Paid $3 cover because they were doing karaoke. The place was extremely quiet, maybe six other patrons. I'm not sure a cover charge was appropriate. The Brewery seemed tired (kind way of saying it is rundown). I don't see the draw of going to the Brewery with so many other options nearby. I think there are better dive bar options in State College. read more

The Brewery - Guiness and Chardonnay - Bars Near Me - State College, Pennsylvania

This review based on my last use of this place in 1973 during my last year at PSU. I was living at Beaver Terrace just a couple of blocks away down E Beaver Ave, close enough to stagger/stumble/crawl home after capping off a night of barhopping in State College with egg rolls at The Brewery. They remain the best egg rolls in memory...although admittedly, I was probably nearly blacked out when eating them. I do remember copious amounts of whatever they were deep-fried in. Sold out of a little window in the middle of the bar, probably unsanitary as hell but wtfc at that age and in that state. Egg rolls and a few mugs of draft beer at 1am...who could want for anything more? Bottom line, under the foregoing circumstances, The Brewery was perfect! read more

My Girlfriend and I were in State College visiting our friends, who were in town from Ohio. Think Philadelphia but on a much smaller scale. This was a very cool place. It is basically a basement and is one of the best dive bars I have ever been too. This was my favorite bar during our weekend of bar hopping. There is plenty of space and tables for groups. There is also a stage for live bands and there was one present the night we came. The live bands make it difficult to have conversation but we managed. The drinks were made cold and well, as well as reasonably priced. I highly recommend stopping in for a drink if you are in town. read more

Been coming to here frequently and infrequently over 5 years this coming August. I've always been treated kindly and fairly, served with attention and helped out if I happened to leave my book-bag or phone behind. It's happened a few times - because I'm absentminded at times or have a thousand different things I'm tracking within my mind. I have to say that I really enjoy the bartenders, atmosphere, entertainment, and people that come here. They really do make an effort to help you out. Respect is returned when given, but those that work here have always shown me respect! Lots of people hate on this place, but I feel like a few of them might be those that choose to be unruly and offensive. Act like an ass and you will be warned and kicked out the longer you keep your act up. If you enjoy chill atmosphere, respectable bartenders, and great live music - then this is your place. Now once and only once I had a drunk guy make advances on a woman I was with and that I'm friends with; and we simply ignored them and mocked them out of earshot. This was outside of the place, had it happened inside - I guarantee they would have been warned and then subsequently asked to leave. I've not seen anyone be harassed or insulted inside. It's got to be super rare and that's telling of the dedicated staff that don't put up with ignoramuses. Love this place! read more

Great dive bar experience, they're usually never super busy unless it's a football weekend, I would recommend

I was incredibly disappointed with my experience last night. After graduating, the bouncer let me in, but not my sister or her boyfriend , who happens to be a veteran. Both of them are several years older than myself. The bouncer said their Connecticut IDs were fake. I wanted to wait for the police to arrive to prove their IDs were legitimate, but was told it wasn't worth it. To the owner...you have something to fix the minute you don't let over-21-year-olds in on graduation weekend. I won't be back again, and you can be sure I won't be recommending this bar to anybody. Get a scanner. Its 2022. Stop trusting your moronic staff to gatekeep who gets in and who doesn't. read more

Came here with a herd of co-workers as we were in State College for a next-day meeting. It can be a little hard to find as the entrance is in an alleyway off of Beaver Ave. We paid a $3 cover at the door on a Thursday night. There was a band there--well, two guys strumming guitars and singing but we enjoyed the music. The place is a DIVE. Dark, dank, basement feel that makes you want to shower the moment you leave. But we love it. We loved the Skeller and this has a similar feel. The bartenders were awesome and the drinks were good. I'm not sure how it is on the weekends, but on Thursday night where other places are typically packed, this place had a decent amount of patrons but we could actually find a place to sit and didn't feel crowded at all. I recommend you check it out--play some pool, listen to some good music and have a drink! read more

THE State College dive bar, ignore all others. But I hear you say: But the Phyrst is like drinking on a pirate ship and they actually have MD 20/20! And Zeno's is tight and small! And... No. That is only because you haven't experienced the Brewery. It's a basement. A basement with $2-4 cover, but still a basement. Considering that cover, drinks still stay fairly expensive unless happy hour is going on. I arrived at the tail end of happy hour, but was still charged full price. Go figure. The real Phyrst Phamily moved down here when they were kicked out and now play on Saturdays. The chairs look like they were stolen from your grade school, and probably were. Same goes for the tables. From what I can assume there are pool tables and such, but they're probably made out of chicken wire and several two by fours. Come for the experience, since I can't really recommend it past that. read more

