Karl Ahrendsen
The atmosphere is unmatched by any restaurant I’ve visited in State College so far- including pricier options. They really nail the atmosphere in the evening and I think the holiday decorations help to solidify their dominant status. The choice of wall decor is a bit aggressive, but I think that’s intentional. Though the decor might point in the very fine dining direction, that doesn’t seem to be their true intention, as evidenced by the Deadpool cameo that is made in one of the photos hanging on the wall. As an added exercise, see if you can identify the common theme that runs through all of the photos hanging on the wall.
If you’re still reading, congratulations! You’ve made it to the part of the review where I actually talk about the food. My review staple is to evaluate the vegetarian options, and Central Reservation receives passing marks. There is, from memory, only one vegetarian option excluding salads, starters, pizza, and Mac & cheese. Thankfully that beet burger is a winner- a vegetarian option chosen with intention and thought, given the same amount of respect as other meat options on the menu. I would definitely order it again if I return.
… moreNolan Rollo
My wife and I have been trying to get to Central Res for about 6 years but the stars never seemed to line up. We decided to do dinner and a movie and after a short wait to order drinks we informed our waitress we were trying to catch a movie showing at 9. All our food came out perfectly timed and the presentation was on point. I’m not a big fan of pork belly but this had me convinced otherwise! The sangria was perfect and my burger was like a high class Five Guys. Portion sizes were perfect and we made the movie without rushing and 5 minutes to spare.
… moreZein Chehab
Had a girl dinner there, caesar salad and fries. The fries were perfectly crispy and caesar salad was very authentic, perfect with addition of fried chicken. A little bit disappointed with the service.
… moreKatie Fredley
We were sat down in the speakeasy and the atmosphere was calming. Our server was so nice and attentive. The food was very good and flavorful. 10/10 we will be back.
… moreTerry Quici
My wife made reservations for our group of 9 a full week ahead of time to ensure that we get our seating time. Everything was good until 3 days before our reservation date. We got a phone call that they could not keep our reservation.
When I asked why, the young lady told me that they couldn’t seat a party that large since it’s the day before Valentine’s day and they needed the seating for couples.
I wish she would have told us that when trying to make the reservation.
Needless to say, that didn’t make all 9 of us happy. We all thought it was very rude! After all, calling so far ahead for the reservations, not to mention eight of the nine of us are couples, what would make us any different?
Again, what made US any different than everyone else that night ? We are all spending money on food and drink like any other couples would be.
Plus, now, it puts us in a difficult situation trying to make reservations this far into the week.
Too bad, it WAS one of our favorite spots downtown State College.
… moreErin Conaway
Really amazing place in state college, however since getting rid of the truffle fries, it hasn’t been the same. Truffle fries are sexy. Bring them back. Truffle fries + central = utopia ~a tier one vibe checker
… moreAustin Boley
I thought this place is going to be very similar to Local Whiskey since it’s attached, but I feel as though it’s pretty different. It’s more of a quiet, relaxed vibe. The atmosphere, food and drinks were all amazing. On the back of every chair there is a picture of a famous person, which is pretty cool. I got the trout over risotto which was the special and it was phenomenal. I also think the prices are very reasonable for the high quality food. Definitely will be back.
… moreDoug W
Had a wonderful dinner here. Tristen was our server he was very attentive. The risotto was amazing the duck ravioli was also delicious. Service overall was great, the alcohol drinks were so well done and prepared. Everything was fresh the fruit on/for the drinks were so well done and fitting. Definitely worth a visit
… moreRichard Federbusch
This loud, high energy restaurant with many sporting events shown on TVs throughout, is a fun place to enjoy a meal. I had the delicious Steak Frites which included an enormous ribeye cooked just the way I requested. Others in my party had the Bison Burger and the Lobster Mac and Cheese. These too were outstanding and plentiful. Service was very attentive despite the large crowd. Overall, a great meal with great service.
… moreLauren McPhillips
Good cocktails, and relatively small but great seasonally rotating menu. The beet burger was a fantastic flavorful vegetarian option. Creme brulee was also tasty.
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