I have very mixed feelings on Zeno's. I love the underground location, the good selection of beers on tap and the bathroom graffiti. Everything else is mediocre. It irritates me that, unless you know they don't have table service, they'll let you go and sit down like a dumb ass until you figure it out on your own. The bartenders often seem like they're too busy hanging out with each other to actually take your order. Plus there is a serious shortage of interesting clientele - at lot of older folks, regulars (read "alcoholics") and the occasional Bukowski-wannabe. I'll take The Rathskeller over Zeno's any day of the week. read more

I think it's sufficient to say that I loved this place, as I was there at least 5 nights a week during my final year at Penn State. 5 nights a week might sound a bit excessive, and sure, I drank excessively from time to time, but my reasons for going there were not to get sloshed. My reasons for making this my bar of choice during my time at Penn State: 1) Cheers. Sometimes you wanna go where everyone knows your name. At least a few years ago, they had the best bar staff in town. 2) Excellent selection of beers. 3) Good entertainment 4) Relaxed atmosphere. I could go in to Zeno's throw back a beer or two, play a game or six of darts, and then head home without having to deal with the bullshit or drama that seemed to inhabit other SC bars. All in all, I miss Zeno's, and hope that the Penn Staters of today are enjoying it as I once did. read more

Tried to check the bar out after the PSU and App game. We were turned away rudely for wearing App colors. Talk about hospitality! Would not recommend this place. read more

Zeno's is the perfect chill bar in State College IF, and I will over-emphasize IF - you're looking for the following awesomenesses: Live music - right in your grill and enjoyable to hear Quality beer - at affordable prices (beer specials throughout the night) Smooth Ambiance - a unique, small town feel without compromising on authenticity Simply put, you need to go here. Try to go in with an open mind. I'm serious. Most people will tell you they tried this place but "didnt like how dark it was" or "thought my feet looked funny on the stairs". Psh. Of course your feet looked funny. That's not Zeno's fault. Zeno's didn't do that, you did. Well, you or your genes. read more

During my recent visit to State College I was happy to see that not only has Zeno's not changed, but its actually improved. The beer selection has definitely gotten a lot better. Its unrivaled in State College, and would be a destination in any major city as well. The staff is friendly and helpful. There are usually good bands, especially AAA on Friday's. Its really the only bar downtown worth going to if you like good beer. read more

Usually when people mention that a bar has an "underground" feel, they just mean that it's dark, might be a little dingy, and isn't known by two many people. Zeno's takes it to the next level by actually being below street level, so keep an eye out for the sign. Once you're in, the low ceilings and stone (?) floor contribute to a "dark tavern" feel. Grab a high-top with some friends and proceed to drink very good beer for very low prices (a pint of Founder's was only about $4 and the rest of the craft brews were similarly priced). Our bartender was competent and experienced at handling crowds, so none of us ever had to wait for service. A cool bonus was the bar games room in the back and around a corner on the way to the bathroom. read more

Zeno's is the go-to for Beer lovers in State College. An excellent beer selection is paired with fast service and good quality food. Pricing is comparable on the regular beers to other downtown locations, and the specialty beers are priced fairly based on how unique or rare they are. On my most recent visit as an Alumnus I had a chance to catch up with some of the staff who raved about some of their new selection. I was half-tempted at getting another Zeno's Passport, however that would require quite a bit of drinking on the weekends, which doesn't really align with weight-loss goals. While it definitely qualifies as dive-y ... it is clean and cozy. For small groups it was definitely my go-to and will continue to be when in the company of beer loving friends. read more

I can see why people love this bar! Sure it's divey, but anytime a group of four can drink for three hours and only spend $40 I'm a fan! The football team was out of town so it was a quieter night in town and that was perfect for us 30 something's. They had a 80s/90s cover band playing rock songs and the weren't half bad! The bar is dark, a little seedy, and smells faintly of sex - or maybe that was just forty+ 20 something's looking for their next conquest. I'm older and out of touch with the college dating scene, but there was a lot of lust in the air! We checked out a few other bars in town and made our way back to Zenos. It was the best choice by far! read more

The woman at the front give us one look and stated that we cannot be seated. There were multiple tables available, and when I asked why, she couldn't give me a straight answer. We were willing to pay to get in, however She was very rude and treated my friends and i with disrespect. Do not go to this place, it isn't worth it read more

