Otto's Pub and Brewery
BEER AVG
3.84/5
3.84/5
Type: Brewery, Bar, Eatery
2235 N Atherton St
State College, Pennsylvania, 16803
United States
(814) 867-OTTO | map
www.ottospubandbrewery.com
Notes:
For keg/cases orders, use (814) 470-1394
Added by BeerAdvocate
Reviews: 66 | Ratings: 101
4.48/5 rDev +9.8%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4
Great atmosphere, great prices, excellent beer, delicious food, very attentive staff, and when I was there they had a musician performing. I wish they distributed to Pittsburgh! Better yet, open another brewery here...
★ 220 characters
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4
Great atmosphere, great prices, excellent beer, delicious food, very attentive staff, and when I was there they had a musician performing. I wish they distributed to Pittsburgh! Better yet, open another brewery here...
★ 220 characters
4.5/5 rDev +10.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Couldn't begin to describe the good memories of this place! Been visiting this place since almost day one of its existence! Certainly Remer the days of no parking available except at Tire Town!
★ 193 characters
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Couldn't begin to describe the good memories of this place! Been visiting this place since almost day one of its existence! Certainly Remer the days of no parking available except at Tire Town!
★ 193 characters
4.38/5 rDev +7.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
As a State College resident we're very lucky to have a place like Otto's right up the road, and it's definitely a packed local hangout on Friday's when they do their special small batch 'Firkin's' (a weekly treat/ritual). They make their own beer and usually have 1 guest tap and 1 cider on offer as well, and it's a great family friendly place and our go-to for a night out for guests from out of town. The food is excellent, with fantastic burgers, mac'n'cheese, pizzas etc. as well as weekly specials that are a bit more upscale. They always have at least 8 beers on tap ranging from more typical lager's/red ale's/IPA's/stouts to a great list of rotating specials like their Jolly Roger Imperial Stout, Triple, Bourbon aged stuff, winter warmers, etc. A great place, and joining their pub club was a stellar decision. Recommended!
★ 841 characters
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
As a State College resident we're very lucky to have a place like Otto's right up the road, and it's definitely a packed local hangout on Friday's when they do their special small batch 'Firkin's' (a weekly treat/ritual). They make their own beer and usually have 1 guest tap and 1 cider on offer as well, and it's a great family friendly place and our go-to for a night out for guests from out of town. The food is excellent, with fantastic burgers, mac'n'cheese, pizzas etc. as well as weekly specials that are a bit more upscale. They always have at least 8 beers on tap ranging from more typical lager's/red ale's/IPA's/stouts to a great list of rotating specials like their Jolly Roger Imperial Stout, Triple, Bourbon aged stuff, winter warmers, etc. A great place, and joining their pub club was a stellar decision. Recommended!
★ 841 characters
4.23/5 rDev +3.7%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.25 | food: 4.5
Food and Beer are great, however cant get over the fact it is an old quaker steak and lube restaurant. I liked the old brew pub up atherton alot better, but i love the apricot wheat and miss my college days of 2 dollar red mo's at the local state college bars
★ 259 characters
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.25 | food: 4.5
Food and Beer are great, however cant get over the fact it is an old quaker steak and lube restaurant. I liked the old brew pub up atherton alot better, but i love the apricot wheat and miss my college days of 2 dollar red mo's at the local state college bars
★ 259 characters
4.05/5 rDev -0.7%
Came in here with my mom on a recent trip to state college. Had a 20 min wait at 6 on a monday. I enjoyed the food. ordered potato pancakes and a turkey pretzel sandwich. my mom had the cod fish tacos. Potato pancakes were basically big hashbrowns nothing to brag about. My turkey sandwich was real good. turkey was hot and juicy and the pretzel bun was perfect. The fish tacos my mum ordered looked like a tortilla shell with a fish stick, lettuce and cheese on it. She said they were good though. I ordered a DIPA for myself and the bill came to $33. My beer was only $4.50 for a 16oz. overall good food and beer for a great price.
★ 634 characters
Came in here with my mom on a recent trip to state college. Had a 20 min wait at 6 on a monday. I enjoyed the food. ordered potato pancakes and a turkey pretzel sandwich. my mom had the cod fish tacos. Potato pancakes were basically big hashbrowns nothing to brag about. My turkey sandwich was real good. turkey was hot and juicy and the pretzel bun was perfect. The fish tacos my mum ordered looked like a tortilla shell with a fish stick, lettuce and cheese on it. She said they were good though. I ordered a DIPA for myself and the bill came to $33. My beer was only $4.50 for a 16oz. overall good food and beer for a great price.
★ 634 characters
4.53/5 rDev +11%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.75
As a beer lover and now Penn Stater I need some place to get my local beer fix. Otto's fulfilled my expectations perfectly. Since I've been here, I visited four times, and each time has been a wonderful experience.
