What should I order at The Tavern?
The Tavern
Steak
Steak is frequently praised for its perfect cooking and incredible flavor. Several reviews highlight the steaks being cooked to the preferred doneness and seasoned well, including prime rib and kids' menu steak. Customers recommend ordering it slightly less done than usual to enjoy the best taste.
Prime Rib
The prime rib is specifically mentioned multiple times as delicious, well-seasoned, and cooked to perfection. It is noted as a standout dish and a favorite among guests, often recommended for visitors looking for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Pub Burger / Cheese Burger
The pub burger and cheese burger receive high praise for being juicy, perfectly cooked, and having just the right amount of cheese. Reviewers call it one of the best burgers on the east coast, recommending it for those seeking a classic and delicious burger experience.
Lobster Cobb Salad
The Lobster Cobb salad is highlighted as a generous and satisfying dish, with one review mentioning the large portion size and the addition of an entire steak making it very filling and delicious.
Pork Shank
The pork shank is singled out as the best by one reviewer, indicating it is a flavorful and well-prepared dish that stands out on the menu.
Paella
Paella is recommended for its delicious combination of mussels, clams, chorizo, chicken, shrimp, and saffron tomato sofrito served with Spanish rice and toasted baguette. It is described as satisfying and flavorful.
Lamb Lollipops
The lamb lollipops receive specific mention as fantastic, indicating excellent preparation and taste.
Pork Osso Bucco
The pork osso bucco is mentioned alongside the lamb lollipops as fantastic, suggesting it is a must-try dish for those who enjoy pork specialties.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 5 to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 5 to 9 PM |
| Friday | 12 to 10 PM |
| Saturday | 12 to 10 PM |
| Sunday | 5 to 9 PM |
About The Tavern
Homey, colonial-style eatery with sidewalk seats is an intimate space for seafood, steak & pasta.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
- Rooftop seating
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Private dining room
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Frequently asked questions
What is The Tavern known for?
The Tavern is best known for its prime rib, especially the slow-roasted Black Angus prime rib served with herbed demi-glace, plus its unlimited sides that show up often in reviews. People also highlight steaks, seafood dishes like salmon and bacon-wrapped scallops, and the fact that the food is paired with attentive service in downtown State College.
What dishes are most recommended at The Tavern?
Reviewers repeatedly recommend the prime rib, salmon, crab dip, wagyu burger, bacon-wrapped scallops, and the lobster Cobb salad. Other dishes that get strong praise include paella, lemon thyme rainbow trout, pork shank, and bolognese, with many comments noting the sides like mashed potatoes, mushrooms, and glazed carrots are worth ordering too.
What is the atmosphere like at The Tavern?
The Tavern has a cozy, historic, and upscale feel, with indoor dining, outdoor seating, and rooftop seating that some guests used to take in downtown State College. It seems to work well for anniversary dinners, groups, and visitors to Penn State, and reviewers mention it can also be quiet upstairs even near a main road.
Is The Tavern good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is $30 to $70, and reviewers often describe it as pricey but worth it for the quality of the food and service. Guests say the portions and extras, like a full steak added to a salad and unlimited sides, help justify the cost.
Do you need a reservation at The Tavern?
Yes, dinner reservations are recommended, especially because reviewers say it is a popular spot and waits can be long without one. Several groups noted easy reservation handling and having their table ready on arrival, which is useful for busy nights near Penn State.
Is parking available at The Tavern?
Yes. Paid parking garage, Paid street parking, Usually somewhat difficult to find a space is available.
Does The Tavern have vegetarian options?
Yes, The Tavern offers vegetarian options.
Is The Tavern kid-friendly?
Yes, The Tavern is good for kids.
Restaurants like The Tavern in State College
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