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in·dig·e·nous (in-dij'.-n.s) adj.
Originating and living or occurring naturally in an area or environment.

If you went to Penn State, you know there's only one place to get grilled stickies...only one place to have a beer on the patio...only one place you can get unlimited sides with your entrée. In many towns, these "one and only" spots are fast-becoming a thing of the past, but Happy Valley is packed with indigenous local establishments, new ones and the same old favorites. Here are just a few you should get out and enjoy.

Check out a few of our and plan a “restaurant tour” of your own.

Updated by Kristin Bushong - Sept. 2009

A Bite for Breakfast

There will always be a long line at the Waffle Shop and other popular morning destinations. Why not give another place a try?

On Sunday mornings, the Deli on Hiester is the place to be, with not only a great brunch and drink menu but live jazz as well. Have a breakfast burrito or made-to-order crepe with a special Deli mimosa. Head over later in the day for a meal from one of the biggest menus in town.

Looking for something quicker? Run over to the Fraser Street Deli for a breakfast sandwich (like a Larry Johnson or Keith Dorney) or a ciabatta panini. More items are available a la carte. No need to rush over by 10:30am – all their breakfast selections are served all day (and can be delivered right to you!)

A Taste of Italy

Of any cuisine, the familiar pizzas, pastas and other Italian fare are probably best represented in town. But where to choose?

The two-story Rotelli on Calder Way features a massive drink (and martini!) menu and a room full of big screens to catch the game. But the real story is their Italian menu. Have a cup of homemade Italian wedding soup with their Sampler Italiano while you choose your entree. Dine in till 4:00 p.m. and have their “World Famous” lunch for just  5.99!

Head over to historic Bellefonte’s Pizza Mia! With strombolis, their own “doagies” and the biggest pizzas around you’ll easily feed your crowd. Have a seat in their comfortable, oversized booths or have it delivered if you’re in the Bellefonte area or near the Nittany Mall.
 
The first place in town to offer wood-fired pizza is N. Atherton mainstay Mario & Luigi's. Choose from their menu of authentic favorites with a glass of wine from their award-winning list. Do your best to save room for one of their stellar desserts, such as cannoli, mascarpone cheesecake or tiramisu, or an after dinner drink. Bring Happy Valley home with you in the form of their jarred sauces!

Liven your Palate

The number and quality of internationally-themed restaurants has grown exponentially in Happy Valley, to the delight of many visitors. What will be next?

Herwig Brandstatter settled here in 1982 after falling in love with Happy Valley. (Aren’t we lucky!) After running a restaurant years ago near Tussey Mountain, he opened Herwig's Austrian Bistro downtown. Find them now next to the State Theatre with a neat open-air dining environment. Their authentic Austrian selections are made fresh each day – see today’s selections on their menuboard!

The best Korean cuisine in town is at Kimchi, easy to access on N. Atherton St. They offer traditional hot pot dishes (for two) and a whole list of “Special Dishes” (like the Seafood Special – with squid, shrimp and mussels with lots of veggies!) Get your meal as spicy as you like; they note the hot items on their menu.

KAARMA Indian Cuisine Redefined is just that - combining Chinese and Indian cuisines for a unique experience. Located downtown next to the CATA office, the restaurant offers a daily lunch buffet and student dinner specials. Their varied menu includes their house Mulligawtany, several breads (try them all in a basket!), chicken, lamb, and a dozen vegetarian selections.

...with a Side of History

Take a quick (and I mean, quick) trip outside of State College and check out some history of nearby towns.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy the Whistle Stop Restaurant in Centre Hall. As the name implies, a train theme is maintained throughout. The restaurant is housed in a train station (circa 1884) that served as a stop between Oak Hall and Spring Mills, and has been a place to dine since 1991. Enjoy tasty, hearty fare and specials from Wednesday to Sunday.

Head down 322 to Boalsburg for Duffy's Tavern, built in 1819. The building’s 22-inch stone walls keep the inside temperature at 68-70 degrees year-round! Enjoy a quiet, intimate meal or head to the pub for a drink and selection off their tavern menu.

Another historical gem is Bellefonte’s Gamble Mill, now run by the same guys as Alto and Zola. What was a 3-brick and 2-wooden story mill built in 1786 has now been repurposed over the past two centuries to become what it is today. Like the other Fonash. Kendeffy establishments, the menu selections are innovative, yet thoughtful with something for everyone.

The Bonfatto family emigrated here from Sicily in the 1910’s and opened a grocery and produce store in downtown Bellefonte in 1919. The company has stayed in the family since! Bonfatto's even has a trademarked sub, dubbed the Bonanza, which cost just 35 cents after its inception in 1958. They still offer the sub of course, along with daily specials, a drive-up window and a whole lot more.

The Finer Things

We have several choices for quite a fine meal here; it’s hard to pick a few to highlight!

Over at the Hilton Garden Inn you’ll find Harrison's Wine Grill & Catering, with a warm and sunny dining area and the freshest of menus. Not your typical hotel dining experience! Harrison’s is an avid Buy Fresh Buy Local™ supporter, with produce, meats, cheeses and more from Happy Valley suppliers. Dine with wine from their carefully selected list. And like their name says, they are an award-winning caterer as well!

Enter the restaurant at the Carnegie House through its glass-paned French doors and ready yourself for an elegant dining experience. Enjoy contemporary European cuisine while taking in a stunning view of the Toftrees golf course and surrounding scenery. Simplify and choose from their Prix Fixe menu; for you can pick an appetizer, soup or salad, and entree from their special offerings.

Be seen at Zola New World Bistro right on College Ave. downtown. Their big city-style menu changes monthly or more (and it’s always updated online!) and always features the freshest fish, and the most unique offerings around town. Jazz lovers will enjoy Friday nights when cool tunes are featured. Come out before heading to a show at the State Theatre; just let your server know your time constraints.

Grab a Sandwich and a Beer

Penn State – named the top party school this year – has more than its share of great places to drink (and we aren’t complaining!) Take your pick:

The best beer in town is also home to a super fresh menu as well. The beer even contributes to the beef at Otto's Pub & Brewery – their spent grain from the brewing process is part of the feed for a farm of local cows, which can eventually be enjoyed in their Texas BBQ Burger and other choices. Beer stars again in their dishes, from Spruce Creek Lager-marinated cheese steak to various styles of chili.

If it has a giant steer on the roof, you can assume they’d have great burgers. And you’re right. But Kelly's Steak & Seafood in Boalsburg is more than great beef (and seafood, and poultry); a lot of their products come form the same company that supplies the White House! Their award-winning hamburgers feature 1/3 lb. Angus patties and come in tasty varieties like Blue Cheese, Swiss and Mushroom and their own Kelly’s Burger.

Thankfully, the owners of Schnitzels Tavern decided to open Olde New York on E. College Ave. before the beloved tavern burned down. One of the most popular destinations on HappyValley.com, Olde New York boasts a massive menu of New York-inspired dishes and a whole lot of great sandwiches. You can even create your own from their deli board! Enjoy one of their dozen drafts or another drink from their 60-foot long wood and cork bar. www.oldenewyork.net

While you are here, enjoy a unique dining experience while supporting local business-owners by getting a table at a restaurant you’ll only find in Happy Valley.

Click here for our complete restaurant guide!