It's the only bar in State College with a fireplace. It's also part of an establishment that has become a staple in traditional Penn State dining.

Adam's Apple, the bar attached to and owned by The Tavern, 220 E. College Ave., blends a classy atmosphere with an extensive drink list that attracts both young and old.

Established in 1948, the bar's interior could very well be mistaken for an earlier age. Dark wood paneling lines the brick walls, which are adorned with black and white photographs of various Penn State athletic teams, dating as far back as 1895.

Antique chandeliers and sconces softly light the bar, while candlelit lamps glow on the few tables that border the perimeter of the room. Dark wooden railings enclose a lower seating area, which includes the fireplace and two tables with checkered tablecloths and padded benches.

Although the setting at Adam's Apple makes it a unique addition to the State College bar scene, it also presents problems during the weekends. The younger college-age crowd fills this tiny bar to capacity on Friday and Saturday nights, making it nearly impossible to fight your way to the bartender.

And the handful of small tables doesn't afford much seating either. But if you and your friends can find a bench, you're set for the rest of the night -- or at least until the bar closes at 10 p.m. (not including special weekends when the bar extends its hours).

Whether it's the younger weekend gang or the older weekday crowd, the Adam's Apple's signature drinks are what keeps them coming. Its Original Sin, which is 50 percent alcohol, mixed with club soda, secret mix, and topped off with champagne, is its most popular drink. It tastes like the spiked punch at a high school mixer. And yes, you can taste the alcohol, but it doesn't overpower you.

The Forbidden Fruit, which is fairly similar to an Original Sin minus the club soda and plus orange juice, is also a tasty favorite. Unlike its sister drink, the alcohol in Forbidden Fruit is undetectable underneath the fruity Kool-Aid veneer. Each drink costs $6 and comes in a sizable drinking glass.

Adam's Apple only has Heineken on tap, but it provides 18 varieties of bottled beer. From Yuengling Lager to Paulaner Heffe-Weizen the beer enthusiast won't go home unsatisfied or broke, as bottles range from $2.50 to $4.

Wine drinkers can also be appeased, as the Adam's Apple offers wine by the glass from $2.50 to $4.95. Its red wine list includes Marcus James Merlot, Robert Mondavi (Woodbridge) Cabernet Sauvignon, Paul Masson Burgundy and Riunite Lambrusco. Its white wine list includes Robert Mondavi Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and White Zinfandel, and Paul Masson Chablis.

During the week, bar flies can order appetizers from The Tavern, but weekenders must make do with crackers and assorted nuts at the bar.

Adam's Apple is open Monday through Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. and often caters to large parties dining at The Tavern.

For more information, check out The Tavern's Web site at www.thetavem.com, or call 238-6116.