First of all, the beer is pretty good. Not world class, not even great in some cases, but is mostly pretty darn tasty. For the craft newcomers, I'd say the Apricot Wheat, Apple Tripel, and Black Mo are safe bets. I was a big fan of the Green Hop Ale III and the Wee Heavy. Flights of 5 beers are available for $5. It's a no-brainer.
Service was great. Each time my waiter/waitress was very patient and informative.
The food might be the best part. Last time I had the Elk Burger Club. Just great. My brother has gotten the Pretzel Roll Sandwich each time he's been and that is just delicious. The fries (potato and sweet potato) are perfect.
You won't be disappointed with this place, whether you're looking for beer, food, or both.
★ 951 characters
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.75
As a beer lover and now Penn Stater I need some place to get my local beer fix. Otto's fulfilled my expectations perfectly. Since I've been here, I visited four times, and each time has been a wonderful experience.
First of all, the beer is pretty good. Not world class, not even great in some cases, but is mostly pretty darn tasty. For the craft newcomers, I'd say the Apricot Wheat, Apple Tripel, and Black Mo are safe bets. I was a big fan of the Green Hop Ale III and the Wee Heavy. Flights of 5 beers are available for $5. It's a no-brainer.
Service was great. Each time my waiter/waitress was very patient and informative.
The food might be the best part. Last time I had the Elk Burger Club. Just great. My brother has gotten the Pretzel Roll Sandwich each time he's been and that is just delicious. The fries (potato and sweet potato) are perfect.
You won't be disappointed with this place, whether you're looking for beer, food, or both.
★ 951 characters
4.84/5 rDev +18.6%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 4.75 | food: 5
Ottot is the original happy valley brew pub. Everything that the make is great. The food and service are top notch and the menu is exceptional for a brewpub. They take pride in what they do and it shows. The dry stout on nitro is my favorite. So we'll done! Red mo is nice too and most of their standard offerings are available in keg, case and six pack. The beer geek destination in central pa!!!
★ 397 characters
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 4.75 | food: 5
Ottot is the original happy valley brew pub. Everything that the make is great. The food and service are top notch and the menu is exceptional for a brewpub. They take pride in what they do and it shows. The dry stout on nitro is my favorite. So we'll done! Red mo is nice too and most of their standard offerings are available in keg, case and six pack. The beer geek destination in central pa!!!
★ 397 characters
3.9/5 rDev -4.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.25
I love going to Otto's. I always enjoy their beers, and they have an interesting menu and tasty specials. My husband and I usually try to get out there at least once a month, often more than that. They have a Pub Club thing and a gift shop with all kinds of beer-related nifty-gifties. If you're in the State College area, it's worth a visit.
★ 342 characters
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.25
I love going to Otto's. I always enjoy their beers, and they have an interesting menu and tasty specials. My husband and I usually try to get out there at least once a month, often more than that. They have a Pub Club thing and a gift shop with all kinds of beer-related nifty-gifties. If you're in the State College area, it's worth a visit.
★ 342 characters
4.06/5 rDev -0.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.25 | food: 4
Stopped in here on the way to the Voodoo release, I have been to State College Hundreds of times but this was my first trip here. Very nice building with lots of room to spread out and watch the NCAA games on the TV's. Large bar in the middle with lots of people at it. Service was good. We didn't have to wait for our beers and food and he was able to suggest a few beers to try.
Quality was pretty good, beer was in the correct glasses and the food was fresh. Speaking of food, I got the brisket cheesesteak and an order of corn fritters, both were quite tasty and affordable. Selection was pretty good. I saw a few things I would have liked to try, my first selection was all gone but I was able to get the rye IPA on cask instead and it was decent. Prices were pretty good all things considered.
Overall a nice brewpub that I will definitely return to in the future.
★ 872 characters
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.25 | food: 4
Stopped in here on the way to the Voodoo release, I have been to State College Hundreds of times but this was my first trip here. Very nice building with lots of room to spread out and watch the NCAA games on the TV's. Large bar in the middle with lots of people at it. Service was good. We didn't have to wait for our beers and food and he was able to suggest a few beers to try.
Quality was pretty good, beer was in the correct glasses and the food was fresh. Speaking of food, I got the brisket cheesesteak and an order of corn fritters, both were quite tasty and affordable. Selection was pretty good. I saw a few things I would have liked to try, my first selection was all gone but I was able to get the rye IPA on cask instead and it was decent. Prices were pretty good all things considered.
Overall a nice brewpub that I will definitely return to in the future.
★ 872 characters
4.05/5 rDev -0.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Stopped at Otto's before a PSU basketball game.
Impressed by the space. Several large dining areas, a large bar area, and a decently sized gift shop. We were seated in the dining area with the pizza oven.
I think they had 10 options on tap when we were there, including 2 cask offerings (barley wine and English IPA) and 2 guest taps (Mad Elf and a cider). Good representation of different styles. I had tried most of Otto's bottled offerings already so I went with the Arthur's English IPA on cask and was very impressed.
The menu has a good selection ranging from sandwiches to burgers to pizza to real entrees (steaks, etc). Of the 4 meals we ordered all were good to very good. Prices on food were reasonable too.
