Mad Mex

Bar, Eatery

240 S Pugh St
State College, Pennsylvania, 16801-4935
United States

// CLOSED //
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.78
Reviews:
17
Ratings:
21
pDev:
9.26%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
 
Rated: 3.2 by Dogleg from Pennsylvania

Apr 10, 2016
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Reviewed by Slatetank from Pennsylvania

3.81/5  rDev +0.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4 | selection: 3.75 | food: 4
I stopped in for a visit at Mad Mex. They have a good selection of craft beers on tap at the time Hop Ranch and Stochacity Master of Disguise were on. The vibe is kind of what you would expect from a Hotel bar not bad the service was good and I enjoyed room service breakfast which was a very nice portion even though they charged 18% gratuity automatically -ah well that is the price you pay for convenience. I would come here for happy hour if in the area.
Jan 19, 2015
 
Rated: 4.25 by pep from Pennsylvania

Aug 09, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by tdm168 from Pennsylvania

Apr 02, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by ejimhof from Pennsylvania

Oct 09, 2013
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Reviewed by russwbeck from Virginia

3.73/5  rDev -1.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 2.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
During happy hour, you CANNOT beat Mad Mex. They recently had drafts of FBS for $3 for 16oz. Same deal goes for DFH 90 minute. Unbelievable. They also have a great selection for your liquor drinking friends and some really cheap and good food. They have, what I would consider, top 3 or 4 tap selection in State College.

The staff isn't knowledgeable at all and can be annoying pretty easily. Don't dare take food from the bar to a table or even consider seating more people at a table than you told them you'd have, they will yell at you especially during happy hour. If you want the best experience, wait until it's warm and go at 4 or 5pm. You won't leave until they kick you out.
Feb 05, 2011
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Reviewed by sbw138 from Pennsylvania

3.83/5  rDev +1.3%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
I am rating this place considering it is in State College, so, some of these ratings are a little higher than if they were in a bigger city somewhere.

I used to come here during school for their happy hour. They used to have half off drafts, with a decent draft selection, which outside of Zeno's, is hard to come by in State College. They would always have a couple decent Victory or Troegs beers, and would also have something decent from the West Coast. A pretty good choice for the crowd it serves.

Service is usually pretty slow, but I'm there during happy hour, and it is packed, so what can you expect.

Food is decent, again, during happy hour. They have half off wings, and some nights half off all good. I've been there when it is full price, and it really isn't worth it. But, for half off wings (San Francisco are GREAT!) and half off drafts, it is a great place to get some food in your stomach, and an early buzz to start a Friday night out in State College!!
Oct 14, 2009
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Reviewed by UDbeernut from Florida

3.15/5  rDev -16.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3 | service: 3 | selection: 3 | food: 3.5
Visited this place over the summer last time I was in State College.

KLast time I was there, I don't remeber this place being open.

The outdoor padio was nice and provides a good atmosphere. Many tables on the padio which is nice, most places you have to be lucky to get a table outdoors. I never ventured inside other than the use to can. The croud was young (duh)

Beer selection was ok, I had a bluemoon on tap. Did offer some Victory, Yuengling, and a few others, but i was keeping to my BMC Wit.

Food is mexican (duh) and very tasty. The wait staff was good.

Fairly reasonable place.
Jan 05, 2009
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Reviewed by bosco7 from Pennsylvania

3.6/5  rDev -4.8%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
Happened to be in State College and stopped by this place because it was connected to the hotel I was staying in.

The atmosphere has that typical chain feel with a heavy "undergraduate" presence. Not exactly conducive to appreciating craft beer. Not bad though.

The service was decent, but I have met radishes with more personality. They are quick and I never had to wait for the attention of the barkeep staff.

The selection is good especially for a Mexican Restaurant. I had Victory Hop Devil, Hoptimus Prime, and Sierra Nevada Bigfoot (2007 Vintage, cool!). They have 20 or so craft taps and more in bottles.

