Penn State
- Nightlife

Lulu’s

Lulu’s is the premier hip-hop club in State College. It features many live bands during the week, but on Friday and Saturday nights the DJs take over for one big dance party.

Cellblock

Wednesdays are actually Cellblock’s most popular night because it is the only place in town which promotes an under-21 night. Dollar shots and 25 cent drafts attract a nice crowd to Cellblock.

Club Indigo

Indigo is the most popular dance club in State College. The line regularly stretches a full block down College Avenue. The drinks are cheap, and the girls look good.

Shandygaff

The ‘Gaff is a long-standing PSU tradition. On football weekends, the Shandygaff is filled with a mix of young and old. The wooden floors and benches show the bar’s age.

The Saloon

The Saloon has more of a “party” atmosphere than many of the area bars; it plays host to live music, karaoke, and DJs during the week, and offers a variety of special mixed drinks. These drinks, including “Monkey Boys,” are big sellers and a great way to start the night. Monkey Boys are available in many flavors and served in pitchers topped with a handful of alcohol-soaked cherries.

Zeno’s

Zeno’s carries what is probably the largest selection of beer in the entire region. This bar is known for its friendly atmosphere, and it offers live music most weekends; these make for an interesting contrast with the dark, smoky basement atmosphere. Zeno’s is located right across from campus, and the food comes straight from the Corner Room!

Tony’s Big Easy

The Big Easy is the place to go for martinis, mojitos, and sophisticated drinks. This place caters to the more upscale crowd, though it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Nightly drink specials and an evening menu keep students frequenting this campus bar.

The Phyrst

The Phyrst is State College’s second-oldest bar, with 15 beers on tap and live entertainment nearly every night. Conveniently located on Beaver Avenue, it’s only a few blocks from campus and centrally located in downtown State College. Phyrst’s unique, Irish themed atmosphere has given it a strong following throughout the region.

The Brewery

Overall, it’s a very small joint, and it doesn’t have the best ventilation—definitely a place to avoid if you don’t like smoke-filled rooms. Home to frequent live performances and open-mic nights, you can also find frequent drink specials throughout the week. The fair variety of on-tap beer is served in mason jars, and there are also bottles available for take-out.

The All-American Rathskeller

The Rathskeller is located in a dark basement and known for cheap drinks and an electric atmosphere. Thanks to Spats Café upstairs, the Skeller is also home to some great food.

Darkhorse Tavern

Located across from campus, the Darkhorse has a low-key atmosphere similar to the Brewery and the Phyrst. The Darkhorse has a reasonably large menu and hosts live music from local bands throughout the week.

Café 210 West

For many Penn State students, the Café is a frat away from frat. Known as “the place to be” on Friday nights in many circles, the Café is also known for less-than-wonderful service and large waiting lines during peak hours. Nevertheless, the outdoor patio seating (except for the worst winter months, of course) is a great draw, and many feel comfortable within the packed atmosphere and large student population. The Café also offers an extensive food menu for late night munchies or midday meals.

Campus Events

Not being 21 is usually not a deterrent for drinking at Penn State. But for those that want to obey the law and stay sober on the weekends, there are many alternatives. Movie theaters and bowling alleys are spread through the area. LateNight-PennState organizes sports and gaming tournaments in the HUB and White Building. Cellblock offers an under-21 night on Wednesdays, which is very popular. For a list of upcoming events, check out www.latenight.psu.edu.