Definitely one of my favorite bars in State College! Great beer selection and they always have great music! I've seen Pure Cane Sugar, The Nightcrawlers and many other great local bands perform here. The sound is always great and there is usually a little dance party by the end of the night. They have $3 drafts of beer from the Elk Creek Brewery in Milheim, which is cheaper than you can drink it at the Elk Creek! They have a huge selection of well-priced drafts and also a good selection of bottles. The food is pretty good too! They have a back room with a pool table, pinball machine, arcade games and a dart board. If you appreciate good beer and music and you dislike the Bro-ish, Frat feel of most other bars in State College, this is the bar for you! read more

This is a craft beer mecca! An amazing number of beers, most of which didn't exist when I went to Penn State, but Zeno's did. I think I counted some 30 taps, almost none of them are crap beer. Bottles: too many to count. And did I mention not two, but three beer engines? When I visited in Nov '08 they were something from Otto's (local brew pub), Victory Hop Devil, and Troeg's Hop Back. Great bartenders too. Your experience may be different depending on when you visit. If you're going for the beer-experience, try late afternoon. Oh, and the steps down to Zeno's are actually on Atherton St, not College Ave. read more

Zeno's - So many taps! - Dive Bars Near Me - State College, Pennsylvania

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Cheeseburger Club Sandwich. Really, that's all you need to know. Awesomeness. If you need any other reasons: super-friendly staff, good music, great beer selection. I do wish they'd change their band line-up more often, but whaddya gonna do. Oh, and....cheeseburger club sandwich. Hell yeah. read more

Awesome varity of beer on tap and in bottles. Bartender is excellent and very helpful... Ask for a bar napkin map....It's the Best! read more

Best way to spend evening is Happy Valley Good! Live music ~ Strayer & the Dogs!! Pitchers of brew & great live music ~ what a better way to spend a Tuesday evening! Not to mention, great bar menu, too! read more

Zeno's - Strayer & the Dogs @ Zeno's! Good times ~ come on down!! - Dive Bars Near Me - State College, Pennsylvania

I loved this place 20+ years ago and it's still the same! The same band is here tonight that played when I went to school! (Errr... the same guy from the band anyway.) So many things about State College have changed, Zenos is still Zenos, and I love that. read more

I started coming to Zeno's rather late in grad school, considering it is one of the few places you can have a drink and grab some food on a Friday night while avoiding the droves of undergrads. The Friday night band, Spider Kelly puts on a great show. I'm only aware of a beer and shot special. Would be five stars but a friend of mine was refused service after having three drinks in under an hour, but hey, at least there's one bar tender in State College who is keeping an eye on consumption ;-)... Highly recommend this place! read more

This has been a favorite since I have turned 21 (4 yrs ago). Though The Z bar has more beers on tap, their waiters aren't able to help you with selecting any beer. Zenos on the other hand has a HUGE Bottle selection and a good amount of beers on tap which their waiters are able to help you choose the best/closest to your liking or your flavor pallet. Definitely if you're a beer lover, Zenos is THE best place to come. Plus their environment weeds out the annoying A-typical college douche bag which is a plus for me! Their food selection during the day is the same as the corner room and Allen St. Grill which is great and they have late night food/snacks on the cheap. Overall this has been a consistent place with great employees, great food, and possibly the best beer selections in town. read more

Surprised I did not review this (another lost review?) since I've filled a passport. I have seen the bouncers be dickheads, but called them on it and they paid, literally, to fix it. The beer is the best, and the service, modulo space and time a bit, is the best. Dave is cool. JP is cool, Matt is cool. AAA Blues playing on a friday night after a long week is way cool. A friend from out of town called it 'magical', and indeed, it is. It is unkind to say that the bathrooms are like the third world. I've been in developing countries, and Zeno's bathrooms are nicer. Not a lot, but technically, nicer. ps. the 'do they have a coat check?' question made me laugh. read more

My favorite bar so far in state college. The place is tiny and has some interesting writings on the bathroom walls. Their was a bluegrass band the night I visited and they were terrific, just an old guy with a white beard playing guitar and singing, accompanied by a banjo player, and a stand up bass. This place is very unique and easily passed as it is in a basement that is almost hidden. read more

Brian at zenos was very rude. He and the rest of the people did not let us in and talk to the friends at then bar. I hope no one goes back there and experiences the worst service in State College read more

Not a good place. The manager is awful. I feel bad for the servers that have to work under him.

My favorite bar in State College ! Good music, beer and whiskey !

Favorite spot downtown for lunch or after work drinks with friends! They have some of the best sandwiches in town.