If I were in State College again I would probably come again and maybe check out the food. Definitely not a beer-geek mecca, solid selection none the less.
Feb 21, 2008
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Reviewed by slvrmon82 from Delaware

3.65/5  rDev -3.4%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I left state college about 6 months ago and have been local to state college have eaten there and gone for happy hour many times. The atmosphere is big with wood tables and really dark even in the day. The outdoor patio is great though and they have a small outdoor 6 seat bar as well. The service is average as it is state college. The selection has been better recently with lots of local and regional favorites such as troegs and otto's with there 40 or something burritos to choose from. They are huge and half price during happy hour. As are the margaritas that have a ton of frozen tequilla for only $5. Not my favorite but will be back for sure.
Feb 19, 2008
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Reviewed by Ryanbob from Texas

4.3/5  rDev +13.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
I stayed at the hotel connected to this place on my recent visit to State College. I enjoyed a couple of beers here and was impressed by their selection for a small restaurant bar. The Bell's Cream Stout was phenomenal, and they have quite a few solid choices on draft. The music wasn't really my taste, but it was bearable. Service was promt and friendly. I didn't try the food (I'm afraid of Mexican food from the North), but I would definitely recommend that you swing by when in town if you are staying close by. Also they have Shiner on draft, which is a great thing for any Texan to see outside of Texas.
Feb 04, 2008
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Reviewed by jsbrendle from Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +5.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
I've made several visits to Mad Mex in the last year, all of which have been positive. I find you get the best service at the bar, so if that's an option I'd suggest it. Table service isn't bad, but sometimes things are forgotten, including that you are there and thirsty. It happens, it's a college student staff for the most part ... kids working for some beer money for a couple of months doesn't often make for stellar service. Food is good, if not particularly authentic mexican. Bottle selection? Decent... not that I usually do bottles. Tap selection has been very good under recent management. Impressive set of options, sometimes very impressive in that rather unusual things sneak in. Long-term trend to be seen as there's been a change in the management team. [Edit: No reason to fear, selection has continued to be quite good in this new year.] I would hope that things continue in this fashion. Atmosphere? Decently large space. Can get quite busy though. Spread out tables make things more comfortable than being right on top of your neighbors (like in some other places in town). Outside is nice, very nice, in appropriate weather. A place to check out, especially when staying at the attached Hotel or looking for a nice place to spend a summer night after getting off work. Recommended.
Jan 01, 2008
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Reviewed by akorsak from Pennsylvania

4.3/5  rDev +13.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Mad Mex is in the Day's Inn complex across Pugh Street from my parents' condo. As a PSU alum, I am in town regularly and try to hit Mad Mex as much as possible.

Atmosphere: This place is crowded during happy hours and weekends during the school year. There is an outdoor bar complete with an enclosed, heated seating area. Inside, a large rectangular bar is up front, surrounded on two sides by an expanse of tables. The place is rather dark, which is not a problem because the walls are sparsely decorated.

Quality: From hostess to bus boy, I've never had a bad run-in. The beer has been fresh and the facility is generally clean. A long line can form out front during a busy Friday or Saturday. And don't even try to arrive during the 5-7PM happy hour, the place is a zoo.

Service: Service has been efficient and accomodating. During our last visit, I tried to order 2 Stone 11's (to allow one to warm). The waiter informed me that that was against policy but that he would automatically put in a second order 10 minutes after he dropped off the first glass. He was also quick with service and check when requested.

Selection: Wow! Stone 11 on tap in State College? Never did I expect that, and let me tell you the smoky bar did not diminish my enjoyment. I've had Ommegang's Three Philosopher's on-tap, along with Brooklyn, Troegs, Stoudt's and Dogfish Head. This place does craft beer justice.

Food: Another big winner, the food is Mexican (as though that weren't apparent) with big portions. I've never had a bad meal and I can't recommend the carnitas (pork burrito) enough.

This place is a steal, but pick your arrival times wisely.
Dec 09, 2007
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Reviewed by BittRnessabounds from Colorado

3.6/5  rDev -4.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 2.5
Don't go to this regional chain for the food, especially if you actually expect real Mexican food. Do go if you are in State College in the summer and you want to enjoy a good beer on a patio. Mad Mex can also be quite enjoyable early and midweek for happy hour (half price pints) at all times of the year. Expect to be crowded out on Fridays and Saturdays like nearly every other bar in town.

