Even if our beloved campus is minutes — or even miles — away right now, we all miss our favorite spots like Beaver Stadium, the HUB, dorms and apartments and the beloved Irving’s. Right now, all we can do is hope for the fall semester to bring on more special memories at our special places.
If you happen to be an incoming freshman or even a rising senior, we all have our special spots that may not be super well-known. Whether it’s a hole-in-the-wall coffee shop in State College or your favorite class that is under-hyped, VALLEY took to the (hypothetical) “streets” to speak with some students about the hidden gems that every student should check out.
Salud Juicery
Salud Juicery — a little juice stop on South Fraser Street — sells healthy juices and bowls for a powerful pick me up after class. The only downside is that it isn’t exactly college-budget friendly, but it’s the perfect place to treat yourself.
Are U Hungry
Julia Dermody, a supply chain management student, loves Are U Hungry — located on Sowers Street. She especially likes their honey BBQ boneless wings.
Tokyo Sushi Downtown
For Alysa Rubin, a photojournalism student, Tokyo Sushi Downtown is one of Penn State’s best kept secrets.
“It’s literally hidden,” says Rubin. “But is cheap and delish.”
Hello Bistro
Madison Hungerford, an engineering student, loves being able to customize whatever she wants.
“You can put whatever you want on the salad and they have the best options and dressing,” says Hungerford. “I like being able to customize it to what I want, and it’s a good size.”
Waring Commons
Next on the list, Waring Commons — located in the West’s dining hall — is known for its infamous chocolate chip cookies. Waring Commons is also engineering student Tristan Brown’s go-to place.
“[It’s] not really hidden, but if you’re an incoming freshman, it is imperative you eat [the cookies] at least once,” says Brown.
Icy Snow
Caroline Diaz, a criminology student, loves to spend nights at Icy Snow — a karaoke place located on West College Avenue.
“I went there for my friend’s birthday, instead of to a frat, and it was honestly so much fun,” says Diaz. “I’m surprised people don’t go there as often, to be honest.”
Findlay Commons
For Julie Dermody, Findlay Commons — located in the East dining hall — is her go-to place to study.
“I like to study in Findlay upstairs in the booths late at night because it’s empty and close to my dorm,” Dermody says. “Get a snack at like 11:45 p.m. before the market closes and study until 5 a.m.”
Rayce Johnson, a DUS student, loves to go to Findlay Commons for its wings.
“The line is huge, but the wings are amazing,” says Johnson. “Another huge win for Findlay. ”
F45
Along with Findlay Commons, Rayce Johnson also thinks that F45 — located on East College Avenue — is a cool workout place that not many know about.
“It’s a great workout, and it’ll really get you into shape,” says Johnson.
Saxby’s
Summer Sloane, an advertising and PR major, loves Saxby’s, which is located in the Business Building.
“The green grilled cheese slaps,” says Sloane.
The Knowledge Commons
Grace Mena, a marketing student, found herself a cool spot in the Pattee and Paterno library at The Knowledge Commons.
“It’s always super bright in there, which is helps me for some reason,” says Mena. “It’s on the East side of the library when you walk in from Pattee Mall.”
There are tons of fun and unique places that State College has to offer. If you have a spot that we didn’t mention, tweet us @VALLEYmag with your hidden gems. Don’t worry — your secret is safe with us.
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