Worth noting that the gift shop had a decent selection of other breweries beer to go including Troegs and other locals. Absolutely worth a stop if you are in the area.
★ 890 characters
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Stopped at Otto's before a PSU basketball game.
Impressed by the space. Several large dining areas, a large bar area, and a decently sized gift shop. We were seated in the dining area with the pizza oven.
I think they had 10 options on tap when we were there, including 2 cask offerings (barley wine and English IPA) and 2 guest taps (Mad Elf and a cider). Good representation of different styles. I had tried most of Otto's bottled offerings already so I went with the Arthur's English IPA on cask and was very impressed.
The menu has a good selection ranging from sandwiches to burgers to pizza to real entrees (steaks, etc). Of the 4 meals we ordered all were good to very good. Prices on food were reasonable too.
Worth noting that the gift shop had a decent selection of other breweries beer to go including Troegs and other locals. Absolutely worth a stop if you are in the area.
★ 890 characters
4.2/5 rDev +2.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Stopped into Otto's on Friday night with my dad. We were in State College for a golf weekend and Otto's was conveniently just up the road from our hotel.
It was fairly busy when we got there and the hostess told us it would be a 35 minute wait. We took a pager and headed to the bar for a drink. Fortunately, two guys at the bar were just leaving so we were able to take their seats and avoid a wait for a table. The atmosphere was pretty standard for a brewpub. There were a few large flat screens showing sporting events which was fine by us. I also really dug the collection of vintage beer signs and posters.
There were about ten beers on tops, two on a cask and a guest beer on tap as well. My dad and I opted for the Mt. Nittany Pale Ale. I also had a Slab Cabin IPA as well. Both were quite tasty and I always love getting a pint in an imperial 20 ounce glass.
The menu was pretty standard with some exceptions like pizzas. We both opted for burgers. I had the Ottonator which had pancetta, grilled onions and cheddar on it. Really excellent burger. Lots of flavor. The fries were quite good too.
Service was prompt, friendly and attentive. The bartenders were in constant motion and seemed to be enjoying their jobs. Additionally, there was a retail store in the front of the restaurant. I picked up a six pack and a few bombers to take home with me.
Dinner for two including three beers was $31 which you can't really beat. Overall, I really enjoyed Otto's...fresh, handcrafted beers and quality pub food. I'll definitely stopped by again the next time I find myself in State College.
★ 1,600 characters
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Stopped into Otto's on Friday night with my dad. We were in State College for a golf weekend and Otto's was conveniently just up the road from our hotel.
It was fairly busy when we got there and the hostess told us it would be a 35 minute wait. We took a pager and headed to the bar for a drink. Fortunately, two guys at the bar were just leaving so we were able to take their seats and avoid a wait for a table. The atmosphere was pretty standard for a brewpub. There were a few large flat screens showing sporting events which was fine by us. I also really dug the collection of vintage beer signs and posters.
There were about ten beers on tops, two on a cask and a guest beer on tap as well. My dad and I opted for the Mt. Nittany Pale Ale. I also had a Slab Cabin IPA as well. Both were quite tasty and I always love getting a pint in an imperial 20 ounce glass.
The menu was pretty standard with some exceptions like pizzas. We both opted for burgers. I had the Ottonator which had pancetta, grilled onions and cheddar on it. Really excellent burger. Lots of flavor. The fries were quite good too.
Service was prompt, friendly and attentive. The bartenders were in constant motion and seemed to be enjoying their jobs. Additionally, there was a retail store in the front of the restaurant. I picked up a six pack and a few bombers to take home with me.
Dinner for two including three beers was $31 which you can't really beat. Overall, I really enjoyed Otto's...fresh, handcrafted beers and quality pub food. I'll definitely stopped by again the next time I find myself in State College.
★ 1,600 characters
3.7/5 rDev -9.3%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3 | food: 4
I frequent here quite a bit as I live in the area. I occasionally get some of their food.
I enjoy the atmosphere there as it is a little bit older then where people my age (my kin) typically like to frequent. I enjoy the more relaxed less dancey feel of the place.
They have a nice layout with two separate bars (where the one operates on busy days). The service there is really quite good. They are typically quite quick to greet you and ask if you would like a drink ( I typically go to the bar, but on occasion am seated - they are good there as well). The food selection is sorta standard fro a brewpub in my eye. Pizza, sandwiches, salads and a few meals. the pizza is good, but other then that I don't have much to comment on (I typically go in for just beer or beer and a very light appetizer (which are good by the way)). The prices are a little high, but again gauging from the atmosphere they are more geared toward the middle aged family./ single man with a little more disposable income then someone like me. The beer however is very reasonably priced. Overall a nice place to sit, drink and think.
★ 1,113 characters
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3 | food: 4
I frequent here quite a bit as I live in the area. I occasionally get some of their food.
I enjoy the atmosphere there as it is a little bit older then where people my age (my kin) typically like to frequent. I enjoy the more relaxed less dancey feel of the place.