The Brewery - the logo for the brewery - Bars Near Me - State College, Pennsylvania

Low Jack was playing here and that really does make this place better. Besides that the only redeeming quality would be the great selection of shots. I had a gummy bear shot that tasted just like a gummy bear and a shot that tasted just like cereal. Pretty darn good. They have alright specials for beer, well water with alcohol in it. However, the wait for drinks sucks, it can take 20 minutes when this place is busy. The floors I think are made of dirt, actually suggesting made is too strong, they just built walls and a roof and forgot about the floor. Drinks are not that cheap here either compared to some other closer bars. I would probably have opted to go somewhere else had I known what this place would be like. However, like I said Low Jack (band) was playing and they are pretty darn good so that gives this place 4 stars, dirt floors and crappy prices drop them down to 3. read more

Came here on a Friday night during a big game weekend and the line wasn't bad! It has a very dive bar feel to it. Band playing, pool table and some seating around. I actually had a pleasant time here! Drinks weren't bad and surprisingly a lot of room! read more

So me and my boyfriend went there few days ago and I can say I will never go back. First off, my boyfriend and I were there everything fine, we get up to go for a smoke he forgets his mask, they yell at him. It's whatever right now he knows they are sticklers about masks. We get back In things are fine. Time goes buy and we go for another smoke, my man liter was putting his mask on and was taking a step, and Jimmy the bartender was absolutely screaming at him. So my boyfriend doesn't wanna go back in and asks me to close out his tab (2 beers) right? They would not let me do so, so they made me tell him to come back in just so they could scream and ban him (he was wearing his mask) oh and when this went down, group of college kids right in front of them not wearing masks. Oh and they also charged him 25$ for 2 beers I went to this bar because I was familiar with it and I just turned 21. I didn't realize me and my boyfriend would get treated poorly. Oh and the mistreatment towards me didn't start happening until my ex boyfriend who is a regular came into the bar. Jimmy was nice to me at the beginning but when my ex stepped in that went out the door. They kept taking my waters and then bitched at me for wanting another drink, like guys I was trying to make myself okay but you kept taking my waters. I would not waste my time or my money if I were you by any means read more

amazing aux. best music ever. awesome drinks. Cool gourmet drinks which were very delicious! Friendly staff too! read more

The Brewery - a bar with a menu on the wall - Bars Near Me - State College, Pennsylvania

Definitely a hidden gem, a wonderful one. Let's start with Sight. It's hidden slightly off Beaver Ave. If you're not looking for it, you won't see it. It looks mildly shady walking up to it, but you realize later that it fits with the ambiance and atmosphere of this place. The lights are dim, the floors aren't the cleanest, there's writing on the walls and weird posters and whatnot and duct tape on chairs. The place isn't huge, and obviously not for aesthetic purposes. I would definitely suggest a woman's touch. Let's continue onto Taste. The drinks. Their drinks made me give them the 5 stars. It's difficult to find a good place in State College to get non-beer drinks that aren't 70% alcohol. I hate the taste of alcohol. The Brewery mixes their drinks with effort. The shots are 10/10, you don't feel like you're chugging nail polish remover. And their Happy Hour makes everything so worth it. Contrary to their name, they don't have a huge beer selection, so I come only when I'm needing a mixed drink. Plus, the names of the drinks are weird. Feels weird to say it to the bartenders sometimes. We're hitting Smell next. It's a bar. Not a particularly clean one, but still a bar. Smells like one. They're not blasting AC, so on a hot night, your thighs will definitely get sweaty with a crowd of people all around. As for Touch... A bar is a bar, so wash your hands. And speaking of washing hands, the bathrooms aren't pretty. And finishing off with Sound. They have karaoke on Sundays, which is so much fun. Everyone is drunk, gets up there and sings and no one really cares or judges. I haven't participated myself because I'm shy, but a few of my friends have, several times. They say it's a ton of fun. The DJ guy obviously enjoys himself more and more the more drinks he has. I wonder if he gets to drink for free. Sitting there, drinking and judging quietly with your friends or singing along with people is very relaxing. It's a night I definitely enjoy. Will be back soon. read more

Five star dive bar. Let me emphasize the dive bar part so your expectations are set correctly before you walk in the door. Dive. Bar. In the best way possible. No pretense. No frills. No computer - tabs are still kept on slips of paper. Just a room full of characters that will welcome a newcomer with open arms, a surprisingly good selection of beer/liquor, and more off-the-wall shooters in random thrift store glassware than you can shake a stick at. This is where all the bartenders in town go to drink, if that tells you anything. read more

