Top Spots for Cocktails & Mocktails in Happy Valley
Centre County offers a wealth of excellent bars, ideal for a quick bite, a refreshing beer, or a vibrant atmosphere. For expertly crafted cocktails and mocktails, explore these top Happy Valley venues and their signature drinks, curated by local experts.
The Tavern/Adam’s Apple
Step into The Tavern via the Calder Way entrance to reach Adam’s Apple, its cozy back bar. For over 30 years, this historic spot has served the Original Sin—a sophisticated mix of cherry brandies, triple sec, sours, and a champagne float.
Gigi’s Southern Table
Elevate your brunch with Gigi’s Southern Table’s Bacon & Eggs Bloody Mary. Garnished with chipotle deviled eggs and candied Cajun bacon, it’s a savory Southern-inspired starter for weekend indulgence.
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Mad Mex Pro Tip
Mondays draw crowds but deliver value: Mucho Mad Mondays offer $6 all-you-can-eat mini burritos and $6 Big Azz margaritas from 4 p.m. to midnight.
Mad Mex Happy Valley
A favorite among students, especially on its outdoor patio in good weather, Mad Mex is renowned for its "legendary margaritas" in three sizes, up to the 22-ounce Big Azz. Opt for on the rocks, frozen, or elevate with premium craft varieties.
Liberty Craft House
Complementing its extensive 40-tap draft beer list and diverse bottle selection, Liberty Craft House serves cocktails on tap, including the Happy Valley Hurricane—a regional twist on the classic rum cocktail.
Barrel 21 Distillery & Dining
State College’s newest distillery produces rum, whiskey, gin, vodka, and specialty liqueurs, featured in creative and classic cocktails. Sample the mule flight with mini versions of four seasonal mules.
Local Whiskey
This downtown State College gem offers a sophisticated escape from student crowds. Enjoy weekly drink specials or the standout barrel-aged house Manhattan, half off during late-night happy hour.
Big Spring Spirits
Leveraging Bellefonte’s famed spring water, Centre County’s pioneering new-wave distillery shines with the Centrepolitan—a local Cosmopolitan using house vodka, Tait Farm Cranberry shrub, and orange liqueur.
Non-alcoholic options impress too, like the Pineapple-Ginger Nomito: basil-pineapple syrup, pineapple juice, mint, lime, ginger syrup, club soda, and angostura bitters.
Kelly’s Steak & Seafood
At this Boalsburg staple, Kelly’s continually refines its bar program with inventive cocktails and modern classics, such as a Gin Fizz using aquafaba instead of egg white.
The Field Burger & Tap
Nestled at Toftrees Golf Resort, The Field reimagines favorites like the Salted Caramel Pretzel Milkshake, blending premium spirits with Hershey’s ice cream.
Maggie Anderson is Editor in Chief of Provisions Magazine.
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