They have a nice layout with two separate bars (where the one operates on busy days). The service there is really quite good. They are typically quite quick to greet you and ask if you would like a drink ( I typically go to the bar, but on occasion am seated - they are good there as well). The food selection is sorta standard fro a brewpub in my eye. Pizza, sandwiches, salads and a few meals. the pizza is good, but other then that I don't have much to comment on (I typically go in for just beer or beer and a very light appetizer (which are good by the way)). The prices are a little high, but again gauging from the atmosphere they are more geared toward the middle aged family./ single man with a little more disposable income then someone like me. The beer however is very reasonably priced. Overall a nice place to sit, drink and think.
★ 1,113 characters
4.18/5 rDev +2.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
We stopped in for lunch on our way through State College after celebrating Christmas with family in the area. I've been to the new location once before shortly after they moved in.
The new location was once a Quaker Steak & Lube. The facility fits their operations to a 'T'. The main entrance takes you through a gift shop area where you can pick up a growler and other items or apparel that adorn the Otto's logo. The brewery is housed in the left portion of the building where there use to be some sort of auto service shop. The pub is to the right with a large curved bar in the middle with seating for a dozen or so people. Adjacent to the bar are restrooms and the kitchen located back a hall.
The restrooms (at least the men’s room) seemed very clean with all the modern amenities. The entire building is well kept and is even next to a hotel incase you happen to be in need of lodging.
The service started off exceptional and remained great during our entire visit. The staff seemed highly knowledgeable about the beer and other menu items. I never once had to ask for a refill. The beer selection was great and reflected the winter season perfectly. We started things with a cheese quesadilla and then nachos. I ordered the Cuban sandwich and sweet potato fries. The food was exceptional and the Spring Creek Lager was one of the best craft brewed lagers I’ve had to date. I ended up leaving with an growler of this beer (Ba review pending).
This is a great place to visit with some exceptional craft beer and food offerings. We try to make it in at least once a year.
★ 1,585 characters
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
We stopped in for lunch on our way through State College after celebrating Christmas with family in the area. I've been to the new location once before shortly after they moved in.
The new location was once a Quaker Steak & Lube. The facility fits their operations to a 'T'. The main entrance takes you through a gift shop area where you can pick up a growler and other items or apparel that adorn the Otto's logo. The brewery is housed in the left portion of the building where there use to be some sort of auto service shop. The pub is to the right with a large curved bar in the middle with seating for a dozen or so people. Adjacent to the bar are restrooms and the kitchen located back a hall.
The restrooms (at least the men’s room) seemed very clean with all the modern amenities. The entire building is well kept and is even next to a hotel incase you happen to be in need of lodging.
The service started off exceptional and remained great during our entire visit. The staff seemed highly knowledgeable about the beer and other menu items. I never once had to ask for a refill. The beer selection was great and reflected the winter season perfectly. We started things with a cheese quesadilla and then nachos. I ordered the Cuban sandwich and sweet potato fries. The food was exceptional and the Spring Creek Lager was one of the best craft brewed lagers I’ve had to date. I ended up leaving with an growler of this beer (Ba review pending).
This is a great place to visit with some exceptional craft beer and food offerings. We try to make it in at least once a year.
★ 1,585 characters
3.83/5 rDev -6.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
This place wasn't bad at all. I spent my time at the bar but I ordered food as well. The beers I had there all were pretty solid, except for the Hefe, which I thought could use some work. The service was good, food wasn't too bad, and everything was clean. I liked the glass side of the building where you could see some of the brewing equipment. The bartender seemed really cool and always ready to fill my glass. The place was decorated with random tidbits of Pennsylvania brewing history (old brewery crates, advertisements, etc..) and also had a nice gift shop with pint glasses, T-shirts and what not. This is a nice place and somewhere I like to go as often as I can.
★ 673 characters
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
This place wasn't bad at all. I spent my time at the bar but I ordered food as well. The beers I had there all were pretty solid, except for the Hefe, which I thought could use some work. The service was good, food wasn't too bad, and everything was clean. I liked the glass side of the building where you could see some of the brewing equipment. The bartender seemed really cool and always ready to fill my glass. The place was decorated with random tidbits of Pennsylvania brewing history (old brewery crates, advertisements, etc..) and also had a nice gift shop with pint glasses, T-shirts and what not. This is a nice place and somewhere I like to go as often as I can.
★ 673 characters
4.45/5 rDev +9.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Absolutely loved the place. First off, the server was friendly... and returned often to the table to see if we needed anything. Next, the food was amazing! It came out very quickly, and it tasted great. They had a sizable menu, and it all the ingredients were locally produced which I think they are very proud of.
I only managed to have two pints while I was there (had to drive back to Altoona). I had the Arthur’s Centennial Pale Ale and a Spruce Creek Lager. Both were quite yummy, and I would have drank more but I had to drive.
Lastly, the place was clean which for me is a bonus... I don't mind taking my kids. They even have a really nice kids menu... both my kids enjoyed eating the food as well.
