If you’re new to Penn State life, you’ve likely been frequenting the dining halls and dreading picking up the same few options.
But State College has many restaurants to offer. From places to grab a quick slice of pizza, sandwiches and acai bowls, students are never at a loss for food options.
Now, I’m sure that all of the current freshmen have already heard about Roots Natural Kitchen, Honeygrow and Raising Cane’s, but if you’re looking for something new, check out these good eats.
K2 Roots
K2 Roots has an extensive menu of healthy options, such as smoothies, smoothie bowls, juices, paninis and more.
These items allow students to purchase both savory and sweet options, perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even a mid-day snack.
K2Roots outside sign on Friday, Apr. 14, 2026 in Downtown State College in University Park, Pa.
Andrea Lara-Marcial
The current featured items are the “Hailey Bieber smoothie,” Peaches and Creme toast, the Allure juice, the Horseradish Dijon Chicken Panini and much more.
A featured smoothie bowl, and one that’s new to me, is the Brownie Batter Bowl. It contains banana, almond butter, agave, cacao, dates, strawberries and other ingredients, all coming together to create the flavors of everyone’s favorite childhood snack: brownie batter right from the mixing bowl.
The Corner Room
While some freshmen may have seen this restaurant on their walks downtown, they may not realize all it has to offer.
The Corner Room isn’t just a place for lunch or dinner, but for breakfast, too. You can get “The Original” Grilled Stickie Bun as a treat, avocado toast, a classic bacon, egg and cheese sandwich or a sweet serving of stuffed french toast.
These options are great for all students, as the food is spectacular, and it aligns with the typical college student budget. Purchases here range from as cheap as $5 to over $20.
If you’re looking for a place to grab food with your friends without your bank account taking a hit, the Corner Room is a great spot to grab a meal.
Pump Station Cafe
The Pump Station Cafe is a short drive out into Boalsburg, so if you don’t have a car, it’s time to convince your friends who do with this menu.
The cafe has a wide selection, selling both seasonal featured beverages and its own classics, as well as sweet and savory breakfasts and lunches.
If you follow a gluten-free diet, they also have options here with their baked goods and bread that you can supplement into your orders.
Another fun feature to their menu is their lotus drinks. Personally, I had never heard about this until going to the cafe, but I was pleasantly surprised. A lotus refresher is an energy drink, naturally caffeinated, tasting similar to a flavored tea or lemonade, depending on the flavor you buy.
Whether you love coffee or not, this restaurant is still a great place to go, as it has options for all — caffeine tooth or not.
The Field Burger and Tap
The Field Burger and Tap on 1 Country Club Ln offers more than what may seem. Burgers are a fan-favorite here, but they also serve breakfast and lunch, including pancakes, omelets, salads and appetizers to share.
This one is another quick drive out of downtown, but it’s worth the gas money if you’re looking for a feel-good meal, like the ones you have at home for a barbeque.
A sign hangs on the wall outside the entrance to The Field Burger and Tap on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in State College, Pa.
Lucas Yendrzeiwski
There are burgers and sandwiches here influenced by some Penn State coaches, in addition to their staple options, such as “Coach Campbell’s Roman Burger” and “Coach Katie’s Craft” — you can see what their picks are at the Field Burger and Tap.
And don’t forget to save room for dessert: You can get a milkshake, cobbler, lava cake or another sweet treat to end your meal.
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Dining and Cooking