State College, Pennsylvania is a coffee lover’s paradise. From cozy cafes to trendy roasteries, this charming college town offers a wide variety of coffee shops to suit every taste.
Whether you’re a student looking for a quiet study spot or a visitor seeking a delicious cup of joe, State College has something for everyone.
You’ll find a mix of local favorites and well-known chains scattered throughout the area. Many of these coffee shops pride themselves on serving high-quality, locally roasted beans and offering unique drink options. Some even feature tasty food menus, making them perfect spots for breakfast or lunch.
With so many great choices, you’re sure to discover your new favorite coffee spot in State College.
1. Sowers Harvest Café
Sowers Harvest Café is a cozy spot where you can enjoy great coffee and healthy food. It’s more than just a café – it’s a place to connect with friends and make new ones.
The menu features fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. You can try their Greek omelet or house-made soft pretzel.
For drinks, don’t miss the cocoa dusted mint latte.
The staff is friendly and welcoming. They want you to feel at home and leave with a smile. The café has a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for good conversations.
Sowers Harvest Café believes in building relationships. It’s a spot where you can take a break from life’s stress and enjoy quality time with others.
Rating: 4.9 (742 reviews)
Location: 421 E Beaver Ave G1B, State College, PA 16801
Contact: (814) 867-1007
Website: Visit Website
2. Rothrock Coffee
You’ll love the warm and welcoming atmosphere at Rothrock Coffee. This cozy spot on South Atherton Street serves up some of the best brews in State College.
Their expert baristas take pride in crafting delicious drinks. From smooth lattes to bold espressos, you’ll find something to satisfy your caffeine cravings.
Rothrock isn’t just about great coffee. They also offer tasty pastries and light bites to go with your drink. It’s a perfect place to meet friends or get some work done.
The shop has a modern, clean design that creates a relaxing vibe. You’ll feel right at home whether you’re stopping in for a quick cup or settling in for a longer stay.
Rating: 4.7 (296 reviews)
Location: 1736 S Atherton St, State College, PA 16801
Contact: (814) 510-9119
Website: Visit Website
3. Vibe Coffee Co.
You’ll find a special place at Vibe Coffee Co. in State College. It’s not just about the coffee here. The owners, Tabeel Noel and Ethan Steiger, started Vibe with a focus on people.
When you walk in, friendly baristas greet you. They use quality ingredients to make your drinks.
The shop has a warm feel that makes you want to stay awhile.
You can get great coffee at Vibe, but there’s more to it than that. It’s a spot where you can relax, meet friends, or get some work done. The owners’ passion shows in every cup they serve.
Stop by Vibe to see what makes it stand out. You might find it becomes your new favorite coffee spot in State College.
Rating: 4.8 (204 reviews)
Location: 401 W Beaver Ave, State College, PA 16801
Contact: (814) 888-6960
Website: Visit Website
4. Elixr Coffee Roasters
You’ll find a coffee lover’s paradise at Elixr Coffee Roasters in State College. This charming spot offers a delightful mix of specialty coffees and a cozy atmosphere.
Elixr takes pride in sourcing and roasting unique, high-quality beans. You can enjoy their light-roasted coffees that bring out the best flavors in every cup.
Their skilled baristas craft each drink with care, ensuring you get a top-notch coffee experience.
The cafe’s modern design creates a welcoming space for you to relax or catch up on work. With free Wi-Fi and plenty of seating, it’s a great spot to spend a few hours. You can also grab a quick coffee to go if you’re in a hurry.
Don’t miss their seasonal blends and microlots for something special. Whether you prefer espresso drinks, pour-overs, or cold brew, Elixr has something to satisfy your coffee cravings.
Rating: 4.6 (115 reviews)
Location: 123 W Beaver Ave, State College, PA 16801
Website: Visit Website
5. Good Day Cafe
You’ll find more than just great coffee at Good Day Cafe. This unique spot brews up opportunities for adults with disabilities, giving them a chance to contribute to the community and gain independence.
As you sip your locally roasted Rothrock Coffee, you’re supporting a meaningful cause.
The cafe offers a variety of handcrafted beverages, including non-caffeinated options like Thunder Thunder Tea.