Hello all, My name is Darryl Hill and I want to add that Zeno's used to be my second home. I was one of the first patrons to enjoy the place when it opened in the early 70's. Then I was know as the Gypsy, Man i could tell you of some great times there. The place is located in the best place for students to venture down from classes for good music,conversation, and great customer service. See ya over the X-mass break. http://www.culturallycool.com read more

The staff is very rude and inconsiderate to anyone who doesn't order a beer. I asked for a simple cranberry vodka and the man bartending patronized me for it. When I was walking away from the bar back to my seat, I heard the bartender whisper obscene language to himself about me. I never felt more insulted in my life. Not to mention, the cranberry and vodka tasted more like vodka and vodka. After I got my drink me and my friends went to a room that had a pool table (as we are all avid pool players)and a man with a pony tail told us that we weren't allowed to play because we aren't regulars. I was very offended by this but the man looked as though he was going to strike me, so me and my friends decided to just leave because violence is never the answer. I give this place a 1 star and would not suggest that anyone go to this establishment. Lots of other good bars in the area!! read more

$5 drafts of craft beer in an old, dark basement bar that has a back room with a pool table. that's like the ideal place to find me. lots of old wooden furniture and plenty of historical Penn State posters/memorabilia everywhere. friendly service. I think there's a cover charge later at night, likely because there is a small live music setup. there was one group who asked the bouncer to "remember our faces" as they promised to return later that night. we showed up around 6 and left around 8, so we avoided paying a cover. the first stop on our night conquered, we soon mobilized in search of more alcohol... read more

Sean the bartender was awesome! Love this place, Great hospitality! Live music is a plus, and the food is pretty good

If you live in State College, you have to grade on a curve. There are limits to this town. Certain things will not be found on an evening out. Neither a tasteful DJ nor a craft cocktail is ever attainable. What is? Zeno's. For one kind of evening, it is perfect. The rustic interior is unpretentious without being divey. The pool table is often free, with a high turnover. The music on the stereo is pleasant and unobtrusive. All that is fine. The beer list is more than fine. This is the only place in State College run by people who are serious about drinking. Who believe drinking has culinary value. Rotating drafts are, at best, unusual and delicious, while bottles offer an even wider selection. If the vastness of this world of beer seems intimidating, the staff can help--particularly the owner, a non-punk skinhead with a goatee, perpetually clad in his Zeno's bowling shirt. Occasionally, you'll spot an unusual bottle of an appealing spirit on the top shelf in the corner. But you go to Zeno's to drink beer. Indeed, for craft beer and conversation, Zeno's is everything you could want. Unfortunately, its perfection is slightly compromised by all-too-frequent cover charges for small-town bar bands that make you feel like you are not in a bar, but a satire. Those seeking the best experience will have to avoid peak time. For that kind of evening, Zeno's is a five-star operation. And that's the only kind of evening you'll want to have in this town. read more

By the end of my stint at Penn State, I couldn't stomach any more of the local lousy, half-ass cover bands and/or cookie-cutter "hippie" jam rock any longer. I can deal with bland, horrible music at least if the vibe of the bar is fun. I've been to all the bars and clubs in State College, and most of them are all so "college." Yet, even though the Penn State "bar scene" is supposed to be thriving and diverse, as a Bostonian it gets tired pretty quick. I need a little variety, like some drunk Irishman singing in the corner. It's the little things that make a specific bar feel naturally "real" in some capacity. Unfortunately, you're going to find chicks wearing high heels trying too hard in zero degree weather, and steakheads screaming and spilling beer all over you. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about a good time, but I've seen some pretty ridiculous behavior over the years at Penn State. I mean, a fucking steak head bouncer beat this Asian kid TO DEATH because he was taking a piss in the back alley or parking lot, or whatever. I forget which bar this happened at. Regardless, I had a photography course with this kid, and he was the nicest person you'd ever want to meet. Some huge-ass bouncer beat this skinny little dude to his grave over a PISS? It was really sad. He worked at Sunglasses Hut and I used to shoot the shit with him all the time. There was a trial and stuff, but I forget all the details. I think this was in 2003, if I'm not mistaken. This horrific shit stands as a testament to the outrageously immature and stupid behavior that exists up and down College Ave. Gladly there are a few places that stand out, and Zeno's is one of them. I've been there maybe 20-25 times over the course of a few years, and I've enjoyed nothing but good music and fairly priced pitchers. They are known for their selection of fine beers. I never drank cheap beer at Zeno's, and in some way that is a crucial element of why people come there. They have a wide variety of crafts and ales without being snobby about it. You're not going to find many hammered frat boys drinking Natty Ice at this place. Instead, it's more of a crowd who likes a GOOD beer, and a good time at that. The live music I've seen here has always been way more open/creative/diverse/inspired than at any of the other bars in SC. I used to go see a band called The Red Light at Zeno's once in a while, and they were fantastic. They were not the standard "college" band in any sense, and they drew in a better crowd of like-minded individuals who were sick and tired of karaoke and cover songs. Most of the live music performances were like that. The stage is pretty small, and it's an intimate atmosphere. I remember some jazz and blues acts, folk, and alternative-type rock acts performing at Zeno's also. I think there's something for everybody at this place, and you can call it your own. The downsides are the usual: it gets cramped, it's kind of dark, and it's hard to get to the bar. It's nothing intolerable and it comes with the territory, so deal with it. read more

