For Penn Staters who don't get a chance to study abroad and soak in the foreign culture (and liquor), Zeno's in State College, Pennsylvania is the next best thing. Located across the street from the university's main campus, the bar claims that it can take you "Around the World in 80 Beers" within stumbling distance of your dorm.
The Scene: An old shoe shop, Zeno's is a dark little home away from home for many of Penn State's coeds. Opened in 1972 by brothers Zeno and Christ Pappadopoulus, the place is a dive in the best sense of the word. "It's a good place to come, get a beer, have a conversation with a friend and listen to good music," says John, a fifth-year architecture student. "Everyone is welcome. It's very much a family here," says Kiersten, a senior in crime, law and justice. When a band plays it's often standing room only; if you're looking for more than music and musing, Zeno's also has a side room with a pool table and dartboard.
But for most, it's about the beer. Adventurous folks with a thirst for extraordinary brews show up for a Zeno's specialty: Around the World in 80 Beers. If you're a suds connoisseur, you'll love Zeno's stock of at least 200 beers from 20-30 countries -- and you'll get credit for trying them. Once you sign up for the "journey," you get a passport and a stamp for every different exotic beer you quaff. When you hit 80, you get your name added to the plaques on the walls, a T-shirt, glass or mug and, of course, notoriety.
The Chicks at Zeno's: Zeno's has a long history of being the alternative to mainstream Penn State life, which means you'll find everything from brainy-but-beautiful engineering students to sensitive and sensuous poets. It also boasts a strong international fan base. The crowd is "so eclectic," says Kristin, a senior in kinesiology. "It's 100 percent random." But if you are looking for high-maintenance chicks, you're in the wrong bar. A Zeno's girl is most definitely the easy-going type and very sure of herself. As Denim, a fourth year architecture major, points out, "People who know what they want come here."
When to Go: If you're looking for a little music to go with your drink, there's an 8 p.m. jazz show on Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. bluegrass show on Wednesdays and college rock on Friday nights. Touring regional and national acts -- which have included Ryan Adams and Los Straightjackets -- perform Saturday nights.
Dress Code: Anything goes at Zeno's. Because of the bar's eclectic clientele, folks can be found in everything from dressy casual to sloppy grunge on any given night. Come as you are, but Zeno's general manager David Staab warns: "Poseurs will be eaten."
At the Bar: There's a different draught special every day; happy hours are held from 10 p.m. to midnight.
Where It's At: 100 W. College Ave., State College, Pennsylvania
Hours: Open daily from noon to 2 a.m. The only day of the year Zeno's is closed is December 24.
Phone: (814) 237-4250
Text by Jill Waterhouse
Photos by Mark Waterhouse
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