It is sad that this is the only "Mexican restaurant" in town. Unfortunately the Mexican food is very bland, boring, and frankly bad. The food manages to quench the hunger if you are sessioning, but you will pay later. However, the provided chips and salsa are nice.

The staff is the state college typical high turnover undergrads. Usually pretty attentive, but are generally not overly knowledgeable about the beer.

Mad Mex is worth visiting because they do a good job of rotating through a pretty good selection of regional beers. You fill find plenty of Victory offerings, as well as smaller brewers like, Appalachian, Bells, Erie, Lancaster, Penn, Troegs, and Weyerbacher. If you can manage to sample one of these beers sitting on the patio on a nice warm summer day when most of the undergrads are out of town, all the better.
Nov 21, 2006
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Reviewed by jrb1001 from Pennsylvania

3.1/5  rDev -18%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 2 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I have been to Mad Mex several times, my most recent was going there at 7am for St. Patricks day. The place is nice, It has and indoor and outdoor bar. When the temperature is just the right the out door bar is nice because the atmoshphere of state college is great. The mudslides are very good there. I am not a fan of their magaritas even though that is their biggest seller. Inside the bar is a nice bar area and sit down place. They offer free chips and salsa which taste really good when you are drinking. I would have to say that the beer selection is very good, they had a Golden Monkey from Victory Brewing Company, I was very impressed by this. Over all it is a nice place, but there are better places around the state college area.
Jul 24, 2006
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Reviewed by sinistrsam from Maryland

4.05/5  rDev +7.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
The phenomenon that is Mad Mex has extended its reach all the way to central PA. This restuarant is half outdoors, and huge. Ecclectic and strange decour on the inside is almost macabre, but lends itself to a pretty chill experience. Coming from Pittsburgh originally, I was thrilled to get some of that great food all the way out in happy valley, but what came with it was something I didn't expect. They have, what I would call, a pretty damn good beer list for a restaurant. Keep in mind this is a mexican(duh) restaurant; they have, at the time of me reviewing this: Yuengling Lager
Sierra Nevada Harvest (feature), Troegenator, Sam Adams Boston lager, Blue Moon, Sierra Oktoberfest (feature), Penn Oktoberfest
Victory Hop Devil, Dogfish Head 60min IPA, Sam Adams Oktoberfest, Magic Hat Mystery Beer #371, Abita Purple Haze
Miller Lite, Spaten Oktoberfest, Smithwick's, Hoegaarden (12oz)
Magic Hat #9, Guinness, Dos Equis Amber, Brooklyn EIPA, Young's Double Chocolate Stout and Weyerbacher Autumnfest. Now tell me what isn't impressive.
All beer aside, this place is a huge place to congregate for PSU Students on any given night, and especially on the weekends. Crazy margarita specials, great food and a good atmosphere makes this a good palce to visit. The only reason I throw up the "bit pricy" review is because if you don't get there for a ber/liquor special, you could easily spend a pretty penny.
Nov 15, 2005
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Reviewed by NearerMyBeerToMe from Pennsylvania

3.58/5  rDev -5.3%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
It's true. Mad Mex is (1) a bit of a meat market and (2) focused on the giant margaritas that will have you soon hammered, but... the beer selection is really quite good, especially for this town. Troegs, Victory, Brooklyn, and Penn always get at least a tap each. More exotic stuff will occasionaly make it in as well. I was surprised to find Corsendonk Pater on tap here once. The decor of the inside bar is not exactly to my taste, as it strikes me as being a little too slick and overproduced. "Authentic Tex-Mex techno-goth?" Whatever. Drink outside on the patio on summer afternoons and take in some eye candy instead. Service is efficient, and, if not entirely knowledgeable about the beer, at least it's reasonably friendly. If you ask them to pour you a hefeweizen without putting a slice of lemon on the glass, they will oblige. Having your photo taken by a computerized camera as the doorman scans your ID is a little Orwellian, though. It's a nice enough place as long as you're not thinking too hard about it. Incidentally, I must disagree with a previous reviewer. The chips and salsa are most definitely free.
Sep 11, 2005
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Reviewed by ski271 from Pennsylvania

4.3/5  rDev +13.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
After reading the previous reviews, and realizing I had never been here before I thought I’d give it a shot. It was lunchtime so it was dead. I probably should try it again at dinner time or stop in for a drink at the bar some evening to see how it is then.

