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What Your Favorite Penn State Bar Says About You

Oh, Penn State bars. The power you hold over Penn State students time after time knows no bounds.

From Doggie’s to Cafe to Champs, there’s a bar out there for everyone. Whether you like partying with a live DJ or like keeping it simple by getting a table somewhere to yap with your crew, within downtown State College lies a diverse assortment of over 20 bars.

Each bar showcases exclusive offerings from deals and drinks to live music and trivia, encouraging Penn State students to go out throughout the week rather than just on weekends.

The establishments you choose to spend your evenings and free time at can reveal a lot about your personality, tastes, and overall vibe. We decided to round up most of them and take a deep dive into the types of crowds they attract.

Without further ado, here’s what your favorite bar says about you.

A’s

Ballin’ on a budget, huh?

Although it may be niche, right when you walk into A’s, you’re within a grocery store with a nook for relaxing and sipping on some brews. If A’s is your comfortable bar, you’re likely pretty laid back and go with the flow. You tend to worry about hurting your wallet, therefore suggesting to pregame in A’s 90% of the time. You’re mindful and dare we say, very demure.

With a plethora of domestic and Pennsylvanian beers, you might get a hometown feel perhaps if you’re from Philly, Pittsburgh, or really anywhere in Pennsylvania.

You’re here for a good time, not a long time.

Antifragile

If you find yourself constantly wandering into Antifragile for a beverage, odds are you’re pretty boujee and have an elevated palate and lifestyle.

Joining alumni and townies for some beers or cocktails, you’re the most mature friend in your circle. You probably care about your health and drinking habits as you may find yourself always going for the hard kombucha the bar offers. You’re a go-getter and know what you want to do with your life.

The Basement Nightspot

If The Basement is your go-to, you’re someone who loves an unpredictable, high-energy night out. You probably thrive in packed, sweaty crowds with booming music, and there for one reason: to party hard.

You may even come from a big city like New York or Chicago, where there’s a wide variety of clubs at your fingertips. You don’t need anything fancy and might be the kind of person who’s in the moment, embracing the spontaneity and energy of the night. You’re bold, fun, and a little reckless in the best way.

The Brewery

So, you like living on the edge?

If you’re an old soul and fond of embracing your random side, the Brew is most likely the key to your heart. Rather than waiting in lines for Champs or Doggies on a Friday night, you head right on over to the Brewery to jam out to Lowjack. You listen to hard rock and tend to favor dive bars over clubs.

You may also have a pretty broad sense of humor, finding the bar’s unique shot list funny yet inventive. You know deep down that you’re not going to find cocktails like “Kermit in a Blender,” “Piss Test,” and “Ashtray” anywhere else in Happy Valley.

You like to take risks and live life with no regrets. You don’t mind the possibility of standing in an inch of standing water either.

Brothers Bar & Grill

If Brothers is your favorite spot, you’re probably someone who loves a lively, fun atmosphere but also appreciates affordable drinks and laid-back vibes. You’re social, always down to meet new people, and enjoy the mix of casual and party vibes that Brothers offers. You most likely catch most of your favorite sports here.

You might also enjoy bar games like pool, and you’re there to have a good time without the pressure of dressing up or going all out. You likely prefer a place where you can drink with friends and still feel like you’re part of the action without needing the full nightclub scene.

Cafe 210 West

Didn’t know you were chill like that.

If you’re a Cafe 210 regular, you’re someone who loves good, quality time with your friends, especially when the sun is shining. You love being outside and being one with nature. You’re pretty social but enjoy a more civil atmosphere. You like live music, sitting out on the patio, and soaking in the college town vibe.

You’re the type who enjoys both day drinking and casual nights out. You’re easygoing and probably find yourself there almost every day after class when it’s nice out. You’re always finding an excuse to slam a pitcher and scarf down some skillet fries.

Champs Downtown

You think you’re the main character. If this is your go-to, you’re probably outgoing, social, and a little basic. You appreciate a lively bar with a bit of everything — DJ music, dance floors, elevated surfaces, and flashing lights. Champs is always on your mind and how you make it through each week. It’s your home away from home. You feel as though you can let loose and show off your wild side.

If you’re always upstairs or on the balcony, you might be loud, confident, and assertive. If you find yourself favoring the basement, you’re more timid and intimate and want to improve your pool or pinball skills.

Dollar Vodka Soda Night is your national holiday and DJ Yemi is America’s sweetheart in your eyes.

