Nestled in a small, easy-to-miss downtown venue, Chumley's is a haven for LGBTA bargoers.

Chumley's, 108 W. College Ave., proudly displays a rainbow flag at its entrance, announcing to State College that it caters to a hate-free crowd.

The bar is laid-back and relaxed. Visitors don't have to keep up with tight pants and fast music. They can be whoever they want to be.

Take Tuesday night, for example.

While most other bargoers were listening to thumping dance and Top 40 music, Chumley's patrons were treated to episodes of The Osbournes and Jackass, with the sound of the TV interrupted only by frequent laughter.

The relaxed atmosphere made it OK for patrons to sip their drinks slowly and zone out to the television. A couple of people at the bar lazily browsed newspapers an act that wasn't frowned upon.

Other nights feature a quiet radio or live music.

The bar can only comfortably fit about 30 people, lending itself to a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

The bartender has enough time to chat with the small crowd seated at the bar instead of rushing around wildly trying to fill drink orders.

The bar is decorated minimally but doesn't lack class. The walls feature only wood paneling and faux twilight-lit windows.

Green lampshades are fixed to the walls, casting a dim, dusky glow. The green shades and gold piping create a definite Irish feel.

The lighting is straight out of a '50s film noir.

The decorations, few and far between, include a half-dozen postcards, a "MIND THE GAP" bar towel and a deer head festively decorated with Mardi Gras beads, a St. Patrick's Day hat and a gold Christmas ornament in its left ear.

Its two unisex bathroom stalls are consistent with its identity that welcomes every sexual identity: Gay or straight, man or woman, and anyone in between or beyond those categories.

Chumley's and its patrons are proud of the bar's LGBTA affiliation, but they also go to great lengths to make all visitors feel welcome.

As long as visitors aren't homophobic, they're very welcome at Chumley's.

"We're a hate-free bar," the regulars will tell you.

But regulars don't just come for the atmosphere; they come for the tasty, affordable drinks.

Mixed drinks are a definite Chumley's standout. The bar serves one of the smoothest grasshoppers in State College for an affordable $3, and the bartender Tuesday was happy to prepare a brandy alexander even though she hadn't made one in three years.

The wine list is humble but adequate.

The draft list, much like the bar's décor, is high class. Chumley's always offers Guinness and Straub on tap, and it also offers a seasonable brew.

Hefe-Weissen will be made available once the current supply of Newcastle Brown Ale runs out.

Of course, if one doesn't want to spend much money, there's always Yuengling Lager and Budweiser.

Visitors can't order food, but that doesn't mean they'll have to go home hungry.

Free bar munchies definitely stretch a college student's dollar. Chumley's swears that the bar grub doesn't vary much from the pretzels and chips variety.

But at least once last semester a dish of Hershey's chocolates was offered.

What's not to like?

Not much.

Unless you desperately need to dance or can't stand coming home without a headache, Chumley's probably won't disappoint.