Welcome to The Tavern State College
The Tavern State College, located in the heart of State College, PA, is a culinary gem offering a fusion of contemporary and classic cuisine. With a menu that highlights mouthwatering dishes such as chargrilled lamb lollipops and prime cuts of Black Angus steak, dining here promises an unforgettable experience. The inviting atmosphere, complete with indoor and outdoor seating, sets the perfect backdrop for memorable meals, while attentive service enhances the overall dining journey. Guests rave about the delicious Lobster Cobb salad and the exceptional presentation of dishes. Whether for a special occasion or a casual night out, The Tavern beckons with warmth and flavor.
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220 E College Ave, State College, PA 16801, United States220 E College Ave, State College, PA 16801, United States Hotline: +1 814-238-6116
Welcome to The Tavern State College, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of State College, Pennsylvania. Located at 220 E College Ave, this renowned eatery has been delighting guests since 1948 with its vibrant atmosphere, attentive service, and a menu that bursts with flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual meal, The Tavern promises a dining experience that resonates with both locals and visitors alike.
The Tavern is more than just a restaurant; it's a piece of history. Patrons like Lisa Desmarais praise its “great food, great service,” highlighting standout dishes such as the sumptuous Lobster Cobb salad, generously topped with steak—a true feast for the senses. Similarly, Emily Stefanko reflects on the delicious meals and the engaging atmosphere, crediting knowledgeable staff like Olivia and Justin who enhance the dining experience. Such attention to detail ensures that both the food and service remain of the highest caliber.
Diving into the menu, you'll find a balance of enticing appetizers and rich entrees. The Mezza Board showcases an array of flavors with white bean hummus, baba ghanoush, and fresh vibrant vegetables, perfect for sharing. For something warm and inviting, the Maryland Crab Dip served with house-made potato chips is irresistible. Those seeking a hearty main will rave about the Tavern Steak Salad, which boasts grilled steak atop a bed of fresh greens—a meal that truly elevates a salad to a main course.
No meal at The Tavern would be complete without indulging in their carefully crafted desserts. The Tavern Cheesecake, a recipe cherished since 1948, is a must-try, drizzled with sweet strawberry sauce. Meanwhile, the brownie ala mode presents a delightful combination of warm fudge brownie, creamy vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream that is simply divine.
The ambiance at The Tavern complements its culinary offerings. Customers like George Wacker and Tommy Feest appreciate the lovely venue, equipped with both indoor and outdoor seating, making it ideal for any occasion. From a post-football game feast to a leisurely anniversary dinner, The Tavern provides a welcoming space for diners to enjoy good food and each other's company.
In conclusion, The Tavern State College stands out for its commitment to exceptional cuisine and customer satisfaction. As you step inside, you're not just partaking in a meal; you're participating in a tradition that has woven itself into the fabric of State College. With a menu that celebrates flavor and a team that prioritizes your experience, a visit to The Tavern is undoubtedly worth it.
Wow, great venue, great food, great service! We enjoyed a wonderful anniversary dinner. Attentive service, delicious food, and the libations were pleasant. Enjoyed the Lobster Cobb salad, so much of a feast within the salad it was hard to finish and Hubby had steak added to his salad, special note, they include an entire steak, not just a few stingy slices of steak like many restaurants. Both salads were so good. The venue is beautiful with indoor and outdoor seating. Definitely worth a visit!!
The meal was incredible. This is the calibur of food o expect when I spend this much money. The atmosphere was wonderful. Staff were knowledgeable and fun. Olivia knew her stuff and Justin knows how to open champagne. The big wheel turns and is silent. He nailed it! Food was so so so tasty and presentation was on par. Nom nom
Can't wait to come back here, it's got a lot of history I'd like to take in. The food was delicious. I ordered the pub burger medium. Service was attentive and knowledgeable. I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking for a bit of a higher level sit down dinner in downtown State College.
Our family had a great dinner together at The Tavern, after a Penn State event. Service was attentive and nice. We were glad we checked out this longtime restaurant when visiting campus. Excellent bar drinks. We would return to enjoy a drink in the bar.
Our meal was excellent! We arrived after attending a football game. We were greeted and promptly seated. Our server was friendly and patient. Our meals were flavorful and well definitely be going back.
The ambience is amazing! Our waitress, Hannah was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and gave us great recommendations for our meals. Outstanding service! Highly recommend the Pork Osso Buco. Will definitely recommend to our friends! And anyone else who will listen.
Update March 2025 If you're in Pennsylvania near Penn State, don’t miss The Tavern—a gem of a restaurant with fantastic cocktails, appetizers, and steaks. When ordering steak, I recommend asking for a slightly lower doneness than usual. We’re used to medium in NJ, but here it seemed a bit more well-done—still, the flavor was absolutely incredible. We tried a variety of sides—papas bravas, sauteed mushrooms, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, and mixed vegetables—and every single one was delicious. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the bathroom was impressively clean (always a plus!). Service was excellent, with a super friendly and attentive staff. Everyone at our table loved the desserts too—lots of tempting options to choose from. Heads-up: it's a popular spot, so making a reservation in advance is a good idea unless you're up for a long wait. My phone died, so I couldn’t snap pics of the mains—but trust me, the food was that good. -------------------------- Original review: We went with our son while visiting Penn State, and this is the best place we had been for a great dinner in that area. Every dish we had was cooked to perfection. The meat was well seasoned and perfect temperature. Super friendly staff and quick service. Their drinks are delicious as well. Prices are on the higher side but worth it.
The food was excellent and our waiter was amazing! It's a little pricey but expected for the quality of the food. We had a group of 9 and shared appetizers, and each had a dinner. My daughter was excited there was steak on the kids menu, and she ate the 6 oz beauty cooked to medium rare perfection! Bon Appetit! Too full for dessert, unfortunately!