Overall, one hell of a joint. Although I only managed to drink two pints this visit, I have sampled many of their other beers at tasting events. Bottom line... great beer, great food, responsible prices.
★ 914 characters
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Absolutely loved the place. First off, the server was friendly... and returned often to the table to see if we needed anything. Next, the food was amazing! It came out very quickly, and it tasted great. They had a sizable menu, and it all the ingredients were locally produced which I think they are very proud of.
I only managed to have two pints while I was there (had to drive back to Altoona). I had the Arthur’s Centennial Pale Ale and a Spruce Creek Lager. Both were quite yummy, and I would have drank more but I had to drive.
Lastly, the place was clean which for me is a bonus... I don't mind taking my kids. They even have a really nice kids menu... both my kids enjoyed eating the food as well.
Overall, one hell of a joint. Although I only managed to drink two pints this visit, I have sampled many of their other beers at tasting events. Bottom line... great beer, great food, responsible prices.
★ 914 characters
4.18/5 rDev +2.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
stopped in at the new pub on our way through back west. although you can tell from the outside that its an old quaker steak, you couldn't tell on the inside. its a large, open space with lots of seating and an enormous bar. service was excellent, even though it was the lunch time rush. Great selection of beers in tap, plus two beer engines. Food was excellent, had the beer cheese dip for an appetizer and the mac and cheese for lunch. the bacon and scallops were a great addition to the mac and cheese. prices were right about what you would expect from a pub, food maybe a little on the higher side, but well worth it. the beer selection, at least when i was there, is what i would say is very safe. there is nothing too far off the beaten path, but everything they do and that i have tried seemed to be very well done. i'd recommend this to anyone on their way into state college.
★ 885 characters
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
stopped in at the new pub on our way through back west. although you can tell from the outside that its an old quaker steak, you couldn't tell on the inside. its a large, open space with lots of seating and an enormous bar. service was excellent, even though it was the lunch time rush. Great selection of beers in tap, plus two beer engines. Food was excellent, had the beer cheese dip for an appetizer and the mac and cheese for lunch. the bacon and scallops were a great addition to the mac and cheese. prices were right about what you would expect from a pub, food maybe a little on the higher side, but well worth it. the beer selection, at least when i was there, is what i would say is very safe. there is nothing too far off the beaten path, but everything they do and that i have tried seemed to be very well done. i'd recommend this to anyone on their way into state college.
★ 885 characters
4.35/5 rDev +6.6%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
Sentimental or whatever, I liked the atmosphere at the old Otto's location a little better. This place is more like a sports bar. I am sure the new location will grow on me - especially since the parking situation is now 100% better. That comment aside, the beers remain as solid as ever. Had the Beer Engine #2: Arthur’s Simcoe Pale Ale (a cask-conditioned American Pale Ale). It was exceptionally good. I should have made that my second beer choice as well, but the Double D Imperial Style IPA was a great selection (as always). Got a 6-pack of Slab Cabin IPA and a 6-pack of Double D to go, as well as a growler fill of the Double D. The "to go" selections are very good.
★ 676 characters
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
Sentimental or whatever, I liked the atmosphere at the old Otto's location a little better. This place is more like a sports bar. I am sure the new location will grow on me - especially since the parking situation is now 100% better. That comment aside, the beers remain as solid as ever. Had the Beer Engine #2: Arthur’s Simcoe Pale Ale (a cask-conditioned American Pale Ale). It was exceptionally good. I should have made that my second beer choice as well, but the Double D Imperial Style IPA was a great selection (as always). Got a 6-pack of Slab Cabin IPA and a 6-pack of Double D to go, as well as a growler fill of the Double D. The "to go" selections are very good.
★ 676 characters
4.25/5 rDev +4.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.5
Visited a couple of times on a recent trip to State College. I had previously visited the old location but hadn't reviewed it.
A very nice bar and restaurant. Lots of seating at the big bar. Very friendly servers who are also knowledgeable about beer. The selection was very good and covered all of the basic styles. I got lucky and caught the IPA just coming back as well as the DIPA. They also had a red ale, a stout, an apricot wheat and a lager on tap. Good overall selection. The guest tap was Troegs Pale Ale.
Tried 4 different beers (IPA, DIPA, Stout, Red) and enjoyed all of them.
The food was decent. Had the wings, which were hyped up on BA in another thread and found them very average. Also had a steak which was above average but not excellent. The fried are fantastic though!
The place was packed during dinner hour all 3 nights and the atmosphere was great, including lots of TVs.
I definitely hops to return to Otto's some day.
★ 953 characters
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.5
Visited a couple of times on a recent trip to State College. I had previously visited the old location but hadn't reviewed it.
A very nice bar and restaurant. Lots of seating at the big bar. Very friendly servers who are also knowledgeable about beer. The selection was very good and covered all of the basic styles. I got lucky and caught the IPA just coming back as well as the DIPA. They also had a red ale, a stout, an apricot wheat and a lager on tap. Good overall selection. The guest tap was Troegs Pale Ale.
