Exam season is finally upon us, and that means late nights spent studying. But what happens when you finally finish up and realize you haven’t had any food?
You wander downtown for a bite to eat and find that everything seems to be closed. Lights are off everywhere, and you have to go home for some ramen or leftovers in the fridge.
But what if it didn’t have to be that way? In reality, there are some great options for late-night eats downtown.
Here’s a list of a few of my go-to favorites for late-night food during or after a study session.
Sheetz
Sheetz is the obvious choice for late night eats, and it may be the most well-known. The 24/7 convenience store is at the center of one of Pennsylvania’s biggest culinary rivalries — Wawa versus Sheetz — but in State College, there is only one, for now.
Sheetz stands as a beacon of light up the street from Old Main between Beaver and College Avenues at 129 S. Pugh St., offering fried food and delicacies whose names end with a Z.
What about one of the classic Appz sampler for $6, where you get to choose three of Sheetz’ appetizers? I'm a fan of the Mac N’ Cheese Bitez or the Boneless Bitez.
But Sheetz also has all of the classic convenience store fare you could wish for.
The rest of the options on this list are open late, but this option is for the latest nights you could have.
Sher Halal Gyro
The Sher Halal Gyro cart is a staple of the community and just so happens to sit across the street from Sheetz if you need more options.
Located at 137 E. Beaver Ave., the welcoming atmosphere of the people who own it is hard to beat.
The first time I ever went to the cart was my first year, and they were so friendly, I wanted to come back for more right away.
The food itself is also worth the price. For $16, you get your choice of meat, such as chicken or lamb, over a large portion of rice and salad. And, of course, don’t forget the red and white sauces that come along with it.
Sher Halal Gyro’s hours are 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. every day except Sunday, so it should be open whenever you need it.
Are U Hungry
I have to be honest, the first time I heard someone talk about Are U Hungry, I thought they were simply asking me a question. I wasn’t too hungry at the moment, but the name did pique my interest.
Are U Hungry is the epitome of college food with its “fat” sandwiches being at the center of its menu.
Located at 111 Sowers St., it’s open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to either 1 a.m. or 2:30 a.m, depending on the day.
Whenever you’re finished studying and you think of what you can get to eat, Are U Hungry is certain to come to mind.
D.P. Dough
D.P. Dough serves calzones or what it likes to call “the pizza alternative.”
Located at 401 E. Beaver Ave., it’s open from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m every day of the week.
Its delivery option also makes this a worthwhile alternative to trekking across town for a bite to eat after a long study session.
It has a large selection of pre-selected menu options, such as the Buffer Zone and the End Zone, but beyond that, you can make your very own customizable calzone.
You can choose from over 30 ingredients to stuff into your pizza alternative, and it’s more than enough to fill you up.
Famous Ernie’s Steaks
In my blog where I ranked the best burgers in State College, I put the Local Whiskey burger at No. 1 — and for good reason.
But some may not be old enough to get to try this burger, so Famous Ernie’s Steaks offers you the chance to do so.
Owned by the same people as Local Whiskey, Phyrst and Central Reservation, this is the same kitchen that pumps out those special beef patties.
Located right next door to both of these restaurants and bars at 111 E. Beaver Ave., Famous Ernie’s Steaks opens at either 5 p.m. or 7 p.m. and stays open until 2 a.m., depending on the day.
The fries made here are also arguably the best in town.
So when you look at the clock after a full night of studying and realize it's way past dinner time, here are a few places that should be able to fill your stomach.
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