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By: Jenn Shutt

If you have a friend or family member who is vegetarian or vegan, you may have experienced the complications that can sometimes be associated with going out to eat.  Have no fear Penn Staters!  State College has a wide variety of restaurants that offer vegetarian-friendly options. These are the top places for vegetarian/vegan friendly faire in Happy Valley:

Indian Pavilion
•    Offers 16 vegetarian-specific plates in addition to appetizers, soups and rice dishes.
•    If you have never tried Indian food before, Indian Pavilion’s lunch buffet presents the chance to try 6 different main courses for only 6.95. Definitely a must for any college student or visitor on a budget.
•    Hours: Tues – Sun Lunch: 11:30am–2:30pm; Dinner: 5pm-10 pm
•    Visit their Web site

Webster’s Café and Bookstore
•    The downtown location is exclusively vegetarian, however does serve tuna on occasion. The menu items change based on what is available locally, but normally includes homemade granola, scones, bagels, quiche, soup and salad selections.
•    Webster’s also serves over 80 types of tea and numerous selections of coffee; all of which are fair trade certified.
•    Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-10pm; 8am-8pm on weekends     
•    Visit their Web site

Cozy Thai
•    Serves 12 vegetarian entrees, rice and noodle dishes in addition to three appetizers, four soup and salad choices and three curry options on their dinner menu.
•    The staff is extremely accommodating and friendly toward the vegetarian/vegan lifestyle and can make some dishes vegan upon request.
•    Hours: Mon-Fri Lunch: 11am-3pm; Dinner: 5pm-9pm (10pm on Friday); Sat 12pm-10pm
•    Visit their Web site

Green Bowl
•    Green Bowl offers everyone exactly what they want, by letting customers create their own stir-fry. Restaurant goers can select from a wide variety of vegetables, sauces and protein options. The board listing sauces uses stars and colors to indicate those that are vegan/vegetarian.
•    Hours: Mon–Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri 11am-9:30pm; Sat 12pm-9:30pm; Sun 12pm-9pm
     Sat & Sun Breakfast 8:30am-11:30am
•    Visit their Web site

Mad Mex
•    Mad Mex offers a unique bar atmosphere with numerous vegetarian items, which are highlighted by a green cactus on the menu. Possibilities range from Pennsyltucky fried tofu to the angry hippie burrito to a dance marathon enchilada and numerous other choices. They also offer tofu sour cream and vegan soy cheese.
•    Overall the menu lists 41 items that are vegetarian or can be made vegetarian.
•    Hours: Mon & Tues 11am-10pm; Wed & Thurs 11am-12am; Fri & Sat 11am-1am; Sun 11am-10pm
•    Visit their Web site

Corrinado’s Pizza
•    Offers the usual pizza place choices for vegetarians, however sets itself apart with its vegan soy cheese delight pizza. This pizza will satisfy and vegan late night craving.  
•    Hours: Mon 11am-2:30am; Tues-Thurs 4pm–2:30am; Fri & Sat 11am–3:30 am; Sun 12pm-2:30am

In addition to the options above restaurants including Panera Bread, Qdoba, Chipotle, Pita Pit, Herwig’s Austrian Bistro, The Deli, Otto’s Pub and Brewery and Faccia Luna offer a variety of Vegetarian choices.