Ladies and gentlemen of the internet,
If you go to Penn State and don’t want to be the only person in State College to not have had a sticky- you better go to a small, dumpy restaurant downtown called Ye Olde College Diner.
The Diner has a really cool atmosphere and it definitely stands out amongst other restaurants downtown. It looks like an actual old-time diner inside and out and it seems really open and friendly. Now, I’ve heard from a variety of sources that the diner is not very clean. While I can’t verify it’s health rating, if you catch a peak in the kitchen- you’ll be kind of disgusted (but I’m sure it’s like that for most restaurants).
Another bad thing about The Diner, is that there is always a wait. It’s been around for a long time, so people have heard of it and they all come flocking to try the famous stickies. Don’t even try to get in during Parents and Family weekend- just don’t.
The grilled stickies are amazing though and are a Penn State tradition just as strong as the Creamery ice cream. Ye Olde College Diner is the only place in State College that sells stickies made on the grill the right way. You can buy them boxed from plenty of places but that means you have to cook them yourself. Save yourself the trouble and a bunch of burnt stickies and just go to The Diner.
This is a grilled sticky:
In this picture it is served a-la-mode although if you’re really nice to the waiter and ask him/her to put apple slices (like those in apple pie) on it, you are in for a real treat.
The actual food at The Diner is mediocre and I really wouldn’t go there if it weren’t for the grilled sticky genius (and the fact that they’re open 24 hours on the weekends).
I give the dinner 3/5 stars- literally just for the stickies and the fact that you can get a sticky at any point during the day on Friday/ Saturday. If you have not had a sticky yet- seriously get down there…now.
I’ve never had grilled stickies but I’ve many good things about them so after reading this I think I’m gonna have to give in and try one one of these days!!
I like how you described the restaurant, you made it seem like it has a lot of character. In my experience the worst looking restaurants have the best food! I also liked how you contrasted it with the negative side of the diner. Its important to give the overall feel and keep your posts honest. Your picture is amazing, it made me so hungry! Your enthusiasm for the stickies was obvious and moving. I would consider walking down town and getting these sometime. It seems like you gave them a fair rating, I definitely want to check them out sometime!
Stickies are soooo good! I went to the diner my second weekend here. I also brought back stickies for my family last time I went home! I have also heard that they don’t have great health ratings, though. Overall, great post. I liked how you incorporated a picture of the sticky.
I have never had a sticky bun before, but everyone keep telling me to try one. I like the places I eat at to be clean, so that’s why I’m a little skeptical. But if that’s how it actually looks, then it looks delicious!