If you’re looking to add some flair to your next evening outing, look no further: The American Ale House, situated in Toftrees village, is the perfect getaway for your next dinner out. Not too far (but just far enough) from downtown State College, American Ale House offers an exquisite dining experience for your next date, night out, or really any occasion — all without breaking your wallet.

We began the night with oysters on the half shell. These oysters hail from Glidden Point, Maine, but you’ll also have a choice of oysters from Massachusetts, Prince Edward Island, and even some Pacific oysters from Washington. All oysters are served with apple mignonette and house-made cocktail sauce. The oysters paired perfectly with a nice California Savignon blanc.

After the oysters we moved onto the entrees. Our first plate was the pan roast, which appeared to be a favorite among the crowd there that night. The pan roast was a savory Creole dish with cajun trinity, tomatoes, cream sauce, rice, and a choice of oyster, shrimp, crab, or house. We had the shrimp and enjoyed a sweet Riesling that paired well with the creamy dish.

Next, we had the black garlic crusted salmon with crispy potato, chorizo, snow peas, trumpet mushroom, roast tomato, and greens. The salmon paired extraordinarily with the Rodney Strong Chalk Hill chardonnay.

Finally, we moved onto my favorite dish: the duck. The Duck @ 57 featured roasted cauliflower, pine nut relish, and ginger fried rice. There are very few things in life better than a perfectly cooked duck with a Burgundian style Pinot Noir, of which you have quite the selection at the Ale House.

American Ale House also features a recently renovated dining area, outdoor seating, an open kitchen, a piano bar, raw bar, and a steam bar (from which our delicious pan roast hailed) with the best prices in town.

All in all, it really doesn’t get much better than this. With its amazing wine selection, polite and helpful wait staff, and extraordinary talented chef and cook staff, it’s hard not to become a regular after your first visit to American Ale House.