Even though State College is a melting pot of various drinking establishments, everyone seems to have a place or two he or she likes to call home. The veteran bar hopper knows the places to go depending on his or her disposition.
Since the warm weather is almost over, the time for roaming the streets of downtown State College and hitting all the hot spots is now.
Soon enough, cold weather and snow will be major factors in deciding whether or not to brave the elements for a fun-filled night.
Those looking for outdoor seating will find refuge at bars such as Café 210, 210 W. College Ave., The Deli, 113 Hiester St., Mad Mex, 240 Pugh St., and The Gingerbread Man, 130 Hiester St.
The nightly drink specials perfectly complement the surroundings. All of these establishments also serve food during prime drinking hours.
Even though the drink menus are extensive, Mad Mex is the bar of bars to get a frosty margarita. The time to go is happy hour when they are half-priced.
However, this is also the time when it is most crowded. Mex's chips and dip will perfectly add to any fiesta.
For bar-hoppers looking for more of a party atmosphere, The Saloon, 101 Hiester St., Shandygaff Saloon, Rear 212 E. College Ave., and Crowbar, 420 E. College Ave., host live bands, karaoke and DJs. Drinks, such as The Saloon's "monkey boys," are big sellers and a great way to start the night. These are mixed drinks available in many flavors and served only at the Saloon in pitchers topped with a handful of alcohol-soaked cherries.
Entertainment at these places is hardly ever lacking. Local acts such as Axum, Velveeta and DJ Cluck work hard to keep everyone happy.
Some enjoy a more artsy atmosphere, and for those, we recommend Zeno's, 100 W. College Ave., Bar Bleu, 114 S. Garner St., and Tony's Big Easy, 129 1/2 S. Pugh St.
These places are known for their Bourbon Street style, jazz music and a relaxed mood.
Finally, low-key es-tablishments such as The Brewery Inc., 233 E. Beaver Ave., The Darkhorse Tavern, 128 E. College Ave., Phyrst Inc., 111 1/2 E. Beaver Ave., and Rathskeller All American, 108 S. Pugh St., are small but have great character. The dim lighting and cozy booths are informal, but these places are rarely empty.
To prepare for the big night, it is important to arm yourself with vital information, such as the times and places for drink specials. Making a list may be less than cool, but after a few stops and a few drinks, it is easier than you might think to forget these important facts. Plus, being the oracle of information may score you some free drinks. The Daily Collegian's Venues is a great way to find out what is going on, as well as visiting www.statecollege.com/ bartour. The rest is in your hands. Don't let one bad experience at a place turn you away -- it might just end up being the place where everybody knows your name.
Adam's Apple
220 E. College Ave.
Hours: 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily
Connected to the Tavern Restaurant, the Adam's Apple boasts and upscale atmosphere.
Allen Street Grill
100 W. College Ave.
Hours 11 to 2 a.m. daily
The restaurant offers live entertainment about four days a week. Music featured is mostly light acoustic.
The Brewery Inc.
233 E. Beaver Ave.
Hours: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday; 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Thursday
The Brewery has live music Monday through Saturday. Customers can play billiards or darts.
Café 210 West
210 W. College Ave.
Hours: 11 to 2 a.m. daily
This outdoor café is also a restaurant. It features live bands most nights.
Champs Sports Bar and Grill
1611 N. Atherton St.
Hours: 11 to 2 a.m. daily
Although full dinners are not served after 11 p.m., the kitchen is open until 1 a.m. for appetizers and other snacks.
Crowbar
420 E. College Ave.
Hours: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. with extended hours on home football weekends
Crowbar hosts live bands from across the country many nights. The bar also offers all-ages shows.
The Darkhorse Tavern
128 E. College Ave.
Hours: 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday
The Darkhorse Tavern is also a restaurant with live bands and darts.
The Gingerbread Man
130 Hiester St.
Hours 11:30 to 2 a.m. daily
The Gingerbread man offers DJs and live entertainment.
The Last Cowboy
1521 Martin St.
Hours 11 to 2 a.m. daily
The Last Cowboy has live entertainment Friday and Saturday nights
and karaoke on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Lion's Den
118 S. Garner St.
Hours: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday; 11 to 2 a.m. Saturday
With an outdoor patio, the Lion's Den offers hip-hop DJ entertainment.
Phyrst Inc.
111 1/2 E. Beaver Ave.
Hours: 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday
The Phyrst offer open mic night every Monday for performers 21 and over. It also features live entertainment every night.
Players Nite Club
112 W. College Ave.
Hours: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays;
9 p.m. to midnight Wednesdays; 9
p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Sunday
The nightclub has DJs six nights a week. It also offers an 18 and older night on Tuesdays.
Rathskellar All-American
108 S. Pugh St.
Hours 11:30 to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday
The Rathskellar features live entertainment. Customers can play billiards or video games.
The Saloon
101 Hiester St.
Hours: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday; 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday; 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday
The Saloon hosts live entertainment six days a week. Customers can play billiards and video games.
Sharkies Bar and Sowers Street Pub
110 Sowers St.
Hours: 11 to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday
Sharkies has several pool tables and 14 taps. Downstairs, the Sowers Street Pub offers additional pool tables.
Shandygaff Saloon
212 E. College Ave (rear entrance)
Hours: 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday
The Shandygaff offers a DJ five nights a week.
Sports Café and Grill
244 W. College Ave.
Hours: 11 to 2 a.m. daily
The restaurant has outdoor and indoor seating, four large screen televisions, three pool tables and darts.
Tony's Big Easy
McAllister Alley
Hours: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily
Tony's offers live entertainment some nights.
Zeno's
100 W. College Ave.
Hours: noon to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday; 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
Zeno's features live bands, and customers can play darts and foosball.
Nicole Charsar contributed to this report.
