21 Delicious Restaurants in Happy Valley, PA

Happy Valley isn’t just football country — it’s a foodie paradise tucked into the Pennsylvania mountains, and you’ll definitely want to come hungry! With farm-fresh foods and inventive menus, these top restaurants in Happy Valley will keep you coming back for more.

After several delicious trips to Happy Valley, I can confidently say this is one of Pennsylvania’s most underrated food destinations. There are plenty of restaurants I go back to time and time again (Flour & Stone and Breakfast on Boal, just to name a few).

When you visit, you’ll find farm-fresh ice cream, cozy cafes, craft breweries, and globally inspired dishes. There are so many great restaurants in State College and the surrounding towns. Here are a few of my favorites to get you started.

A special thanks to the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau for sponsoring our trip! As always, all opinions are my own.

Where to Eat in Happy Valley, PA

1. Flour & Stone

Flour & Stone is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in Pine Grove Mills that’s perfect for a cozy date night. In the summer, you can dine outside on their patio (which is perfect for a weekend brunch!) They’re now open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.

For dinner, I recommend the Meatballs & Ricotta to start, the Sausage Rigatoni or the Black Sesame Sirloin for your main, and a Boozy Limonata with gin to drink. For breakfast, I recommend the Avocado Toast, the F&S Homemade Baked Oatmeal, or the Farmer’s Plate, plus their Matcha Mule mocktail.

2. Breakfast on Boal

Breakfast on Boal is a popular breakfast spot in Boalsburg where you can get a really homey, delicious breakfast.

I recommend the Avocado Toast, the B.O.B. Sandwich, the French Toast, the Denver Omlete, the Boalsburg Breakfast, a side of Scrapple, or the Biscuits and Gravy.

3. Way Fruit Farm Café

Way Fruit Farm Café is a local farm cafe in Port Matilda serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner and some of the most delicious homemade apple cider I’ve ever had.

For breakfast, I recommend the Egg Sandwich, the Cinnamon-Sugar Toast, and an Apple Cider Donut Whoopie Pie. For lunch, I recommend the Turkey & Swiss Stack, the Hogs Galore BBQ, and the Cluck and Crow. And always, I recommend getting the Apple Cider, either hot or cold depending on the season!

4. Allen Street Grill

Allen Street Grill is an upscale steak and seafood restaurant in State College. This restaurant located just off of Penn State’s campus is perfect for a date night. (You’ll find it upstairs from The Corner Room, which is next on this list.)

I recommend the Bone Marrow to start, the Monkfish & Crab Arrabiata or the Angus Prime Ribeye ‘Au Poivre’ for your main, the Sorbet Tasting for dessert, and the Tortuga or Kaizen cocktails to drink.

5. The Corner Room

The Corner Room is a State College classic for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. It’s located just across from Penn State’s campus and has been a State College tradition since 1926.

For lunch, I recommend the Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Dipper, the Social BLT, the Corned Beef Reuben, and of course ‘The Original’ Grilled Stickie Bun.

6. The Tavern

The Tavern is a classic American restaurant for steak and seafood that’s been a State College staple since 1948. Its historic back bar, called Adam’s Apple, is known for the Original Sin, a blend of cherry brandies, triple sec, sours, and champagne; it’s the classic way to start a night out in State College!

I recommend the Pross Scallops, the Tavern Prime Rib, or the Bolognese. To drink, I recommend the Original Sin, or the Caramel Mockiato mocktail.

7. The Field Burger and Tap

The Field Burger and Tap is known for their boozy milkshakes. This State College pub even has some of the best burgers in the state!

I recommend The Field Burger and Coch Kieger’s “Juicy Lucy”, along with the boozy Cookies & Cream Hard Shake.

8. The Naked Egg Cafe

The Naked Egg Cafe is a cozy cafe on the edge of State College and Pine Grove Mills. This classic dinner serves delicious breakfast and lunch.

I recommend their French Toast Special, the Eggs Benedict, or The Whole Farm. For a morning drink, try their Iced Spiced Apple Chai.

9. Meyer Dairy

Meyer Dairy is a local dairy store in State College serving fresh ice cream made from local dairy cows (as well as stocking fresh milk and local goods). They have ice cream flights where you get to try four different flavors, and there are over 40 flavors to choose from.

I recommend their Oreo, Black Raspberry, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Butter Pecan.

