Who doesn’t love eating outdoors? Whether you are at home on your back porch or on the patio at your favorite restaurant, nothing beats sitting outside in great weather enjoying a good meal. There are so many great restaurants across Happy Valley, and those bites are even better when you can take in all the sites and sounds of nature.

Here is a look at some of the best outdoor dining options across Happy Valley before the cold weather moves in:

Gigi’s Southern Table
2080 Cato Ave., State College
www.gigisdining.com

Gigi’s Southern Table offers one of the best outdoor patios in the area that overlooks the beautiful mountains of Central Pennsylvania. Gigi’s is an amazing local field-to-fork restaurant that brings authentic, mouthwatering flavors of the south to Happy Valley – with everything from shrimp and grits and Louisiana gumbo to Cajun chicken pasta and Bayou blackened steaks. Gigi’s also has a long list of fresh made cocktails that include a unique watermelon mint julep and a blueberry lavender collins – made with fresh ingredients from Tait Farms just outside of State College. Whether you’re in the mood for a full dinner or an appetizer and a fresh cocktail, Gigi’s patio is a must-stop for outdoor dining in Happy Valley.

Voodoo Brewing Company
201 Elmwood St., State College
www.statecollege.voodoobrewery.com

What started in 2005 as a small batch brewery in Northwest Pennsylvania, Voodoo Brewing Company now has locations and taprooms in eight different states – including one right here in Happy Valley. With a rotating draft list and a great selection of to-go beer options, Voodoo Brewing Company is a must-stop for craft beer enthusiasts. Voodoo Brewing features highly-rated year-round lagers, IPAs and stouts and the brewpub also regularly rotates seasonal and special release beers. And through their partnership with local seafood supplier Maine Bay & Berry, Voodoo State College has some of the best and freshest seafood you’ll get anywhere in Pennsylvania. Why go all the way to New England when you can have an amazing, fresh lobster roll right here in Happy Valley? Voodoo Brewing Company has a lot of outdoor seating right along the banks of Slab Cabin Run. Voodoo Brewing also has great weekly entertainment – including a cornhole league, pub trivia, and bingo!

Tussey Mountain Bär and Kitchen
301 Bear Meadows Rd, Boalsburg
https://tusseymountain.com/dining/

Known for some of the best skiing in Pennsylvania in the winter, Tussey Mountain is a year-round destination for family fun – and that includes amazing outdoor dining and entertainment options throughout the summer and fall. With the Tussey Bär and Kitchen and the Tussey Beer Garden, the options for outdoor dining and entertainment on Tussey Mountain are limitless. You can grab a seat in the Beer Garden, a table on the Back Patio or throw down a blanket anywhere on the mountain and enjoy the beautiful sunset views along with some local live music. And while dinners, music and sunsets are all great – the Sunday Brunch at Tussey may be the best brunch in all of Happy Valley. You just can’t beat sitting outside with a Tussey Cristo breakfast sandwich and a Bloody Mary.

The View Restaurant & Bar
310 Elks Club Rd., Boalsburg, PA 16827
https://mtviewcountryclub.com/theview/

Open to the public, The View Restaurant and Lounge is surrounded by the premier golf course of Mountain View Country Club. The View serves lunch and dinner, offering indoor and seasonal outdoor dining with spectacular views of Tussey Mountain and Mount Nittany. Their menu features made-from-scratch cuisine including appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees and desserts. Stop in and enjoy their hearty sandwiches, scrumptious entrees, and luxurious desserts including Grilled Sticky Buns A La Mode. Full bar service is available. Cocktail Specials including Seasonal Favorites and our new flagship smoked cocktail specials. Their bar includes 17 draft beers with seasonal selections, local beers and all times favorites from around the world. They have ample dining space, so large parties are always welcomed. Reservations available and recommended.

The Field Burger and Tap
1 Country Club Lane, State College
www.thefieldburgerandtap.com/

The Field Restaurant at Toftrees Golf Resort offers farm-to-table dining, a great selection of local craft beers and award-winning burgers and fries – what more can you want! Toftrees Golf Course is regularly rated as one of the best places to play in Pennsylvania and you can watch golfers on the course while enjoying your meal on the patio at The Field Burger and Tap. While the menu is filled with delicious options, diners won’t go wrong with The Lancaster burger -- a hand-formed burger made with sirloin, chuck, brisket, and short rib and then topped with Lancaster bacon, Amish smoked cheddar, a fried egg, greens, tomato, and horseradish mayo on a fresh brioche roll. And if you have a sweet tooth, don’t forget to save room for the salted caramel pretzel milkshake.