The Best Burgers Near State College: Top Picks for Every Craving
State College boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with talented chefs showcasing local ingredients in innovative dishes. Yet, in a true college town, exceptional burgers are essential for survival—and State College delivers with an array of outstanding options. Have you tried them all?
If You Want It Branded and Beautiful
The Field Burger & Tap elevates burgers with Instagram-worthy branded buns and a house blend of sirloin, ground chuck, brisket, and short rib. Topped with regional Amish cheeses and premium ingredients, these patties shine. For a unique twist, try the Eleven Oaks Farm burger featuring responsibly raised Wagyu beef from Newville, PA—renowned for its rich flavor and buttery texture, rarely found locally.
If You Want It Paired with Local Brews
Experience the difference of local, pasture-raised beef at Elk Creek Café + Aleworks in Millheim. Their signature burger, nestled in a Brioche roll from Gemelli Bread, pairs perfectly with Brookie Brown Ale, Poe Paddy Porter, or Hairy Johns IPA (while available).
Closer to town, Otto’s Pub & Brewery offers the Cowboy Burger with Hogs Galore bacon, Black Mo BBQ Sauce, stoutie onions, and cheddar, alongside a Mt. Nittany Pale Ale. For variety, try “the No. 18,” blending Otto’s Apricot Wheat Ale and Double D IPA.
If You Want It Classic or Creative
Baby’s Burgers & Shakes serves diner classics like Wimpy Burgers by the sack, plus inventive specialties: Brain Fuel with peanut butter, bacon, lettuce, and mayo; or Mac Attack topped with house-made mac and cheese.
If You Want Extra Flavor
American Ale House excels beyond its Steam Bar menu with the 6-ounce Ale House Burger: smoked cheddar, spicy remoulade, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a grill-seasoned patty boasting eight spices for bold taste.
If You Want It Without Red Meat
The Deli’s ABC Turkey Burger delivers with avocado, Hogs Galore bacon, Goot Essa wood-smoked cheddar, house bacon mayo, lettuce, and tomato on a Kaiser roll. Pro tip: Save room for dessert!
If You Want a Hearty Working Person’s Burger
At Whiskers in the Nittany Lion Inn, the ‘Local 8’ honors Teamsters Local 8 with an 8-ounce patty topped with bacon, caramelized onions, cheddar, and a fried egg. Pair with boardwalk-style fries in Cajun, Old Bay, or classic seasoning.
If You Want It with a Side of History
Duffy’s Tavern in Boalsburg serves the 1819 Burger, commemorating the historic limestone building’s construction (celebrating 200 years!). This 8-ounce patty comes with bacon, French fries, coleslaw, fried egg, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle—and a steak knife for the challenge.
If You Want It Off the Beaten Path
Venture 30 minutes to Hublersburg Inn for the Hubie Burger: Tussey Mountain WingFest-winning spicy garlic ranch wing sauce, French fries, grilled onions, provolone. Customize with mushrooms or bacon—and request extra napkins.
If You Want It from a New Spot
Tailgate Sports Bar & Grill (formerly Damon’s) features meat-topped burgers like the Hangover with fried egg, pulled pork, tomato, and onion ring. Thursdays offer Burger Night discounts without skimping on flavor.
BRGR, opening in the former Citizens’ Bank on West College Avenue, boasts gourmet classics, signatures, and build-your-own with 9 meats, 27 toppings, 10 cheeses.
If You Want It Your Way
State Burger Co. in Bellefonte lets you customize: choose meat, bun, toppings, sauces, and fry seasonings for your ideal burger.
If You Want It Reinvented
Bistrozine on Calder Way innovates with the Bacon Cheeseburger Dumpling appetizer, served with sweet-spicy aioli—enjoy from a swing seat.
If You Want It Fast and Fresh
Five Guys on West College Avenue delivers fresh-to-order burgers and Cajun fries after 12+ years of reliability.
Start your burger tour: Request our official visitor guide.