10. Robin Hood Brewing Co.

Robin Hood Brewing Co. is a brewery in Bellefonte serving up classic pub foods to go with their award-winning IPAs, wheat beers, and experimental brews. You don’t want to overlook this stop on the Central PA Tasting Trail!

I recommend the Chicken Ranch Wrap or an Italian Calzone. Pair with a beer on tap, like their Love Drunk: White Chocolate Strawberry or their Blueberry Topped.

11. Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks

Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks is a fresh farm-to-table local restaurant in Millheim (another stop on the Central PA Tasting Trail as they craft their own beers).

I recommend the Wings, the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich, or the Mushroom Risotto, along with the Millheim Mule to drink.

12. The Dairy Barn at Nittany Valley Creamery

The Dairy Barn at Nittany Valley Creamery is an Amish-owned family farm in Howard that has some of the best ice cream, at the best price, and with the best views.

They have over 20 different flavors to choose from. I recommend the Teaberry, Twisted PB Cup, and Butter Pecan.

13. Café Lemont

Café Lemont is a funky coffee shop and cafe in Lemont that’s decked out with art in every room. Their popular indoor space and shady patio are open for breakfast and brunch.

I recommend the Bacon Egg Cheese sandwich or the Sausage Egg Cheese sandwich. For a morning drink, I recommend their Iced Rose Milk Tea.

14. Creekside at The Gamble Mill

Creekside at The Gamble Mill offers a globally-inspired menu inside a beautiful historic mill in Bellefonte. The menu is made with seasonal ingredients with the majority being sourced from local and regional farms nearby.

I recommend the Korean Chicken, The Big Chop, or the Burrito de Puebla. To drink, I recommend the Creekside Sangria, the Lavender Gimlet, or the Hibiscus Mule.

15. Penn State Berkey Creamery

Penn State Berkey Creamery is the university’s famous creamery that’s been a tradition since 1865. They have a huge selection of fun flavors (and they ship to 48 states if you’re craving a scoop when you get home!).

I recommend their Death By Chocolate and Grilled Stickies flavors.

16. Otto’s Pub and Brewery

Otto’s Pub and Brewery in State College is a local brewpub with an impressive selection of craft beers on tap. On the menu, you’ll find pub classics and in-house beers.

I recommend the Hogonator Pizza, the Turkey Bacon Ranch Wrap or the Bacon Cheeseburger Wedge. Pair it with a local brew — my choice is the Keewaydin Semi-Dry Cider/

17. Boal City Brewing

Boal City Brewing has a taproom and beer garden at the base of Rothrock State Forest in Boalsburg. While they only serve snacks, mezze dips, and charcuterie boxes, they do have a food truck stationed here daily.

Check out which local food truck is visiting on their events page here. And I recommend the Marionberry Gose to drink.

18. Wasson Farm Market

Wasson Farm Market in State College has a seasonal ice cream stand where you can get old fashioned home-made ice cream in a lot of classic flavors (their Banana Split flavor is very popular). Get a cone, a dish, an ice cream float, or a sundae.

I recommend a Sundae with Cookies n’ Creme, Chocolate, and Peanut Butter Cup topped with hot fudge and whipped cream.

19. Local Whiskey

Local Whiskey is Irish pub and whiskey bar in State College that (no surprise) has a huge whiskey collection. They also have a food menu of pub and Irish classics.

They’re also known for their Famous Ernie’s Cheesesteaks. We stopped here for a drink and a snack, so I can recommend their Philly Cheesesteak Fries appetizer.

20. Philipsburg Elks Lodge & Country Club

Philipsburg Elks Lodge & Country Club has their restaurant open to the public. This casual lunch and dinner in Philipsburg overlooks the golf course.

I recommend the Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, the Honey Garlic Chicken Breast, or the Shrimp Tacos.

21. Brother’s Pizza Philipsburg

Brother’s Pizza Philipsburg is a casual pizza parlor in Philipsburg that’s perfect for a quick meal while exploring the downtown area.

I recommend a NY slice of Pepperoni Pizza.

Restaurants in Happy Valley, PA Map

Ready to dig into these to Happy Valley restaurants? Use the map below to plan out your next meal!

I hope you have a great time eating around Happy Valley, Pennsylvania!

More Pennsylvania Travel Tips

• Summer in Happy Valley, PA: 14 Activities near State College
• Graduate by Hilton State College Review: Top Happy Valley Hotel
• Winter in Happy Valley, PA: 18 Activities near State College

Cheers!

Paige

Which of these Happy Valley restaurants will you try on your next trip? Let me know in the comments!