Farm-to-Table Restaurants Near State College
With such a rich agricultural history, it’s no wonder that there are some fantastic Farm-to-Table restaurants in Happy Valley. Make sure to add a few of these to your list for your next visit!
- Photo taken by Anna Cook
Farm-to-Table has become a common phrase to describe restaurants but here in Happy Valley, they truly live up to this expression.
Central Pennsylvania has always had strong roots in agriculture and there are a large number of farms in the area. Many of the local chefs will partner with these farmers so they can get the freshest produce or meats to serve in their restaurants.
I’ve even spoken to a chef who creates relationships with farmers and they work together to plan what to grow in the upcoming season!
These restaurants are supporting the local economy and really creating a dining experience that you’ll enjoy. Here are six different suggestions for farm-to-table fare near State College!
This is one of the most unique farm-to-table restaurants as it’s a combination of restaurant and music venue. Listen to a variety of music from Classic Rock to Jazz over dinner or at Sunday Brunch.
They host many different events throughout the week that would be perfect for date night or a fun girl’s night. Of course, Brunch is perfect for any occasion or group and that’s served on Sunday mornings.
The vibe here is a bit like a cozy living room - just with a professional stage in the front. They also have a top-notch bar serving up signature cocktails, beer, and wine.
Last but not least, Chef Tory Glossner is creating some of the most unique dishes with seasonal ingredients that you’ll ever come across.
The small plates include items like Quail Egg Toast, Shrimp Salad, and Spring Risotto while the large plates offer Rabbit Pasta or Beef Belly just to name a couple. Don’t forget to order dessert! Choose from items like the Portuguese Cake or the Dark Chocolate Torte.
This is a unique venue that any foodie or music lover would adore!
Continuing with one-of-a-kind options in Happy Valley, there is RE Farm Café. You cannot get more farm-to-table than this because the restaurant is located directly on the farm where it sources most of the ingredients. “Where you can see our farm from your table.”
Open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, they offer a variety of dining options like inside the café, their outdoor patio, or Chef’s Table option.
On Thursdays, they host live music or trivia nights here and you can also take a cooking class if you want to level up your skills in the kitchen!
As you sit on their outdoor patio, you’ll enjoy views of the surrounding farm but you can see it from inside their café as well from their large windows.
Whether you are seated inside or outside, there is a large focus on the surrounding farm and being in harmony with what nature provides.
They like to call their chefs “composers” because of how they blend the flavors of ingredients like a composer would musical notes.
These composers source as much as they can from Windswept Farm where RE Farm Café is located and then they look to small regional farmers first to supplement their offerings.
When reviewing their weekly menus, you’ll notice that they say the menus are their “plan” for what to serve. It may change depending on what they are able to source on a given day.
If you’re looking for an interesting fine dining experience near State College then give them a try!
- Photo taken by Anna Cook
Gigi’s is a staple in State College and one of the best spots to meet up with friends. This casual spot serves up Southern fare with a flair plus they have a drink menu to satisfy any taste.
If you sit inside, the chandeliers and stained glass windows are juxtaposed by the exposed brick walls giving the room an elegant touch without being too fancy. They also have a very nice patio for outdoor seating on pretty days.
Their menu changes seasonally so if you’re visiting from out of town there is typically something new to try each time you’re here. However, their Signature Shrimp & Grits probably won’t be going anywhere for a while.
You can get lunch and dinner here every day of the week and then a special Brunch menu is served for limited hours on Saturday and Sunday.
They are famous for their Bloody Marys but serve a wide variety of cocktails, wine, and beer. On their Brunch menu, you can find things like Bananas Foster French Toast, Fried Green Tomato Benedict, and a Lowcountry Strudel.
Their lunch and dinner menus are full of flavorful options from sandwiches and tacos to larger plates like Blackened Skillet Salmon and the Farmers Pork Chop.
Creekside at Gamble Mill
As one of the top restaurants in Bellefonte, Creekside should definitely be on your list of places to try. With an eclectic menu that changes often, you never know what you may find here.
The restaurant is located on the second floor of the historic Gamble Mill which has been recently renovated to house Creekside, The Republic Bar, Smith + Front boutique, and short-term rentals.
The original mill was built in 1786 but was sadly destroyed in a fire in 1892. It was reconstructed in 1893 and that is what you see today. The interior of the building highlights the history with modern elements blended in.
Chef Michael Marx prides himself on creating relationships with local farmers to source many of his ingredients directly from them or at the farmers’ markets. In addition to meats and vegetables, he sources locally for bread, coffee, alcohol, and more.
The menu changes often based on what Chef Marx can get but examples of dinner offerings include Korean Chicken, Catfish Po Boy, and Snapper Veracruz.
If it’s on the menu, don’t miss the South Beach Coconut Shrimp! They also have a selection of draft beer and cocktails.
In addition to dinner, they serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays which is walk-in seating only so get there early!
Located at Toftrees Golf Resort, The Field Burger & Tap is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for unique burger creations in State College.
This cozy spot was voted Best Burger & Best Fries in State College in 2021 so you can’t go wrong here.
A few items that they source locally are bread, Amish cheeses, and various cuts of meat that they use for their house-made burger blend.
On the menu, you’ll find burgers like The Lancaster with Lancaster bacon, York Valley Co. cheddar, fried egg, field greens, tomato, and horseradish mayo, on a brioche roll.
Another option is The Goudanough with BBQ pulled pork, smoked gouda, banana peppers, lettuce, and tomato, on a brioche roll. They also have the Penn State Coaches make their own creations for the menu!
In addition to burgers, you’ll also find salads and other sandwich options on the menu but burgers take center stage. You can have lunch or dinner here any day of the week and they also serve breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays.
While many people don’t think of a pub as farm-to-table fare, Otto’s tries to source local ingredients whenever possible and their beef comes from A.V. Farms in Penns Valley.
You can order their beef in dishes like the Braised Beef Melt, Blackened Steak Wrap, or any of their burgers which are always delicious. They also serve Meyer Dairy ice cream so don’t miss out on dessert!
The pub has a casual and laid-back feel so it’s perfect for a lunch or dinner over beers with friends.
Anna is a travel blogger and photographer at Stuck On The Go where she loves writing about outdoor adventure and small town USA. She created her blog to help busy people incorporate more adventures into their lives and inspire them to try new things - even if it's scary. She is based in North Carolina with her husband and German Shepherd who often tag along on weekend trips but she's known to take off on long solo road trips often.
