Mac and cheese is a cherished meal among folks of all ages, especially here at Penn State. It’s a food staple for college students and comes in many forms, almost all of which are amazing, we might add. Not many comfort dishes can come close to the simple cheesy elegance of a good bowl. We picked a few of our favorite mac and cheese spots in State College.

Noodles and Company — Mary Frances Pillion

Noodles and Company has my very favorite mac and cheese Downtown. Some may think that it wouldn’t be that great, considering Noodles and Company is a chain place, and believe me, I was skeptical myself. But let me tell you, this is some of the best mac and cheese I’ve ever had, and I am definitely a mac and cheese expert because it’s basically the only thing I would eat when I was a little kid (who am I kidding, I’m 20 years old and it’s still pretty much the only thing I eat). This mac and cheese comes out piping hot with a shredded mix of cheeses on top of the noodles, and creamy cheese sauce under that. Once you mix all of that glorious cheese together, you get the most delicious, cheesiest mac and cheese you could find in Downtown State College.

The Corner Room — Caitlin Gailey

 West Dining Commons — Lexi Shimkonis

Okay I know what you’re thinking. Dining hall mac and cheese is the best in all of State College? Absolutely. Hear me out. If you’ve ever had the privilege of a full bowl of fresh mac and cheese from Waring Commons (West Dining) then you know the thick, gooey carb and cheese combo is everything a good mac and cheese should be. Finish.

Sheetz — Ethan Kasales

Honestly, (*Kanye voice*) Boston Market makes the best fast casual mac and cheese of all time. But if we’re strictly talking downtown State College, give me a custom bowl from Sheetz on Pugh with black olives and chili. I’m pretty much obsessed with black olives, don’t judge (actually, go right ahead).