Still need New Year’s Eve plans? Check out these dining and event options in Centre County
Still finalizing your New Year’s Eve plans? In Centre County, you can ring in 2025 in high style with celebratory eats and drinks at local restaurants and events.
Many restaurants require reservations, so be sure to check in about availability. Here’s a look at some of the local options.
First Night State College
A holiday tradition for many Happy Valley families, First Night State College takes over downtown with all-day fun. When you’re hungry, head to Sidney Friedman Park for the event’s requisite kettle corn from Hanson’s, but peruse your other options around town as well.
University Baptist & Brethren Church and Faith United Church of Christ will both be offering meals to fund good causes; the former is serving up soups and sweets to benefit the church’s youth group, while the latter is doling out chili, hot dogs and desserts to benefit various ministries. Other local vendors set up throughout the event will include The Bean Box, serving Australian-inspired bites; Inside Out Cookie, with its oversized, stuffed treats; and Rebelz Mobile Cuisine, for offerings like loaded fries, pierogies and cheesesteaks.
Allen Street Grill
For something still in downtown but slightly more elevated, reserve your spot at the Allen Street Grill. A five-course prix fixe menu includes selections such as poached halibut with fennel consommé and roasted root vegetable, and wagyu tenderloin with duck-fat potato and grilled rapini. Reservations are required, the menu is $130 per person and a $50 per person wine pairing option is also available. Jazz and drinks will be flowing in the lobby bar, and seatings for dinner are available between 6 and 9 p.m.
RE Farm Café
For a similarly upscale experience, but away from the crowds downtown, head to RE Farm Café for a five-course meal that includes a soup-and-salad first course, and then shareable small plates for each subsequent course. Expect options like house-made ricotta and potato gnocchi with sage brown butter, chicken roulade with swiss chard and chilies, and braised lamb ossobuco. Cocktails and wine are available on an a la carte basis. The menu is $115 per person and a $40 deposit is required at the time of reservation. Doors open at 6 p.m. for pre-dinner cocktails, with the first course served at 6:30 p.m.
Pine Grove Hall
Pine Grove Hall will be hosting a Latin-inspired New Year’s Eve, combining music from La Fiesta Band with dishes such as pan con tomate, mojo pork “frita” and coconut flan. Cocktails and dancing are likewise on the menu. The $22 event ticket includes a complimentary glass of Champagne.
Prefer a quieter evening? Purchase a $12 ticket and dine in the restaurant’s upstairs, where music from below will be streamed, but the overall atmosphere will be more relaxed and low-key.
Hublersburg Inn
At the Hublersburg Inn, the party kicks off at 4 p.m., perfect if you want to enjoy a delicious NYE dinner before heading home to watch the ball drop. A special New Year’s Eve a la carte menu includes options such as crab bisque, oysters Rockefeller, Champagne scallops, braised short rib and grilled filet mignon.
Wine pairings and a festive cocktail menu will also be offered.
Nittany Lion Inn
If you’ve yet to check out the new Nittany Lion Inn and its various dining options, New Year’s Eve might just be the perfect time to do so. A special prix fixe menu will be available at Lionne American Brasserie from 5 p.m. to midnight. The menu includes multiple options for each course, such as brandy lobster bisque with saffron cream or mushroom consommé with egg royal for the soup course, and vanilla bean torte, blood orange panna cotta or chocolate ganache for the dessert course. The full six-course menu is $120 per person, but guests can enjoy four or five courses of their choosing instead, for $85 and $98 per person, respectively.
Triplett’s Bar will be open until midnight as well, serving its standard menu.
