and ingredients skillfully prepared by their talented bartenders. While you are there, take a tour of the Big Spring Spirits facility (the first LEED-certified distillery in Pennsylvania, and third in the world!) or enjoy an evening of trivia, live music, or Tequila & Taco Tuesdays.
215 Innovation Blvd., State College
Upscale breakfast, brunch & lunch
The Gardens’ award-winning brunch is back and just as good as you remember. Nested inside of The Penn Stater in Innovation Park, this Yelp-reviewed “perfect Penn State breakfast experience” runs every Sunday from 10 AM-2 PM. Indulge in made-to-order omelets, Belgian waffles, entrees, dessert and more. Enjoy breakfast and lunch menus for the rest of the week, featuring fresh and local ingredients.
401 W High St, Bellefonte
Paninis, subs, game day takeout
This third-generation, century-old grocery store and family-run Italian eatery serves up paninis, subs, and more from its charming Historic Bellefonte location. Along with their popular sub-options like the Bonanza, roast beef, and tuna, the shop also makes from-scratch pastries, salads, soups, and more. It also features specialty and imported meats and cheeses, perfect for charcuterie boards. Bonfatto’s is a great place for easy game-day takeout, featuring game-day pre-orders that can be picked up on your way into town.
5565 Jacksonville Rd, Howard
Ice cream, cold treats
Located on Jacksonville Road in Howard, the Nittany Valley Creamery offers farm-fresh ice cream and chilled treats from its quaint dairy barn store, located at the end of a picturesque lane leading to the Glick family farm. Here, you can enjoy ice cream made on-site with milk produced just steps away. Hand-dipped cones, milkshakes, and sundaes are available, along with pints, quarts, and three-gallon containers in the freezer. You’ll also find ice cream whoopie pies and custom-made ice cream cakes. Please note: Payment is cash or check only.
215 Innovation Blvd., State College
Casual sports bar
Situated inside The Penn Stater in Innovation Park, Legends offers pub fare in a favorite location. Surround yourself with PSU history, catch the latest games on our TV screens, and immerse yourself in the spirited atmosphere that is synonymous with Legends Penn Stater. Check out their legendary burgers like the Penn Stater Burger, or the Bomba Burger, soup du jour with hand-cut fries, or their homemade desserts topped with Creamery ice cream. The bar also offers a wide variety of beer and wine by the glass.