I just want to say I walked in this evening after 3 years of not being in this town and a Zeno's bartender kicked me out because I apparently didn't speak the right way to him. Seems to be a standard story here. That is ok I'll have my story one day about how this place is a fucking trap shit hole. read more

Don't like to feel that I'm bothering the staff, but that's how they make you feel. regardless of tip

The only place in State College if you are looking for excellent beer selection as they have so many imported beverages as well as domestic to choose from. I like its underground setting, relaxed atmosphere, and the fact that the staff were very knowledgeable. It can be really crowded on a special night where they have festivals or live bands playing. The bands are mostly folk/bluegrass but sometime they have jazz, blues, and alternative. Get there early if you want to get seat. read more

There's a reason zeno's is considered one of the best places to drink on the east coast. The selection is second to none, the bar itself is certainly large enough with enough entertainment (pool, darts, music) to keep people happy. The "around the world in 80 beers" is a real neat thing (you get your name and a quote on a plaque in the back, along with some swag I believe) if you're around long enough to do it. Much more of a "thinking person's bar" than the phyrst or the saloon. read more

Five star review from me. I've been coming here for so long the bias will show but the fact is I keep coming back. Below the iconic Corner Room Restaurant Zeno's has been slugging away at fulfilling the beer needs of undergraduates, profs & professionals since as long as I can remember. Getting a Zenos Passport for drinking Around the World in Eighty beers was the shit, especially because the craft beer culture had barely begun. I finished my first passport sometime around '92. Great introduction to different styles of beer but more importantly, the staff can describe & recommend beers. Something usually lacking in places with a large beer selection other than a brewpub & they usually only know their own brews. They have basic pub grub & a late night menu with a peanut butter hot wing sauce that will make you want to get sloppy. The bathroom graffiti was even an inspiration for a book. Bands play most nights & there is a small cover charge which amounts to about a $1 per band member, so I'm ok with helping the local economy. Open Thanksgiving & Christmas too for all of the stranded in State College people like me. Staff friendly but not going to wipe your butt for you. Basically, they know beer, like beer, & like their jobs. If you need more kowtowing to you, grab a girlfriend, ask her to hold your hair while you puke in the the bathrooms of Pickles or Indigo. Also they have pool, pinball & darts. read more

Reasonable price Tastes good Verity of choices AND we were lucky that they had a very professional jazz live. read more

Just an addition: the food choices aren't bad either! They have a menu with selected choices from both the Allen St. Grill and the Corner Room--think burgers, soups, and wings from the Corner Room and some more "gourmet"-ish food from Allen St. (like things with ahi and things with mango...). I had a bison burger, which was totally standard, but standard goes well with a $5 Yuengling pitcher. read more

Apparently having allergies is enough to be denied entrance. Fortunately everybody in the line for Pickles said I was better off.

Zeno's is primarily a douche-free zone with the best beer selection in State College. The bar tenders care about beer and are happy to talk about it. The music is good. It's dark, can get loud, and I probably wouldn't spend as much time there of I was single. read more

Despite the quality of beer selection, the staff and accommodations leave something to be desired. I've had friends be kicked out after one or two drinks, and was personally not allowed in once because my id was "suspicious". Doesn't make sense to me when I once found a older local passed out in the front bushes that had come from Zenos. The inside looks straight out of the 80's. The bartender, while knowledgeable, seemed to have an attitude about him. It seems as though they don't want anyone besides the eccentric locals in their bar. read more

Every time I stop here the bartender makes it an issue because I order a lite beer. Why do they sell it if they don't want me to order it? I won't go back anymore. read more