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The ultimate college town nightlife experience.
Extensive whiskey selection, craft cocktails, good food
Premier whiskey bar with craft cocktails and dining
Live music, wide selection of beers, friendly bartenders
Classic, old-school pub with a cozy, dark, and dingy atmosphere, known for live music
Cider and craft beverage selection, bring your own food, live Irish session
Relaxed, cozy, non-typical bar atmosphere, log cabin coffee house feel
Patio, pitchers, live music
Lively college bar, known for its patio and pitchers
A curated evening itinerary from early drinks to late-night dancing.
Start with cocktails or craft beers at a neighborhood bar. Keep it relaxed — the night is young.
Bill Pickle’s Tap Room
Downtown · $$
Hit the main strip. Rooftop bars, live music, or a lively pub crawl through the best neighborhoods.
The clubs open up. Dance floors fill, DJs take over, and the real nightlife begins.
Manny’s Live Performance Space
Downtown · $$
The heart of State College's nightlife, Downtown is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It's a lively and energetic area, especially on weekends and game days.
This area offers a slightly more relaxed atmosphere compared to the heart of Downtown, with a mix of popular bars and restaurants. It's a great place to start your night or enjoy a more casual evening out.
Known for its lively bars and proximity to campus, this area is a popular spot for students. You'll find a variety of places to grab a drink, from dive bars to larger venues with live music.
| District | Best For | Crowd | Walk Score | Top Venues |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown | Bar hopping | College students and young professionals | 95 | The PhyrstBill Pickle’s Tap Room |
| West College Ave | Casual drinks and pub food | A mix of students and locals | 85 | Café 210 WestZeno’s Pub |
| East College Ave | Student-friendly bars and live music | Primarily college students | 90 | The ShandygaffStage West |
State College has a vibrant and energetic nightlife scene, largely due to the presence of Penn State University. The downtown area is packed with a wide variety of bars, pubs, and nightclubs, offering something for everyone, from casual drinks to all-night dancing.
Some of the best bars in State College include Local Whiskey for its extensive whiskey selection, Zeno’s Pub for its classic pub atmosphere and live music, The Press for its unique cider and craft beverage offerings, and Café 210 West for its popular patio.
Nightlife in State College typically starts to pick up around 9 or 10 PM, with many bars and clubs staying open until 2 AM. Happy hours are a popular way to start the evening earlier, with many places offering drink and food specials.