Tried 4 different beers (IPA, DIPA, Stout, Red) and enjoyed all of them.
The food was decent. Had the wings, which were hyped up on BA in another thread and found them very average. Also had a steak which was above average but not excellent. The fried are fantastic though!
The place was packed during dinner hour all 3 nights and the atmosphere was great, including lots of TVs.
I definitely hops to return to Otto's some day.
★ 953 characters
4.03/5 rDev -1.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
Everyone of course is entitled to their opinion about the quality of beer, food and service. However the comments about the beer selection shows a total lack of respect to the business and the business owners. Otto's Pub and Brewery just moved down the road to a new location, and due to the logistics of the move and state and local laws they had to stop making beer for a period of 2-3 months. Their beer inventory suffered to the point they temporarily stopped selling kegs or filling growlers. They are now ramping up and starting to increase their inventory, and soon they will be able to offer their full selection of Otto's standard beers and the seasonal specialty beers that put Otto's on the map.
I personally think there comes responsibility when writing these reviews. Your opinion impacts the business and I hate to see a business like Otto's be negatively impacted by someone who does not take the time to at least ask why there are so few selections of beer. Should it not be part of the review that the limited beer selection is a very temporary situation caused by their move?
I have visited many pub and breweries and Otto's beer compares favorably to most if not all. To say the quality of all the beers but a couple are mediocre is laughable. I invite you to look at the reviewed Otto's beers on this sight..how many of these have you actually had?
As a local beer lover I consider myself very lucky to have Otto's in my backyard, and I am very excited about the future selections the new and bigger brewery will provide.
★ 1,545 characters
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
Everyone of course is entitled to their opinion about the quality of beer, food and service. However the comments about the beer selection shows a total lack of respect to the business and the business owners. Otto's Pub and Brewery just moved down the road to a new location, and due to the logistics of the move and state and local laws they had to stop making beer for a period of 2-3 months. Their beer inventory suffered to the point they temporarily stopped selling kegs or filling growlers. They are now ramping up and starting to increase their inventory, and soon they will be able to offer their full selection of Otto's standard beers and the seasonal specialty beers that put Otto's on the map.
I personally think there comes responsibility when writing these reviews. Your opinion impacts the business and I hate to see a business like Otto's be negatively impacted by someone who does not take the time to at least ask why there are so few selections of beer. Should it not be part of the review that the limited beer selection is a very temporary situation caused by their move?
I have visited many pub and breweries and Otto's beer compares favorably to most if not all. To say the quality of all the beers but a couple are mediocre is laughable. I invite you to look at the reviewed Otto's beers on this sight..how many of these have you actually had?
As a local beer lover I consider myself very lucky to have Otto's in my backyard, and I am very excited about the future selections the new and bigger brewery will provide.
★ 1,545 characters
3.33/5 rDev -18.4%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 2.5 | food: 3.5
Since Otto's moved the atmosphere has suffered a bit, it's less of a cozy little bar, but still has a really nice big one. Everything is concrete so that might contribute to it's feeling not as comfortable.
The quality of the beer is good, but I've found that the only beers that aren't just mediocre are the double d IPA and the Slab Cabin, everything else is just blah.
Other than the two aforementioned beers, there aren't many other options to be had, which is kinda disappointing since I don't care for the majority of them.
Since they've moved the food quality has gone up (they're doing an all organic/grass fed/etc thing) but also the price. While their food is decent, I don't really plan on buying any of it as I can't afford a $10 burger.
It's cool that there's a brewery in State College, but I'd much rather go to Zeno's for a beer on tap, as they have a much better selection of great beers. You can always get a bomber of Otto's at Zeno's to go anyway...
★ 976 characters
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 2.5 | food: 3.5
Since Otto's moved the atmosphere has suffered a bit, it's less of a cozy little bar, but still has a really nice big one. Everything is concrete so that might contribute to it's feeling not as comfortable.
The quality of the beer is good, but I've found that the only beers that aren't just mediocre are the double d IPA and the Slab Cabin, everything else is just blah.
Other than the two aforementioned beers, there aren't many other options to be had, which is kinda disappointing since I don't care for the majority of them.
Since they've moved the food quality has gone up (they're doing an all organic/grass fed/etc thing) but also the price. While their food is decent, I don't really plan on buying any of it as I can't afford a $10 burger.
It's cool that there's a brewery in State College, but I'd much rather go to Zeno's for a beer on tap, as they have a much better selection of great beers. You can always get a bomber of Otto's at Zeno's to go anyway...
★ 976 characters
2.83/5 rDev -30.6%
vibe: 2 | quality: 2.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3 | food: 2.5
Visited here on a Saturday night in late August. This brewpub/restaurant/college bar is located in collegetown and attracts a college-type crowd. It is dimly lit with plenty of TVs showing sports games. The beer list is small (and most of the regular items had run out when we were there, so we only ended up ordering a few items before resorting to the local cider) and none of the beers are particularly interesting or very tasty. The food is nothing special either. Based on earlier reviews, this seemed like it would be a cool place with good beer, but that was not the case. If you're in the area, feel free to stop by, but don't go out of your way for this place.
