New downtown State College bar & restaurant features Penn State-inspired menu items
The Graduate State College hotel opened in 2019 and now has a new restaurant and bar that, like the hotel, channels Happy Valley and Penn State vibes into everything it does.
Executive Chef William “Will” Thomas is at the helm of the Trophy Room, having worked on the property for 25 years, most recently as the executive chef of Tarragon at the previous Atherton Hotel.
The downtown State College hotel is one of more than two dozen Graduate Hotels properties situated in college towns around the country. The restaurant’s concept is rooted in nostalgia, the hotel’s food and beverage manager, Brian Walker, said.
“From the restaurant design to the menus, every element has been thoughtfully curated by the Graduate team and tailored to its location,” Walker said. “For example, the food and cocktail menus pay homage to the city with State College-inspired names, like the ‘Mt. Nittany Quesadilla’ and ‘Atherton Giggle Juice.’”
Other State College-adapted items on the menu include the Happy Valley Water cocktail, with strawberry vodka, cranberry juice, soda, basil and lemon, and the Ms. State College cocktail, with gin, St. Germaine, grapefruit juice and soda. A Pennsylvania Mule, made with whiskey rather than vodka, is also available.
Otherwise, non-themed items include standard American fare and shareable items at reasonable prices. The small menu includes a few appetizers, salads and sandwiches. In comparison, the cocktail, beer and wine list is a little more robust.
While the hotel in general is sure to appeal to any visiting alumni and student families, Walker expects the new restaurant will likewise draw Centre County residents and even students.
“Diners can expect a bustling atmosphere filled with students, alumni, families and community members,” Walker said. “We are especially excited to host Penn State sports fans and visitors alike on game days.”
Following the restaurant’s opening Aug. 19, Walker said that a few bestsellers and crowd favorites have emerged on the Trophy Room menu.
“It’s safe to say our cocktails are pretty popular with the State College crowd ... given they pay tribute to the city in such a fun way. As far as dishes go, the Smashburger has been a favorite so far,” he said.
The Graduate Smashburger features a beef patty with American cheese and the Graduate “comeback” sauce and is served with fries.
For those who want to visit Trophy Room in the near future, the perfect opportunity might be Friday, when the hotel is hosting a pop-up event in collaboration with Cool School Vintage. According to Walker, attendees will be able to browse and shop for “one-of-a-kind clothing finds” before the Penn State-Villanova game.
Trophy Room, 125 S. Atherton St., is closed Monday through Wednesday; open 4 p.m.–midnight on Thursdays; 7 a.m.–noon and 4 p.m.–midnight on Fridays; 7 a.m.–midnight on Saturdays; and 7 a.m.–1 p.m. on Sundays. More information can be found at https://www.graduatehotels.com/state-college/.