Dine Like a Local in Happy Valley: Top Fine Dining Spots Recommended by Residents
Ask Happy Valley locals about fine dining, and you'll get diverse answers. As one resident noted in a social media poll, it depends on your definition. Is it just exceptional cuisine, or does it include ambience, service, and other elements? Perceptions have evolved, but locals prioritize outstanding food.
One poll commenter raved about Pine Grove Hall in Pine Grove Mills: “Their food is akin to what I've had at 3 Michelin starred restaurants in Manhattan.” Happy Valley offers abundant culinary gems. Here are locals' top recommendations for your visit:
Grace Restaurant at Carnegie Inn & Spa
100 Cricklewood Drive, State College | Breakfast & Dinner
“It’s almost impossible not to revere the scenery from the dining room, where a bow window allows dinner guests to view the fresh garden Chef Paul utilizes daily, beautiful flowers and the woods bordering the golf course,” states the restaurant’s website. “After dinner, admire the Toftrees area while enjoying a specialty beverage, coffee and dessert by our relaxing fire pit.”
Pine Grove Hall
101 E Pine Grove Road, Pine Grove Mills | Dinner
Step into Pine Grove Hall for a unique Happy Valley experience. The mahogany bar, curated bookshelves, and menu of seasonal dishes and craft cocktails sourced from local farms celebrate regional heritage.
The Overlook Grill
559 N Pennsylvania Ave, Centre Hall | Dinner
For unmatched ambience, The Overlook Grill offers award-winning food and drinks with panoramic Happy Valley views from a mountaintop near Centre Hall.
Manager Angela Pletcher describes it as “upscale casual.” “Our aim is to provide delicious food—with options for both traditional and adventurous diners—with stellar, personalized service in a relaxed environment. Come as you're comfortable!”
What makes The Overlook Grill unique? Here's Angela Pletcher:
“The obvious answer is the view—it can't be beat! Dine with expansive vistas of valleys and mountains, changing with weather and seasons: rainbows, storms, or sunny days.
Our rotating seasonal menus add excitement, like Day Boat Scallops in summer or Oktoberfest in fall, using local produce from Scenic View Farm. Seafood shines year-round: Salmon Nicoise, Horseradish-Crusted Snapper, or Fish & Chips.
Our service staff builds lasting rapport, fostering community among loyal patrons.”
— Jessica Thornton Reilly reviewing The Overlook Grill on Facebook
Duffy’s Tavern
113 E Main Street, Boalsburg | Lunch & Dinner
With 200 years of history, Duffy’s caters to all tastes—from casual bites to refined dishes like bison pub steak, yellowfin tuna, or smoked salmon bruschetta.
The Hummingbird Room
4188 Penns Valley Road, Spring Mills | Dinner
Pioneers in local sourcing, they craft breads, pastas, charcuterie, and preserves. Through Miss Ruby’s Supper Club, enjoy 4-9 course seasonal menus.
Kelly’s Steak and Seafood
316 Boal Avenue, Boalsburg | Dinner
Family-friendly with Pacific Northwest flair, Kelly’s delivers fresh beef, seafood, and poultry daily at great value.