★ 669 characters
vibe: 2 | quality: 2.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3 | food: 2.5
Visited here on a Saturday night in late August. This brewpub/restaurant/college bar is located in collegetown and attracts a college-type crowd. It is dimly lit with plenty of TVs showing sports games. The beer list is small (and most of the regular items had run out when we were there, so we only ended up ordering a few items before resorting to the local cider) and none of the beers are particularly interesting or very tasty. The food is nothing special either. Based on earlier reviews, this seemed like it would be a cool place with good beer, but that was not the case. If you're in the area, feel free to stop by, but don't go out of your way for this place.
★ 669 characters
4.38/5 rDev +7.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
I must disagree with the last posting.
Yes, the former restaurant was a very grease laden domestic beer chain restaurant that bombed in State College. However, what Roger, Charlie, and the rest of the crew did to expand Otto's is simply amazing. It has taken the little Mom and Pop Brewpub (which was wonderful for its time) and expanded it to meet the demands made by all patrons. Otto's has lost millions of dollars over the years due to limited seating and parking. Now they have an abundance!! The atmosphere is SO welcoming and gives you the feel that Otto's has officially moved to the next level. With two bars and a wide open feel there is so much character inside. A tribute to beer in Pennsylvania greets you throughout the restaurant with large posters hanging from the ceiling.
The beer, as always, is solid. The food items are still quite good, but the menu needs to expand. I trust it will as the chefs are getting used to the MUCH larger kitchen to work with. Service is great, as always.
Get to know the regular staff, purchase your pub club membership, and frequent the establishment on Friday nights to meet more of the regulars. And don't forget to raise your beer and toast to a bigger and overall better Otto's!!!
★ 1,238 characters
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
I must disagree with the last posting.
Yes, the former restaurant was a very grease laden domestic beer chain restaurant that bombed in State College. However, what Roger, Charlie, and the rest of the crew did to expand Otto's is simply amazing. It has taken the little Mom and Pop Brewpub (which was wonderful for its time) and expanded it to meet the demands made by all patrons. Otto's has lost millions of dollars over the years due to limited seating and parking. Now they have an abundance!! The atmosphere is SO welcoming and gives you the feel that Otto's has officially moved to the next level. With two bars and a wide open feel there is so much character inside. A tribute to beer in Pennsylvania greets you throughout the restaurant with large posters hanging from the ceiling.
The beer, as always, is solid. The food items are still quite good, but the menu needs to expand. I trust it will as the chefs are getting used to the MUCH larger kitchen to work with. Service is great, as always.
Get to know the regular staff, purchase your pub club membership, and frequent the establishment on Friday nights to meet more of the regulars. And don't forget to raise your beer and toast to a bigger and overall better Otto's!!!
★ 1,238 characters
3.38/5 rDev -17.2%
vibe: 2 | quality: 3 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
R.I.P. the Otto's my wife and I came to love so much over the years. They recently moved just up the road to the old Quaker Steak & Lube building, mainly because of their frequent parking issues (there rarely was any), and left behind the charm and quaintness of a smaller brewpub. To be fair, I'll note the following before I divuldge our issues with the new place: 1) We visited in the first week of their re-opening, and 2) We went on a Penn State homegame Saturday. If our issues with the place are worked out, I'll gladly revise my review later.
First, the new location. The parking situation is much better, but they moved to a much bigger building, and one that formerly housed a shitty chain restaurant. Now, that's what it feels like: a chain restaurant. They did keep their vintage beer collectibles and paraphanelia to hang on the walls, which is a nice touch, but otherwise it feels like you're walking into a Ruby Tuesday. They also added several big screen TVs, EVERYWHERE. There seriously isn't a room without them. I realize maybe my wife and I are in the minority here, but when we go out to dinner, we like to eat dinner and converse with each other and our friends, not watch TV. If you want to watch TV while you eat, go to Damon's... one of the things we enjoyed about the old Otto's (and many brewpubs in general) is the lack of TV. I understand if you want to have them in the bar, or maybe in one room, but is it too much to ask to have a dining area without them?
The menu is also smaller than it was. Perhaps they're on a limited menu while they grow accustomed to their new kitchen, though I didn't see anything to that effect on it. They added wood-fired pizzas, but they're not really hard to come by in restaurants these days, so nothing special there. They also expanded the bar with a liquor license, which I personally don't care for in a brewpub. I understand offering wine or sodas for those who aren't beer drinkers, but I don't like the idea of ordering something called a Screaming Orgasm in a brewpub... just a personal preference I guess, I feel a brewpub should just focus on their own brew. Then again I'm no business man; maybe it's smarter to offer the full bar.
Service wasn't bad, but that's changed from the old place as well - it's a bigger restaurant, so it takes longer for them to get around to you. Nothing bad, just typical for a larger restaurant.
