Underrated Restaurants in State College
Bored of going to the same few restaurants in State College? Well, you’re in luck! Members from our CommRadio Arts department wrote about some of the most underrated restaurants that everyone should check out.
Hibachi Express
Located inside Mr.Wish right off College Ave, Hibachi Express is the most criminally underrated restaurant in State College.
A Japanese/Asian Fusion restaurant that is easy to order delivery (especially from SnackPass), Hibachi Express never receives the same hype that other restaurants in State College do.
Maybe it’s because Hibachi Express doesn’t have the same late hours as Yallah Taco or El Jefe’s, but Hibachi Express is consistently excellent and has a comprehensive varying menu.
From sushi rolls, hibachi boxes, soup and even wings, any Penn State student in the mood for Asian food should be satisfied after a trip to Hibachi Express.
The restaurant also has a lively ambiance, where customers can grab food and a seat. Along with Hibachi Express, their location includes Mr.Wish’s boba teas and an Asian food market in the back.
Having a poor experience while dining (or getting delivered) at Hibachi Express would be hard. It’s always shocking that the place isn’t more talked about because Hibachi Express is one of the best restaurants in State College. - Sophia D’Ovidio
Beijing & Osaka
Beijing & Osaka Restaurant, located on East College Avenue, is undoubtedly the most underrated restaurant in State College. Serving both Chinese and Japanese food, Beijing & Osaka Restaurant is consistently quiet, fast and serves food at a reasonable price.
Beijing & Osaka is clean, has plenty of seating and the food is always delicious. It is unusual to find more than two groups seated in the restaurant, which has about 20 booths inside. Patrons have many options when it comes to ordering, whether it is more convenient to order ahead and pick up, order at the register and dine in or order at the register and take the food to go, Beijing & Osaka Restaurant caters to whatever its customers prefer.
The food at Beijing & Osaka manages to be delicious and fairly high quality without breaking the bank. Customers can choose from the Beijing menu, which contains traditional Chinese food options such as General Tso’s chicken and crab rangoon, or the Osaka menu. Options from the Osaka menu include traditional Japanese food options like steamed or fried gyoza, steamed shumai, and a wide variety of sushi rolls.
Located conveniently next to the Subway on East College Avenue, Beijing & Osaka Restaurant is the one of the few places in State College that does not fill up (regardless of what team the Nittany Lions are playing that week), provides good food at a fast pace and is not overpriced. There is no Chinese or Japanese food in State College that has better value than Beijing & Osaka Restaurant. - Rachel Newnam
Vibe Coffee Co.
Need an aesthetic place to drink coffee and baked goods? Look no further because Vibe Coffee Co. is the answer!
The coffee shop opened in early fall of 2021 and it’s located at 401 W Beaver Ave or inside The Graduate apartment complex. It’s in a weird part of town because it’s close to downtown but not close enough. Not many people know about this place.
It’s owned by a Penn State alum and run by students. It has a relaxed environment with regular coffee house music at a constant. It has a modern feel with black walls and wooden accents.
They started selling stickers, sweatshirts, t-shirts, and more cute merchandise to help advertise the shop. Now for the actual coffee, everything is made precisely to the T. It’s some good coffee, no matter what a person orders.
If someone ever has the time to go to that corner of State College, they won’t be disappointed. - Emily McGlynn
Sophia D’Ovidio is a second-year majoring in communications. To contact her, email sgd5184@psu.edu.
Rachel Newnam is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email ren5102@psu.edu
Emily McGlynn is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email esm5378@psu.edu.
About the Contributors
Emily McGlynn
Third-year / Broadcast Journalism
Emily McGlynn is a third-year from Birmingham, Michigan majoring in broadcast journalism at Penn State. She is the Co-General Manager alongside Alex Rocco and Dylan Price. She is involved in the news, arts and entertainment, sports and production department. In the news department, she is one of the news producers. She frequently writes reviews for the Arts Department as well. Listening to music, watching movies, and staying updated with news and pop culture are some of her favorite things to do. To contact her, email her at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Sophia D'Ovidio
First-Year /
Sophia D’Ovidio is a first-year from Allentown, New Jersey. She is now a communications (undecided) major at Penn State University. Sophia intends on pursuing a career in journalism. Sophia writes for the CommRadio Arts department.
Rachel Newnam
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