Eating on a budget? Check out the top 10 ‘cheap eats’ around State College and Penn State
Whether you’re an out-of-state college student or born and raised in State College, you might be looking for new, affordable restaurant options as inflated food prices tighten wallets.
Luckily, there are plenty of local options reviewers find affordable and tasty, including on one Penn State’s campus.
Review-based travel advice company TripAdvisor provides information about what restaurants users say offer cheap food options. Winning cuisines included Mexican, Chinese and breakfast, and State College foodies were passionate about the dessert options.
Here’s what TripAdvisor users rated as the top 10 “cheap eats” spots in State College.
10. Jersey Mike’s Subs
The sandwich shop has more than 2,000 locations nationwide and offers hot and cold meal options, as well as catering. Popular items include cheese steaks and Italian-inspired bites.
Rating: 4/5 overall with 44 reviews, 4.5/5 Food, 4.5/5 Service, 4/5 Value
Type of food: American, Fast Food, Vegetarian Friendly
Location: 2009 N Atherton St., Suite 100, State College, PA 16803
9. Big Bowl Noodle House
This cash-only joint serves stir-fry noodle dishes, dumplings, fried rice and other favorites. If you’re in the mood for a treat, you can also enjoy bubble tea and desserts.
Rating: 4.5/5 overall with 42 reviews, 4.5/5 Food, 4/5 Service, 4.5/5 Value, 3.5/5 Atmosphere
Type of food: Quick Bites, Chinese, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly
Location: 428 East College Ave., State College, PA 16801
8. Lupita’s Mexican Restaurant
Lupita’s offers a variety of Mexican cuisine, including tacos, sopes, flautas and gorditas. Reviewers also lauded the restaurant’s carnitas, horchata and salsa bar.
Rating: 5/5 overall with 20 reviews, 5/5 Food, 5/5 Service, 4.5/5 Value
Type of food: Quick Bites, Mexican, Latin
Location: 3180 W College Ave., State College, PA 16801
7. Irving’s
For brunch, salads, sandwiches and coffee drinks, you’ve come to the right place. The Irving’s menu includes bagels, smoothies, oatmeal and more. For a blend full of caffeine and sugar, check out the mocha mama shake: “a chocolate & espresso love affair.”
Rating: 4/5 overall with 105 reviews, 4/5 Food, 3.5/5 Service, 4/5 Value, 3/5 Atmosphere
Type of food: Quick Bites, American, Vegetarian Friendly
Location: 110 E College Ave., State College, PA 16801
6. Chick-Fil-A
This multi-billion dollar business offers chicken-based fast food options, as well as salads, shakes and fries.
While the chain has a wide following for its famed chicken, it has drawn criticism for decades over past contributions to groups that advocate against equality for people in the LGBTQ+ community.
Rating: 4.5/5 overall with 65 reviews, 5/5 Food, 5/5 Service, 4.5/5 Value, 3.5/5 Atmosphere
Type of food: Quick Bites, American, Fast Food
Location: 1938 N Atherton St., State College, PA 16803
5. Sowers Harvest Cafe
Stop by Sowers Harvest Cafe for burgers, soft pretzels, homemade pesto and coffee. The cafe highlights the sourcing of its ingredients and also offers omelets, salads and baked goods.
Rating: 5/5 overall with 36 reviews, 5/5 Food, Service and Value
Type of food: American, Healthy, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free Options
Location: 421 E Beaver Ave., State College, PA 16801
4. Meyer Dairy
Since 1887, Meyer Dairy has been a State College staple for fresh products. The store serves whole, 2% and chocolate milk in reusable glass containers. You can bring your bottle back to be sanitized and reused to receive a discount on your next bottle. Meyer Dairy also offers seasonal ice cream flavors.
Rating: 4.5/5 with 151 reviews, 4.5/5 Food, 4/5 Service, 4.5/5 Value, 3.5/5 Atmosphere
Type of food: Dessert, American
Location: 2390 S Atherton St., State College, PA 16801
3. Original Waffle Shop
Original Waffle Shop has two State College locations. The TripAdvisor ranking applies to the West one.
This breakfast spot dishes out all the classics, including omelets, pancakes and french toast. If you’re in the mood for lunch, you can also try burgers, salad and grilled cheese.
Rating: 4.5/5 with 110 reviews, 5/5 Food, 4.5/5 Service, 4.5/5 Value, 4/5 Atmosphere
Type of food: American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
Location: 1610 W College Ave., State College, PA 16801
2. The Waffle Shop
The Waffle Shop, not to be confused with Original Waffle Shop, serves the State College area with four restaurants. Fan-favorite menu items include strawberry waffles, eggs benedict and orange juice. Other options include philly cheese steaks, grilled sandwiches and burgers.
Rating: 4.5/5 with 631 reviews, 4.5/5 Food, 4.5/5 Service, 4.5/5 Value, 4/5 Atmosphere
Type of food: American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
Location: 364 E College Ave., State College, PA 16801
1. Berkey Creamery
This widely popular ice cream shop at Penn State ships to 48 states and has been lauded by Food and Wine and Pop Sugar Living as a can’t miss dessert destination. Try the sugar cookie sandwiches, Alumni Swirl, chocolate marble and coffee frozen yogurt.
Rating: 4.5/5 overall with 1,339 reviews, 4.5/5 Food, 4.5/5 Service, 4.5/5 Value, 4/5 Atmosphere
Type of food: Dessert, American
Location: Pennsylvania State University 119 Food Science Building, State College, PA 16802