I have never been more targeted in my life than sitting at a table at the brewery. I was then lectured on the current global pandemic when I am well educated on the subject. Having quarantined for 3.5 months of the year and not leaving my home, not even for groceries, I have never been more offended in my life. While it seems like an innocent dive bar this establishment WILL profile you... the waiter was so combative about the issue of Covid when we were nothing but serious about our exposure to the disease. Overall the waiter was so demeaning while talking about global issues he threw our cards in our face while "ordering" us to leave... I guess an intellectual conversation warrants this behavior?? Funny because the staff hasn't worn masks since 2 weeks ago @sho read more

First, don't let the address fool you: although the mailing address is Beaver Ave., the entrance for the Brewery is actually located on McAllister ALLEY (not McAllister Street). You can park in the McAllister parking garage and walk out to the alley - the entrance is practically on the corner of the Alley and Beaver Ave. The Brewery is a dive bar. It's dark, dingy, with low ceilings, some rough-looking characters, and draft beers that are often served in mason jars - and all of this is what makes the Brewery great. I've been going there for 10 years and the only thing that's really changed is what bands are currently filling the hot weeknight slots. While Fridays and Saturdays are always busy, many weeknights fill up nicely by midnight if there is a good band or lineup. There is an atmosphere of everyone being a regular at this bar, because most of the people are. When you get caught up in visiting the Brewery, you realize that the bartenders are some of the most famous in town (ask for Rockey or Shooter!), the drinks are cheap and strong, and the bands are as varied as the writing on the walls in the bathroom. This is not a place to bring your parents for a nice drink - unless they like to drink! Shots flow freely and you'll often find one of the bartenders carrying a tray of shots to the band - or someone at the bar buying a round for whoever is standing near them. This is a fun, hometown, rough-around-the-edges but friendly-to-its-own-kind kind of bar that must be visited to understand. Check out statecollege.com to find out what entertainment they have nightly, and expect anything from a guy with a guitar, to an irish punk/rock band, to hip hop night - you just never know with The Brewery. read more

The Brewery - a bar with neon signs - Bars Near Me - State College, Pennsylvania

This is a divey divey place to come to for karaoke. Expect to wait forever, or bribe the DJ with $9 (not that we did that or anything, I just really wanted to sign Sweet Caroline!!). Anyway. Drinks are cheap and good, sometimes you get a glass and sometimes a plastic cup. Go figure. Good for a group because they have some very big tables. Beer in mason jars is a funky touch. read more

This is a serious dive bar, and the lack of reviews clearly demonstrates that not many Penn Staters have been here. Yes, it's gross. Yes, it's in a basement. Yes, you will probably pay cover and have a fairly expensive drink (for SC). But the crowd is so, so much more chill than any other bar I've been to in State College. The music is usually decent, and I actually feel like everyone in the bar is just there to hang out and dance with friends. I've never gotten a creepy vibe in here from guys. It's not my regular spot, but I've always felt comfortable. I went here around midnight during Arts Fest and there wasn't even a line. No one knows about this place. read more

Stone floor? Check. Dim lighting? Check. Questionable seating arrangements (ie, duct tape all over the chairs)? Check. Bouncers that could be your father? Check. Yup, it's a dive bar, people. The Brewery is off the beaten path and the entrance is directly next to some dumpsters, so you can easily miss this State College gem. Be prepared for a little (okay, a lot) of grime, cheap drinks, and live music. A great place to hang out with friends because there are a few different areas where large groups can congregate. Don't forget $3 for the cover (after 9PM). read more

Now THIS is a dive bar. You're going to read a lot of yelp reviews where people describe places as "a total dive" or "dive-y." These people are almost always wrong, and would know it if they visited The Brewery. We're talking concrete floors, plaster falling off the ceiling, slightly sticky tables, and one lonely guitar player strumming covers of The Beatles and Led Zeppelin to an empty room. There's a lot of character here and an authenticity lacking on so many other bars. And the drinks are cheap too with great personable bartenders. A must visit in State College. read more

A true dive. In the basement of a building, you enter off the alley stepping over broken concrete. Go through a kind of scary tunnel and you get to the Brewery. Pool and video games to your right, bar a couple steps down, and a big space for the bands that occasional cover there. Watch out for the puddles of standing water and clouds of smoke. They do have the only foosball table in the downtown area, but it's sticky with spilled beer and I kind of wanted to use Purell after playing. The beer is served out of mason jars and is surprisingly good (tho isn't yuengling good anywhere?), and most of the other patrons are townies, not college kids. You've been warned. read more

