Zeno's Pub

The best underground pub atmosphere in State College can be found underneath the Corner Room on Allen Street, just off College Ave. Zeno's pub is small but truly wonderful. Especially if you are a big fan of beer. As far as I can tell, Zeno's probably has the largest selection of beer in Downtown State College, whether draft or bottle.


Once you find the outside stairs on the side walk of Allen, you head down to a quite small wooden door. Be careful when you walk in, if someone opens it when you're just about to, you'll get hit in the nose. And if you're as tall as I am (6'4''), watch your head! After you clear the ID check and pay cover (if they have a band) the bar will be to your right and the tables to your left. The seating area ends in the stage and here's a useful tip: the bathrooms are to the left of the stage, you basically walk over the corner of the stage. I still have to find the sign for them.


Back to the bar: The great beer variety is immediately visible but Zeno's doesn't lack behind on mixed drinks either. When you chose your drink, don't order something you've had before. Be experimental or just ask the bar tender what he'd recommend (though you might want to give him a hint as to what kind of beer you're into). If you're looking for the vast specials you may find in other bars, Zeno's is not the right place for you. They always feature on draft beer; find the sign for it in the middle of the wall behind the bar. If you like the kind they have, try it. I can almost guarantee that you will never be disappointed. Last Tuesday I treated myself to an Elk Creek Double Pale Ale... hmh... delightful. And only $ 3 a pint, too. Other people pay that for a Coors light at Inferno...


While Zeno's is a great destination on any day of the week, in my unofficial Downtown calendar Bluegrass night on Wednesdays is the one to go to. Be there early (8ish) to get a table. Free BBQ Sandwich included in cover. All together, Zeno's is the pub between College and Beaver. If you want to hang out with friends and drink 'exotic' (compared to other Downtown bars) beers, Zeno's is the place.

Off Topic: What's actually happening on or between College and Beaver or some general Information

As you start discovering the State College Nightlife, you should also be aware of the occurrences on State College's streets. 

College Ave definitely has the most packed sidewalks early in the night when everyone is trying to get into the Bars. My personal favorite is the Indigo line on football Saturdays. It reaches from the Indigo Entrance next to the corner room (almost on Allen street) past the State Theater all the way to the corner of Fraser Street, across from Dunkin Donuts. Insane, and I always love walking by just thinking, why?! Saturdays in general are not the best nights to go out. Too crowded and too expensive, especially football weekends. If you ever get the chance to stay of break, I highly recommend it, because all bars are less crowded, charge no cover but still have all special. I actually can't wait for this coming week.

Now, for some reason, Beaver seems to be the return route late at night. Come two o'clock and everyone pours out of the bars, all the drunk people stumble back on Beaver. Particularly funny last weekend for State Patty's Day when all the side walks were glaced over with ice:

 

If you happened to walk back on College, be aware that there is a camera at the Tavern, that records 24/7 and archives all videos online and freely accessible. And don't ever touch the pig in the little alley next to the Tavern, people do tend to use it as an outside bathroom when they are drunk... 

Out of all the streets in State College that have the greatest fun factor, it's Garner Street. It is the return route for all respectable women from Frat Row. Witness freshman girls in their tiniest skirts and tops with high heels when its way below freezing outside make their way back to campus. Either in packs or accompanied by a seriously pissed off boy friend, regardless, always funny as hell. On that note, happy spring break and watch out when you come back, there's so much to see when your traveling through downtown State College.