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    Shandygaff

    2.4 (51 reviews)
    InexpensiveBars
    Closed 7:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    Shandygaff Photos

    Business Info

    SHANDYGAFF ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    DJ
    Very loud
    Divey
    Casual

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    Meghan S.

    Pretty chill bar. Went here for State Patty's Day and there wasn't a long wait to get in. Dancing and music, what more could you really want? Drinks were strong and good. The layout of the bar was a little weird though, the dance floor wasn't very big. We ordered Irish car bombs for the occasion and weren't sure if they were properly made/ had whiskey in the shot, so that was a little upsetting. Not the best bar ever or on campus but still a chill hang out! A big issue with this bar though is the bouncers. They're all rude and you get in trouble for the smallest things. Reading other reviews I see that this is a common theme. Definitely not good for a college bar that is only okay, especially when there are 15 other bars that you could go to.

    Can't miss the sign!
    Nicole W.

    Stop number 3 on my bar tour while visiting Penn State and my first stop here ever. Not really sure why I never made a stop to Shandygaff as a student... Anyways, this is one of the few bars you actually have to go *upstairs* to get to (why are they all in basements?). It seemed like a pretty decent sized bar, but it was a Tuesday night and pretty empty so I could have been fooled. At all my stops, I ordered a vodka cranberry. All the other bars gave me the standard sized cocktail. I ordered one from here, however, and was given a mini-pitcher of my drink. Holy crap I didn't know what to do with the thing. My tolerance is shot since I left school and I needed to be up early the next day. So my husband and I shared and managed to drink half of it... we didn't feel comfortable going much farther than that. $6 for the thing. 6 bucks! Being a Vegas girl now, I'm not used to these affordable prices. Can't really say what the atmosphere would be like on the weekend, since I've never been... but if you're looking for a chill place on a Tuesday to watch a hockey game and get your drink on, then head to the 'Gaff.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    DJ only plays country. Won't respond to requests even when they are Carrie underwood (country queen).

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    2 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Ridiculously crowded. Couldn't get a drink after 45 mins. Bartenders lacking. Go to champs

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    18 years ago

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    13 years ago

    I took my 85 year old grandmother there on a Friday night around 1030. was not disappointed.

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    8 years ago

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Shandygaff

    Review Highlights - Shandygaff

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    Bill Pickle's Tap Room - PBJ kids meal

    Bill Pickle's Tap Room

    (152 reviews)

    $$

    A fun bar to visit with friends while in State College! We were there on a Saturday night, and…read morewhile there were a lot of 21+ students, we saw some parents too. I loved the nostalgia, vibes, and cool decor especially the colored lights strung over the bar, the photo of Bill Pickles on the back wall, and the bathrooms with a history of names on the walls. The Pickle Back Shot, a shot of whiskey accompanied by pickle juice, was fun and unique. The pickle juice chaser added a cool element to the shot of whiskey. I also loved their Frozen Kentucky Coffee which was almost a dessert. Plus, I got to keep the souvenir plastic cup! There were also lots of attentive bartenders and a smaller bar, in addition to the main bar, which made it easier to get drinks/food. During the week, they have many events including their popular Country Night on Tuesdays where patrons can dance on the bar. Have fun!

    Bill Pickles Tap Room in State College is a local favorite that keeps getting better--especially…read morewith their new BBQ menu. The smoked wings, pulled pork, and brisket sandwiches are full of flavor, and the house-made sauces like Carolina Gold are worth trying. It still has that laid-back college bar vibe with great drink specials, trivia nights, and the legendary country night on Tuesdays. The staff is friendly, and the food comes out hot and fresh. It's not the biggest spot, but it stays packed for a reason. Whether you're in for a night out, a casual meal, or just drinks with friends, Pickles delivers. The fried pickles hit every time, and their updated food game makes it more than just a bar. Solid choice if you're in State College and want a fun, tasty spot that doesn't miss.

    Phyrst Bar

    Phyrst Bar

    (111 reviews)

    $

    The Phyrst will always hold a special place in my heart. I grew up in State College, went to Penn…read moreState, and was lucky enough to bartend here back in the mid-'80s. These days I live in California, but every time I'm back home, I make it a point to stop in for a drink and a trip down memory lane. I met up with a few of my high school buddies on a Wednesday night while the students were away, so it wasn't packed but that actually made for a more relaxed night. The staff was upbeat and welcoming, and you could just tell everyone behind the bar was having a good time. There was a live acoustic band playing (though I didn't catch the name), which added a great vibe to the evening. The Phyrst is known for its nightly live music. The bar has been completely renovated since my time working there, and I have to say, the new layout is a huge improvement. It flows better and definitely handles a crowd more comfortably on busy nights. I even had the chance to chat with some of the bartenders and share a few stories from my time behind the bar. It's crazy how much has changed and how much has stayed the same. The Phyrst remains one of the most iconic bars in State College and has been a go-to spot for generations of Penn Staters. Whether you're a student, alum, or just passing through, it's a must-visit.

    First and last bar in our trip to State College. We arrived Friday and our group was already…read morewaiting for us at Phyrst. Great beers, a restaurant downstairs, superb ambiance and plenty of room.

    Shandygaff - bars - Updated May 2026

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