The beers are still top-notch, some of the best in the State College area. I'd still recommend the place to any beer fanatic, and if you never got to experience the old Otto's, you might not bat an eye. I'm not a person who's neccessarily averse to change or expansion, but in this case I'm definitely disappointed, at least initially. I miss the more intimate feel and experience of the old place, and now feel like I'm going into just another chain, nowhere special. I live 30 mins away, and always made it appoint to visit at least every other week, but that will change for the time being. I will give it another chance after some time has passed, and see if I'm just being too quick to judge. I truly hope I am - Otto's has been too good for too long for me to write it off anytime soon.
Oh yeah... bring back the Apple Tripel, damn it!
★ 3,252 characters
vibe: 2 | quality: 3 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
R.I.P. the Otto's my wife and I came to love so much over the years. They recently moved just up the road to the old Quaker Steak & Lube building, mainly because of their frequent parking issues (there rarely was any), and left behind the charm and quaintness of a smaller brewpub. To be fair, I'll note the following before I divuldge our issues with the new place: 1) We visited in the first week of their re-opening, and 2) We went on a Penn State homegame Saturday. If our issues with the place are worked out, I'll gladly revise my review later.
First, the new location. The parking situation is much better, but they moved to a much bigger building, and one that formerly housed a shitty chain restaurant. Now, that's what it feels like: a chain restaurant. They did keep their vintage beer collectibles and paraphanelia to hang on the walls, which is a nice touch, but otherwise it feels like you're walking into a Ruby Tuesday. They also added several big screen TVs, EVERYWHERE. There seriously isn't a room without them. I realize maybe my wife and I are in the minority here, but when we go out to dinner, we like to eat dinner and converse with each other and our friends, not watch TV. If you want to watch TV while you eat, go to Damon's... one of the things we enjoyed about the old Otto's (and many brewpubs in general) is the lack of TV. I understand if you want to have them in the bar, or maybe in one room, but is it too much to ask to have a dining area without them?
The menu is also smaller than it was. Perhaps they're on a limited menu while they grow accustomed to their new kitchen, though I didn't see anything to that effect on it. They added wood-fired pizzas, but they're not really hard to come by in restaurants these days, so nothing special there. They also expanded the bar with a liquor license, which I personally don't care for in a brewpub. I understand offering wine or sodas for those who aren't beer drinkers, but I don't like the idea of ordering something called a Screaming Orgasm in a brewpub... just a personal preference I guess, I feel a brewpub should just focus on their own brew. Then again I'm no business man; maybe it's smarter to offer the full bar.
Service wasn't bad, but that's changed from the old place as well - it's a bigger restaurant, so it takes longer for them to get around to you. Nothing bad, just typical for a larger restaurant.
The beers are still top-notch, some of the best in the State College area. I'd still recommend the place to any beer fanatic, and if you never got to experience the old Otto's, you might not bat an eye. I'm not a person who's neccessarily averse to change or expansion, but in this case I'm definitely disappointed, at least initially. I miss the more intimate feel and experience of the old place, and now feel like I'm going into just another chain, nowhere special. I live 30 mins away, and always made it appoint to visit at least every other week, but that will change for the time being. I will give it another chance after some time has passed, and see if I'm just being too quick to judge. I truly hope I am - Otto's has been too good for too long for me to write it off anytime soon.
Oh yeah... bring back the Apple Tripel, damn it!
★ 3,252 characters
4/5 rDev -2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
This is worth a stop if you are in the area. A freestanding building on 322 on the way to/from I99 in State College.
This is a big brewpub-we were seated in the first room entering so I can't say much about the rest of the atmosphere.
The food is good and has a reasonable variety of American fare. Their wings are awesome. The servers know the beer.
They offer 12 beers on-tap which is a good amount for a brewpub. I found the beer to be decent-but nothing super-special. They have a regular selection, plus a few imperial/special brews as well.
Overall Otto's is a worthwhile stop if you are in State College.
★ 618 characters
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
This is worth a stop if you are in the area. A freestanding building on 322 on the way to/from I99 in State College.
This is a big brewpub-we were seated in the first room entering so I can't say much about the rest of the atmosphere.
The food is good and has a reasonable variety of American fare. Their wings are awesome. The servers know the beer.
They offer 12 beers on-tap which is a good amount for a brewpub. I found the beer to be decent-but nothing super-special. They have a regular selection, plus a few imperial/special brews as well.
Overall Otto's is a worthwhile stop if you are in State College.
★ 618 characters
Otto's Pub and Brewery in State College, PA
3.84
out of 5
based on 1,450 ratings.
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 2.25 | selection: 3 | food: 4
The location and atmosphere of the pub was excellent. When you walk in you go through the gift shop. The food was excellent but the service was horrendous. It took us about 45 minutes to get our food. I went with my parents and they were not happy about the wait for food.
The beer is good and the food selection is decent but was expecting more from this place.
★ 367 characters