Doggie’s Pub

You’re someone who prefers a more laid-back vibe but still appreciates being close to the action. If Doggie’s is your spot, you likely enjoy good conversation and being one with the beer garden on nice days. Odds are you favor summer and are an avid baseball fan. You likely are from Philly and don’t mind if things get rowdy or loud.

You might be the type to hang out with a smaller group of close friends and have deeper conversations over beers rather than wild partying. You appreciate a bar with history and a cozier atmosphere. You have great taste in vibes and you know it.

Lion’s Den

First of all, grow up. Second of all, we all know who favors the Den, so this one goes without saying.

Local Whiskey

You likely have a refined taste for drinks — especially whiskey. You’re someone who enjoys a more intimate, sophisticated atmosphere where the focus is on quality over quantity. You probably enjoy conversation and appreciate good company over noisy, crowded bars.

You like the feeling of class but without the cockiness. You’re likely a bit more mature than your peers and enjoy trying new, high-quality drinks. You might prefer your nights out to have a more relaxed and cozy vibe. You’re the favorite child in your family because of this. Meanwhile, your Champs-loving friends hate you.

Phyrst

The Phyrst: the infamous first stop of every 21st birthday in Happy Valley.

You enjoy the classic Penn State bar scene, live music, and rowdy sing-alongs. You might be a bit sentimental, enjoying your friends’ birthday or participating in the bar’s long-standing traditions like “Dueling Pianos.” You’re also probably someone who doesn’t mind crowds or a bit of subtle chaos but likes your night out to be tame. Every time you suggest stopping by the Phyrst to your friends, they roll their eyes, but that doesn’t phase you. You’re dedicated, lowkey, and a little dirty.

You’re probably at least 50% Irish and like the rustic essence of the basement bar.

Bill Pickle’s Tap Room

Bill Pickle’s Tap Room regulars are fans of a more Southern bar environment. If this is your favorite spot, you likely enjoy showing off your cowboy hat and boots, but you’re also there for some decent food and drinks.

You might be a bit more reserved compared to the Champs or Basement crowd, but you still love a solid night out. You can sing along to just about any country song and get rowdy from time to time.

Odds are, Luke Combs and Zach Bryan are your top Spotify Wrapped artists.

Primanti Bros.

You’re involved in Greek life and enjoy spending your evenings with your close brothers or sisters. You’re proud to be an American through and through. You think highly of yourself and have an insane amount of self-confidence.

You appreciate a no-fuss, comfortable environment where you can get hammered, relax, talk sports, grab some comfort food, and rizz your ass off. You most likely hail from Pittsburgh and love the Steelers.

The Shandygaff

The Gaff regulars love to party without worrying about appearances. Some nights you show up in sweats, other nights you pull up all dolled up — that’s what you love about it. If you spend your time here, you’re probably more about the experience than the aesthetics.

You’re someone who’s not afraid of a crowded night full of singing karaoke. You likely enjoy dancing to throwback music with a packed crowd. You’re a night owl, unpretentious, and just looking for an unfiltered good time.

You might also have a soft spot for tradition as the Gaff is one of the longest-established bars in town.

Sharkie’s Bar & Bottle Shop

You’re all about keeping things simple and affordable. You’re likely someone who enjoys playing pool and loves the smell of cigarettes. You don’t need fancy cocktails or trendy atmospheres — you’re here for the drinks, the games, and to be recruited by a motorcycle gang.

You prefer a comfortable and down-to-earth environment. You’re probably someone who values camaraderie and the easygoing, no-stress vibe that Sharkie’s offers.

Stage West

You have an obsession with green tea shots. You are probably the baby of your friend group and scared to branch from your freshman-year ways.

Zeno’s

If the bowels of the Corner Room is your favorite place to be, you’re a trivia nerd, in the best way possible. Though you might be more cultured than your peers, you don’t care. You own it. You like traveling and trying new things no matter what.

You’re on a first-name basis with the bartenders and like listening to Penn State alumni reminisce on their glory days. You feel seen and heard here.

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About the Author

Evan Halfen

Evan Halfen is a senior broadcast journalism major from Newark, DE, and is Onward State's community manager and an associate editor. Evan loves all things Penn State, tomfoolery, tailgating, being loud, just about any beach, the Birds, and his puppy, Wentzy. You can direct all your tips, roasts, and jokes to his email: [email protected] or Instagram: @evan.halfen.

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