zeno's pub

This is the first bar that I always return to when visiting Penn State. The beer selection is the best in town, with a large number of local craft beers on tap. The bar is in a cellar, which means going downstairs to the basement. The atmosphere of the bar is quite cozy. Highly recommended for beer aficionados who want to try some of the local craft brew selections.

I can't believe some of the negative reviews of Zenos on this site. This is the bar that taught me as a lowly 21 year old undergraduate in the late 1980s that there's so much more to beer than the cheap crap I had been drinking. They always have dozens of different beers on tap and possibly hundreds more in bottles, from all over the world. I don't know if they still do it, but they used to have a program where you could buy a little "passport" for a nomial fee and they'd stamp each beer you had in the passport. When you got up to 80, you'd get a free pint glass or t-shirt stating that you went "around the world in 80 beers". They'd also (eventually) engrave your name on a little tag and hang it on one of the plaques that adorne the walls. My name's probably up there at least three times.When I lived in State College, I went there more times that I can count to see bands, hang out with friends or just have a beer or two after class. I rarely, if ever, had any problem with the staff. Usually they were able to offer advice on beers I might like. On nights when the place is packed wall-to-wall (which was often the case during the school year), the waitresses did astounding work getting beers out to the patrons. If you're expecting staff that will kiss your butt and pretend to be your best friend, you might be disappointed. But if you're looking for a "real" bar staffed by people who do their job well and are knowledgable about beer, you're in the right place. If you're looking for someplace trendy that will have crappy pop music blaring so loudly you can't hear yourself think, this isn't the bar for you. But if you like to sip a quality ale in the afternoon while maybe skimming a newspaper or reading a book, Zenos is heaven.Unfortunately, for the last couple decades I've lived too far away to make regular trips to Zenos feasible, but I still try to get up there at least once or twice a year. Much to my amazement, on my last trip, Dave the manager (who has been working there since I was an undergrad) recognized me and gave me my first beer on the house.A pox upon anyone who would speak ill of Zenos. Long may it continue to exist directly above the center of the Earth.

I went here with some friends after my colleagues at work rave about it; it definitely has that sort of eclectic and old feeling about. Along the lines of a dive bar, but very easy-going. When i was there, it was considerably crowded, and pretty difficult to move in, especially since it's a small place with low ceilings. Now i do know they always have something new there n terms of beer, but i'm honestly not too big a fan of beer, so i don't particularly have a draw here.

I went here on a Saturday night with some friends. We were visiting from out of town. There is a $5 cover charge and if you are the designated driver and drinking sodas expect to pay $2 each for them. I am not accustomed to having to pay that much for a plain coke at a bar. Also, don't go there expecting decent food. The food is greasy and cold. The bar the night we were there was terrible. They couldn't stay on tune and the musicians were not very good. I would not suggest wasting your money on this place there are a lot better places in State College that you can go.

There are plenty of bars in State COllege. Zenos is not worth your time. The staff act like you are doing them a favor by showing up. They treat you like dirt. Give your business to any other bar.

Stopped by for a drink AFTER lunch (2 pm). There were all of THREE people in the entire establishment. The bartender let me sit for half an hour with an empty glass to cut up lemons. I'm not used to having to flag someone down with so little going on. Eventually I just left, but the bartender is lucky I tip up front and never take back a tip once it's on the bar.Unfortunately, due to the wide selection of brews, I'll be back.

Can't say enough about this place. The beer selection is awesome and Jessica, the WOW waitress, rocks!

The review title says it all. This is like a real life version of Cheers, only with the best selection of beer I have ever seen in one bar. The people are friendly, the service is excellent, and they have beer festivals every few months. And if you come into State College semi-regularly, sign up for the beer news, they email you with what's new on tap. If you're in town, drink here.

Zeno's is a friendly, dark little basement bar with live Jazz and Blues, and more beer on tap than anywhere else. They actually have Lambic on tap.They serve a pub menu of items made by The Corner Room, part of the Allen Street Grill upstairs. Zeno's is on the corner of Allen and College.I miss this place so much I've re-applied to University Park for grad school.