Those who know me well (or who read this column often) know that I love to sit in communal places with friends and likeminded people over a cold brew or two (or three). Yes, indeed, you might just find me at many of Centre County’s wonderful brewpubs, bars, or taverns, doing just that.
But not too often.
After all, sometimes life calls for a drink; other times there is work to be done. Still, even when there is work to be done, I enjoy doing it with other folks around me. I know some writers like the solitude of a forest cottage to do their work, but I crave action and excitement and people (best for me to get distracted, lol).
Now, I have tried pounding the keyboard at the pub with Hemingway-like vibes, but when I do, things get sloppy fast (it is not good when you have to rewrite half of your story before sending it to your editor).
So, when there is work to be done, I prefer to sit in one of those other communal spaces where I can enjoy a brewed beverage. I am speaking about coffee shops, of course, and we are lucky to be blessed with many local shops, each with their own unique vibe.
They are the perfect places to enjoy the day over a nicely brewed cup of coffee, where you can catch up with friends, maybe meet some new ones, or get some work done (or in my case, get distracted while you try to get some work done; it is how I work best).
Let’s take a brief look at some of our local coffee shops (there are so many) and some of what they have to offer (I am focusing on places that are local and known primarily as coffee shops, not bagel, sandwich, or book stores, although those places are great, too).
Café Lemont (Lemont, naturally)
Nestled in the Lemont House, right in the heart of town, this cozy spot roasts up some great beans. Is a great place after a hike up Mount Nittany or just to meet with friends for a coffee and a bite. With tables and comfy spots in little nooks and crannies, the indoor vibe is pretty great. On nice days, the porch and patio are even better. Grab a bag of their house-roasted beans on your way out the door.
Elixr Coffee Roasters (Downtown State College)
This is maybe the quintessential downtown State College coffee shop. Located in the former home of longtime favorite Saint’s Café, the Philadelphia-headquartered company has been serving up its award-winning roast in State College since 2022. With its big open windows, it is a great spot to people watch or catch up with friends.
Good Day Café (State College)
If you want to start your day off with some positivity, stop on by the Good Day Café. I can’t say enough good things about the mission of this wonderful place, which is to provide meaningful employment opportunities to adults with autism, intellectual disabilities, and mental health diagnoses. The Rothrock Coffee they serve is pretty darn good too. Just try to walk out the door without a smile on your face — can’t be done.
The Meandering Mallard Coffee House (Millheim)
If you happen to be out the Penns Valley way, The Meandering Mallard is a great place to enjoy a cup and get comfortable. The cozy spot is a community hub, and it is fun to watch the locals come in and chat about their days. It kind of takes you back to a simpler time. The location has been through a few owners and name changes over the years, but I am glad the Mallard is keeping the coffee brewing strong in Millheim.
My Café Buzz (Bellefonte)
Located across from Talleyrand Park, My Café Buzz has been keeping Bellefonte Buzzed since it opened in 2020. The vibe is like a trip to the beach, and you can never go wrong with Standing Stone Coffee. I have yet to check it out, but might have to try their patio soon on a nice day.
Pump Station Café (Boalsburg)
This cute little shop keeps Boalsburg fine-tuned and running strong. The repurposed service station has a name that matches and serves up a nice cup of joe. Outdoor seating is great on nice days, especially during events in town.
Rothrock Coffee (State College)
Since opening in 2015, Rothrock Coffee has become a State College coffee institution. Their beans can be found all over town, and their café in the Creekside Plaza is a perfect place to settle in for the day and get to work. I especially enjoy their pour-over coffee (just a little cream will do for me), but they do it all the right way. Grab a four-pack of canned cold brew on your way out the door.
Shaky Hands Coffee Shop (Bellefonte)
This is the newest addition to the Centre County Coffee scene, but only in a sense. It is the next step for owner and Bellefonte native Bromlyn Fitzgerald, who previously operated The Daily Dose in Geisinger Gray’s Woods and the popular mobile coffee shop Bees Knees Coffee. Shaky Hands opened in June, and the new spot, located in the Cadillac Building, has indoor and outdoor seating. I’ll have to get my shaky hands over there soon.
Vibe Coffee Co. (Downtown State College)
On the corner of Beaver Avenue and Atherton Street, Vibe keeps undergrads and townies alike caffeinated for the day. One of the area’s newer locations, it offers a best-selling grilled-sticky latte. I think I will be trying that one soon. Sounds like my kind of vibe.
WC Clarke’s Coffee Roasters and Cheese Shoppe (Downtown State College)
This place is truly one of the gems of downtown State College. You can smell the greatness of this place as soon as you walk in the door because they roast their beans on site. There are always, and I mean always, some interesting conversations going on here (a writer’s dream spot). So, go ahead and order a coffee, have a conversation, and take a look around at the many wonderful products, including what I call the wall of coffee. I can sit there for hours deciding what beans I would like to take home. Better try a few. T&G
Vincent Corso enjoys drinking local and meeting new people at Central Pennsylvania’s many interesting establishments.