Feeling hungry? Pair your drink with tasty food options. From hearty breakfast sandwiches to toasted paninis, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
The cafe’s warm atmosphere and friendly staff make it a perfect spot to start your day or take a midday break.
Good Day Cafe is part of Strawberry Fields, a nonprofit organization serving people with disabilities in Centre County. By visiting, you’re not just treating yourself – you’re also helping make a positive impact in the local community.
Rating: 4.8 (161 reviews)
Location: 286 W Hamilton Ave, State College, PA 16801
Contact: (814) 954-5277
Website: Visit Website
6. Café Lemont
Nestled in the charming Lemont House, Café Lemont offers a cozy spot for coffee lovers. You’ll find this quaint shop open daily, serving up freshly roasted coffee and tasty treats.
The café takes pride in roasting small batches of USDA Organic coffee from around the world right on-site. You can taste the difference in every cup, knowing it’s been carefully crafted just for you.
Seating options abound at Café Lemont. You can relax inside or enjoy the fresh air on their back patio, in the yard, or on the front porch.
It’s a perfect place to sip your coffee and catch up with friends or get some work done.
Open early every day, Café Lemont is ready to kickstart your morning. You can grab a quick coffee to go or settle in for a leisurely breakfast. Just keep in mind they might close for holidays or snow days.
Rating: 4.8 (454 reviews)
Location: 921 Pike St, Lemont, PA 16851
Contact: (814) 321-4337
Website: Visit Website
7. Webster’s Bookstore Cafe
Webster’s Bookstore Cafe is a unique spot in State College that combines two of life’s great pleasures: books and coffee. You’ll find shelves lined with a wide variety of books, from new releases to used treasures.
The cafe offers a cozy atmosphere where you can relax with a good book and a hot drink.
Their coffee selection is impressive, with options to suit every taste. You can also enjoy tasty snacks and light meals while you browse or read.
Webster’s often hosts events like book clubs and author readings. These activities make it a great place to meet other book lovers and engage in literary discussions.
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to help you find your next great read.
This spot is perfect for students looking for a quiet study space or anyone seeking a peaceful retreat from the busy world outside. You’ll feel right at home among the books and the warm, inviting ambiance of the cafe.
Rating: 4.7 (697 reviews)
Location: 133 E Beaver Ave, State College, PA 16801
Contact: (814) 272-1410
Website: Visit Website
8. Chew Chew Bun
You’ll find a delightful Asian bakery experience at Chew Chew Bun in State College. This charming spot specializes in Taiwanese-inspired pastries with both sweet and savory fillings.
Chew Chew Bun takes pride in baking fresh goods daily. You’ll never encounter day-old buns here. They use high-quality ingredients without any preservatives or additives, ensuring you get the freshest treats possible.
Their menu boasts a variety of tempting options. You can try classic flavors like melon and red bean, or explore more unique combinations such as garlic chocolate custard and nori chikuwa melon.
Don’t miss their signature pineapple cake and egg yolk red bean pastry.
If you’re in the mood for something savory, check out their cheese frank, crispy ham and cheese, or classic curry pastry. For a sweet treat, indulge in their peanut buttercream or rose macadamia custard buns.
Rating: 4.8 (97 reviews)
Location: 115 E Beaver Ave, State College, PA 16801
Contact: (814) 531-5156
Website: Visit Website## 9. The Naked Egg Cafe
The Naked Egg Cafe is a cozy spot in State College that serves up tasty breakfast and lunch options. You’ll find it nestled on Pine Grove Road, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
The cafe’s menu focuses on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. You can enjoy classic breakfast dishes like omelets and pancakes, as well as unique creations that change with the seasons.
Coffee lovers will appreciate the carefully brewed cups here. The cafe takes pride in serving high-quality coffee that pairs perfectly with their homemade pastries and breakfast treats.
The Naked Egg Cafe has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. It’s a great place to catch up with friends or enjoy a quiet meal by yourself.
Rating: 4.4 (769 reviews)
Location: 320 Pine Grove Rd, State College, PA 16801
Contact: (814) 954-7341
Website: Visit Website
10. Abba Java Coffeehouse
Abba Java Coffeehouse is a cozy spot in State College that you’ll love. It’s more than just a place to grab coffee – it’s a welcoming community hub.
