Dining Options - Casual Dining
Casual Dining
Casual dining restaurants are those establishments that serve food delivered to tables by waiters in a casual, relaxed environment. Prices are usually a bit higher than fast food, but not as expensive as fine dining. Buffet-style restaurants usually fall under this category as well. Some casual dining restaurants serve alcohol, but it is not a required feature of such a place.
Locally available examples of casual dining restaurants include Otto’s, Baby’s, The Olive Garden, Champs, The Deli, and Elk Creek Café.
There are so many restaurants in this category that it would take quite a while to see them all, so we'll show a sampling from around the county. Keep an eye out as you travel around and look for restaurants you've never visited. Maybe there's one in your own neighborhood that's been there for years, but that you've never visited. If it has lasted that long, it's clear a lot of people must like it. Why not check it out sometime? Having a meal in each one is the best way to become familiar with all the restaurants in our vicinity.
Go over this list and try to familiarize yourself with where these restaurants are and what they serve.
Experience a real 1950's diner. Serving hearty portions of all your favorites. Step back in time to a more wholesome era -- poodle skirts and jukeboxes included. This longtime area favorite is known for its milkshakes and "wimpy burgers."
Price Range: $
Location:131 S. Garner Street,
State College
Champs Sports Grill is a multi-level bar and grill located in State College, PA . It offers a large American style menu with burgers, pasta, pizza, steaks and much more. Has spacious inside and outside areas, pool tables, flat screen TVs, booth seating. Large groups, sports teams and buses are welcome. Kitchen is open till 1:00 a.m.
Price Range: $$ - $$$
Locations:
1611 N Atherton Street,
State College
State College
Garfield's is located inside the Nittany Mall and features salads, tex-mex, comfort food, sandwiches, burgers, stir-fry and more. Lunch specials and options for the whole family.
Price Range: $$ - $$$
Location:
2109 E. College Ave,
State College
Gigi's Southern Table serves chic farm-to-table food with southern hospitality. Full bar with craft beers, martinis, and a comfortable lounge.
Price Range: $$ - $$$
Location:
2080 Cato Ave,
State College
Eclectic chef-created comfort food, tempting treats and seasonal specials in downtown Bellefonte.
Price Range: $$ - $$$
Location:
211 West High Street,
Bellefonte
Quaint and cozy restaurant & tavern in the heart of Amish Country. Minutes from State College, Bellefonte, and Penns Valley. Guestrooms available.
Price Range: $$ - $$$
Location:
449 Hublersburg Road,
Howard
A motor-sports themed restaurant serving American food like burgers, fries, and famous chicken wings with 25 different sauces.
Price Range: $ - $$
Location:
501 Benner Pike,
State College