Sure it's dingy and divey, but I pretty much love this place. I was recently there for a bachelorette party. They lowered the cover for our group, and the promo girls offered us free shots of some delicious grape SoCo something-or-other and necklaces. The shots there are amazing. They're probably not all that strong, but they have so many different ones, you won't get bored. The dirty ashtray (Bailey's and maybe cocoa powder?) which is literally served to you in an ashtray with a straw is easily my favorite. read more

This place is definitely not for everyone, but I enjoy it. It is a basement, divey bar which is a welcomed change from the rest of the bro-filled, fratty bars around town. If you hate drinking at places like Pickles and the Shandygaff, this is the place for you! I was here last Saturday and Karaoke was really fun!!! Also, if you go during their late night happy hour, which I think is 9:30-11:30, drinks are VERY VERY VERY cheap. Like $2.50 mixed drinks and $2 beers cheap. They have great daily all-day specials as well! Pool table, Big Buck Hunter Pro...what more could you ask for? read more

Piece of shit bar. It's like a dungeon and there's a cover charge. Sooo many bars in State college that are better. Go to Champs

It's dingy and divey, but it's cheap and easy to drink at, chat with your friends, and still have live music. They also have a large list of House specialty mixed drinks that are pretty good. The regular crowd that's there is a little.....questionable....but overall it's not a bad place. read more

The Brew is a hidden gem of state college. I go almost every night with my best friends and we have a blast. Staff is amazing, especially Sho, Jimmy, Shooter, Rocky, and Leigha. Since the new COVID restrictions, i feel the MOST comfortable at the brew rather than other State Col. bars due to the following of CDC guidelines to the t. Table service is fantastic as well as bar service. I cannot give enough praise. Best bar in state college! read more

Best dive bar in State College, and that's saying something. Great place for people watching, bad music, and cheap beer. read more

Really enjoyed The Brewery until my friend and I ordered two pairs of drinks at a time, drinks that were all the same price off two different bartenders. We were both going to pay the cost to each bartender because it would have been $12 each.... Until one of the bar tenders comes back and says "the next time you want to buy drinks, buy them off the same bartender" in the rudest tone and then continues to talk about us to other customers. Will not be going back. read more

This place is always my first choice when going out. They have so many amazing shots - I try a new one every time I go. The bartenders are really cool as well. They gave me my drink for free just because the service was slow. Definitely recommend. read more

This bar was accommodating to our busy crowd and provided us with great music and dleiecour ashtray shots! Definitely recommended even though it's a bit of a dive bar! read more

welcome to my new favorite bar! when people say "dive bar" around here they usually mean hipster kids in tight spaces. I was in the search for a real, gritty, leave with dirt under your fingernails bar and finally found it. I can't wait to go on a saturday and see what crowd it attracts. They have some beer to go.. interesting shots.. and some $3 specials. read more

Avoid this bar because it thinks the year is still 1985. Complete garbage. If you want the sample the local beer selection, there are plenty of other breweries that feature them and will actually treat you with some degree of respect unlike this veritable time-warp garbage dump. Avoid at all costs for the many better drinking establishments in town. read more

A friend introduced me to this little hole in the wall bar my last year at PSU. Sunday night Karaoke kept me coming back time and again till I graduated! A great place to go and sing like you just don't care! Shooter (the Karaoke DJ) is a great guy and keeps things moving right along! read more

A glorious dive bar. I lost a pint of blood here and I have a scar. There should be a bar like this one in every town. It's fantastic.

This is THE townie bar in state college. For good reason, the owners and staff are friendly and engaging. They can make just about any drink too. A must stop if you live in state college. read more

This bar provides a great atmosphere for patrons want to avoid the typical drunken college student. The bar caters to a different crowd. If you are looking for a hip hop club, this is not your place. But if you are looking for a great place to have a great drink while listening to great music, this is your place! The owners and bar tenders treat you like family, and I mean that in every sense of the word. They will joke and joust with you, so if you are easily offended go somewhere else. The Brewery is a great place to go, especially on game days. The Brewery will have the shortest lines and the quickest serving times. I have been going to this bar for years and would not recommend any other place in State College. read more

Great drinks. But the young bartender with the shaggy/fuzzy hair doesn't seem to know what he's doing. Gourmet cocktails during happy hour are $3 for a single and $6 for a double. He will jack up the prices and tell you gourmet drinks don't apply to happy hour. Get your drinks from one of the other guys. read more

I used to be a regular here in the early 70's while a student. Egg rolls and pint jars and the bands. I visited there last football season with a former frat person who couldn't remember it from his PSU days. (Likely a Shandygaff type).No more egg rolls but the rest is pretty much the same. The staff was very friendly and the free trial shots forced us to drink several more and talk to some bobcat babes who's husbands were playing pool. The entrance may scare away the people I wouldn't want to be with anyhow. I would recommend this for young and old. read more