Best Casual Restaurants in State College

The food was excellent, especially the salad that we shared. They even brought out two plates for us to serve ourselves from. It was an unusual combination of spring mix with cooked butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, and croutons, with a delicate vinaigrette. The shrimp with pasta and Mediterranean salmon entrees were both very good. We tried two of their specialty bourbon cocktails, and enjoyed both of them. We satin a cozy corner couch-style table, which was comfortable and more intimate. We ate at 6:00, and there were only a few tables occupied. I hope that they have more customers later in the evening. It seems to be a hidden treasure. You should try it!

Shrimp and grits meal was delicious and the service was excellent.

We were excited to go to the Nittany Lion Inn with another couple for the first time since they reopened a few months ago. Our server, Timothy, was professional and courteous. The food was pricey and a solid B. When it was time to receive the check, we asked to have the bill divided, and our server said, “That isn’t our policy, but since it’s not busy tonight, I can probably do that for you.” Having lived in this college town for most of my life, this is the first place we’ve been to that doesn’t have that “policy.” And, as we were preparing to leave, another server tossed a cleaning rag onto a table near us as she was walking by—a toss of about 8 feet. We found this peculiar in a restaurant that purports to be “upscale.”

Tried for the first time. Was very pleasantly surprised. Our server was fantastic…  very knowledgeable and great personality. Food was very good. Everything tasted great. A good value overall, and we’ll definitely be back! 

Good food atmosphere, great beer options. We never had a bad experience here