I had avoided it, because I had heard some bad things from people I know, such as slow and/or rude service, high prices, too much smoke, etc. I didn’t find any of that.

Atmosphere: Very spacious. I hate when it feel like you’re sharing a booth the next couple over. Low light and dark terra cotta colored walls covered with traditional looking Mexican-style art (not cheesy sombreros, and bajas and that kind of stuff that you’d find at some other popular chains). The bar is different, snaking around in a oval, kind of an island look around the bar more than a Mexican look. That along with Bob Marley playing in the background was kind of odd at a Mexican restaurant, but it kind of worked. There was another bar outside on a nice sized patio, and I’ll have to stop by some time on the summer when it’s open.

Food: The food alone was worth a trip back. But the beer selection really impressed me.

Beer: The only typical macro they had on tap was Miller Lite, and then there were some other usuals like Sam Adams, Guinness and Woodchuck, but the rest of the 20+ taps were a wonderful selection of micros and imports. I had a DogfishHead Raison D’Etre and a Red Hook Nut Brown (and a sample of Victory Mad King). Even being probably the first beer of the day from each of those taps, they didn’t taste stale or anything.

Service: No complaints here. I sat at the bar, the host was very cheerful and polite, and the bartender was good and friendly. I also asked him a couple questions about the beer and he was knowledgeable and able to answer them. The other servers I observed seemed decent too. The bartender also scored big points by giving me a very large sample of a beer I hadn’t had before.
Mar 10, 2005
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Reviewed by mjc410 from Vermont

3.9/5  rDev +3.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
MadMex: I can't wait until warm weather rolls around so we can start drinking outside. Still, the atmosphere is great: not-so-dim lights, a large bar that you can walk completely around, and Mexican decor that doesn't seem too cheap. An amazing tequila menu, huge margaritas, and some fun beers on tap. I'd say Mexican beer is pretty much required, so go with a Dos Equis or Negro Modelo if they have it. Also had a very unique Raspberry Imp Stout from Weyerbacher. The food is wild: blue cornbread, amazing pork enchiladas. Plus, they have 1/2 price student specials during weekday lunch time. Be warned though: unlike ChiChi's in days past, the chips and salsa aren't free.
Feb 11, 2005
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Reviewed by Erix from Vermont

3.8/5  rDev +0.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
This was the first Mad Mex I have been in, and I'm kinda impressed. Being attached to the Days Inn makes it a little hard to find the door I guess, but its easier to find than Victory. As a restaurant its not bad, with nice (if smokey) atmosphere, friendly and quick service, and tasty food. I have found that pretty much all the food tastes the same, but at least its a good taste. The beer is the big suprise. There are always some good micros on tap, and its one of the only places in the area I've ever seen Stone being offered (edit: they list Stone IPA, but apparently they never have actually had any in stock.) They usually have a seasonals from Rogue, Victory, Troegs, Penn, and lots of other stuff I've never seen anywhere else in town. Just be warned, they are almost always out of the best one or two brews on the list. Oh, and at night, its going to be full of fratboys and sorostitutes.
Apr 08, 2004
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Reviewed by PSUDREW from Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +5.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Ok there are a bunch of reasons to go here. Margarita for $5 that have about 11 shots in them. Decent beer selection (check the website for the changing list of draught, have lots of Penn stuff in bottles as well as tap. Storm King on draught is reason enough to come. It is vaugely frat-tastic, but if you want a good place to combine non-ba beers and liquor, with good old BA fun, coupled with some decent food, and out door drinking - come. Memories of senoir week happy hours come rushing back- storm king, margarita, quesadilla/buritto combo-repeat. if you get in for happy hour I think i can be worth it, just be aware of the crowd
Sep 08, 2003
Mad Mex in State College, PA
Place rating: 3.78 out of 5 with 21 ratings