You’ll find a warm atmosphere and friendly faces here. The staff are known for their kindness and willingness to chat with customers.
This coffeehouse has strong ties to the local Wesley Foundation. You might see students from nearby Penn State hanging out or studying here.
While coffee is their specialty, you can also enjoy tasty snacks and baked goods. It’s a great place to relax, catch up with friends, or get some work done.
Rating: 4.8 (112 reviews)
Location: 299 Locust Ln, State College, PA 16801
Contact: (814) 238-6739
Website: Visit Website
Coffee Culture in State College
State College has a thriving coffee scene with a rich history and exciting trends. Local coffee shops have become community hubs, offering unique blends and experiences for coffee lovers.
History of Local Coffee Shops
Coffee shops in State College trace their roots back to the 1970s. Webster’s Bookstore Cafe, one of the oldest establishments, opened its doors in 1974. It combined books and coffee, creating a cozy atmosphere for students and locals alike.
In the 1990s, more independent cafes popped up around town. Saint’s Cafe, established in 1999, became a popular spot known for its artisanal approach to coffee.
The 2000s saw a boom in specialty coffee. Shops like Irving’s and Café Lemont opened, focusing on high-quality beans and expert brewing methods. These places helped shape the town’s coffee culture, emphasizing community and craftsmanship.
Popular Coffee Trends
State College coffee shops have embraced modern trends to keep up with changing tastes. Cold brew has become a hot item, especially among students during warmer months. Many cafes now offer their own house-made versions.
Latte art has also taken off. You’ll find baristas creating intricate designs atop your drinks at places like Vibe Coffee and Elixr Coffee Roasters.
Plant-based milk options have grown in popularity. Most shops now offer almond, oat, and soy milk alternatives to cater to dietary preferences.
Single-origin beans and pour-over methods are gaining traction too. Rothrock Coffee, for example, highlights beans from specific regions, giving you a taste of coffee’s diverse flavors.
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
Coffee shops in State College take sustainability seriously. Many focus on eco-friendly practices and getting beans from ethical sources. This helps both the planet and coffee farmers.
Local Efforts in Sustainable Coffee
Rothrock Coffee leads the way in State College’s sustainable coffee scene. They use ethically sourced beans in all their drinks. You’ll feel good knowing your latte helps support fair wages for farmers.
The cafe’s interior reflects their green values. Natural materials and earthy colors create a cozy vibe. It’s the perfect spot to sip your coffee and think about its journey from farm to cup.
Other local shops are following suit. More places now offer organic options and reusable cup discounts. You can even find some cafes using compostable packaging.
When you visit these spots, ask about their sourcing. Many baristas love sharing info on where the beans come from. It’s a great way to learn more about your favorite drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coffee lovers in State College have many great options to choose from. Here are answers to some common questions about the local coffee scene.
What are the top-rated coffee shops in downtown State College, PA?
Sowers Harvest Café and Elixr Coffee Roasters are two highly-rated spots in downtown State College. Customers praise their quality coffee and welcoming atmosphere.
Which coffee shops in State College, PA offer cozy outdoor seating?
Rothrock Coffee has a nice patio area where you can enjoy your drink outside. Good Day Cafe also offers some outdoor tables when the weather is nice.
Can you recommend any unique local coffee shops near Penn State University?
Vibe Coffee Co. is a cool spot near campus with a fun, energetic atmosphere. They serve tasty coffee drinks and often have events like open mic nights.
What are some favorite coffee shops among students in State College, PA?
Many Penn State students love Elixr Coffee Roasters for its trendy vibe and great coffee. Vibe Coffee Co. is another popular hangout spot for students to study or meet up with friends.
Where can I find the best latte in State College, PA?
Rothrock Coffee is known for their expertly crafted lattes. The baristas there take pride in their latte art skills too.
Are there any bookstores with coffee shops in State College, PA?
Webster’s Bookstore Cafe combines a used bookstore with a coffee shop. You can browse books while sipping on coffee or tea in a cozy setting.