Aaron Greenfield took a bite of his queso burrito and washed it down with a big gulp of Coors Light.

Along with Greenfield (senior-marketing), about 200 other customers enjoyed one complimentary cup of beer last night from 6 to 8 at Qdoba Mexican Grill, 206 W. College Ave. while they chomped on their quesadillas and dipped their chips in salsa.

"There's no way we would have come if it wasn't for the free beer, we look for every deal possible," Greenfield said. "My only complaint is they should have had Dos XX or Corona to go with the Mexican theme."

Qdoba General Manager Andrew Clapper said the idea of offering free beer had been in the works for a while and everything was recently OK'd by the corporation.

"We heard about Qdoba's margarita promotion in Lancaster and how successful it was," he said. "Beer is the best way to attract people in a college town."

Jacob Leh (senior-economics) said he heard about the free beer from an e-mail message sent out to students registered with LionMenus.com.

"I thought it was kind of strange, but how can you pass it up?" he said. "Coors light is better than what we usually drink."

Clapper said he decided to use the Internet as the sole means of advertising for the event.

"Handing out fliers and putting 'free beer' posters in the window could make a restaurant look bad," he said. "Enough people use the LionMenus service, we knew word would get out."

Clap said he knew the promotion would attract people, but was surprised at the lines, which were almost out the door during some parts of the night.

"After seeing the outcome, I'd like to make this a regular thing and maybe offer free beer once a month," he said.

As long as customers showed proper identification, regardless if they ordered food or not, Qdoba employee Jackie Cammiso (sophomore-communication sciences and disorders), would fill them up a cup of beer from the keg.

Downtown Improvement District Director Teresa Sparacino said she believes Qdoba's promotion is legal.

"As long as they aren't making a profit, they're allowed to give away free beer," she said.

Sparacino said she knew of other locations in State College, including the establishment that was previously located at the Fraser Street Deli, 109 S. Fraser St., that would give away complimentary alcoholic beverages with lunch and dinner.

"Similar rules apply to this situation as the bring-your-own-booze rule that some establishments are currently using," she said.

State College Planning Director Carl Hess said he thinks giving away free beer is not an issue if it does not affect the profit margin of the business and the alcohol stays within the establishment's boundaries.

Clapper said he watched closely, making sure customers would not leave the restaurant with a beer in-hand.

"I know the rules," he said. "I would have jumped over the booths and ran after them."

After Chris Coble (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) finished his meal and took the last sip of his free drink, he said he realized he fell for a marketing ploy.

"I wasn't going to spend any money tonight and would have just ate leftovers," he said. "Instead I spent money on food just for the beer, essentially it was a $6 beer."

His friend, Noah Abbey (senior-communication, arts and sciences), said the free drink also damaged his wallet.

"I have to keep feeding the horse," he said. "Now I have to go get a 12-pack."

Collegian Staff Writer Erin McCracken contributed to this report.