With Penn State’s diverse student body, it only seems right that the food scene in State College be just as diverse.

Restaurants everywhere cater to any mood you are in. Many students are used to the downtown food scene, but what about restaurants outside of downtown?

Here is a list of some of the best restaurants outside of downtown, for when folks are bored or celebrating a special occasion.

Plaza Mexican Bar & Grill

Table-side guacamole? Say less.

In my opinion, this is the most authentic Mexican food you can get near Penn State. Plaza’s menu has lots of options, too.

Whether you want tacos, a salad, or one of their many “especialidades,” Plaza Mexican has something for everyone. A personal favorite of mine is the Tacos de Pollo that includes everything you could ever want on a taco.

Definitely an amazing place to go if you want to try something different!

The Naked Egg

This is a new favorite discovery of mine. This brunch spot is fairly priced and invites you in for truly delicious food.

As a breakfast sandwich lover, I can say this place makes a great sandwich. The Naked Egg offers many natural, healthy options in addition to your basic breakfast go-tos. And for all of you matcha lovers, theirs does not disappoint!

Definitely worth checking out if you wish to avoid the long lines at The Waffle Shop.

The Field Burger & Tap

Nothing says Penn State pride quite like a burger named after you.

The Field is best known for having specialty burger creations crafted by none other than the Penn State coaches. What better way to celebrate Matt Campbell’s first season than the Coach Campbell’s Roman Burger?

The Field doesn’t just have burgers; they offer a wide selection of higher-end comfort foods, as well as a lovely selection of drinks.

While this restaurant will appear on every top restaurant list in the State College area, it is worth mentioning because it’s that good.

Gigi’s Southern Table

Southern food can be quite limited in this area, but Gigi’s does it right.

Another top restaurant in the area, but I feel it is very overlooked. They have numerous gluten-free and vegetarian options on their menu, which is a bonus for those who have struggled to find quality food in those categories. All menu items, including their brunch menu, help bring that southern feeling to Penn State. I mean, where else can you get quality beignets here?

All said, if I am ever craving some pork, this place is my go-to.

Flour & Stone Restaurant

Pasta. Quality pasta. Not the $2.00 boxes from Target, but true, rich pasta.

Paired with a luxury wine and a “Chocolate Semifreddo,” I am finally at peace. Great place to go with your parents when they are in town and want a nicer sit-down experience (plus, they can pay, which is an added bonus).

Cafe Laura

This dining option is only available on campus, and reservations are very selective. But if you get the chance to dine here, I could not recommend it enough.

Cafe Laura is a unique dining experience where Penn State Hospitality Management students organize and host a themed dinner. Some of the most memorable themes have included Bridgerton Night, A Taste of the World Cup, and A Disney Dining Experience.

These dinners include multi-course meals prepared by upperclassmen while they gain real-world experience in their field.

This is one of those experiences that makes Penn State special and highlights what you can do as a student here. Even though students run the dinner, anyone can make reservations. But be prepared because they fill up fast.