The Corner Room — Restaurant in State College

Our group was visiting State College for a basketball tournament. We went with our team as a member previously worked here 15+ years ago in College and suggested the restaurant. Our group was accommodating as we had around 24 people. We stated we could sit separately and would sit accordingly as checks were needed. The manager explained how we would need to sit and we did so. Half of our group sat in the right section. Half on the left in booths of 6 or less. The group on the right had their meals and paid before the left even had their food. A group member from the left ordered a drink which was forgotten about when asked, twice. She had eventually approached the bar directly next to our tables asking for her drink and was helped. As we watched 2 different bartenders with no guests make other drinks (servers fault could have been in play). There were 2 female employees rolling silverware at the bar who had to of noticed when we were done as we cleaned up our plates to help bus them. They never acknowledged us or helped the server who assumingly was overwhelmed by the tables she had, as the bartender did the same, standing with her arms crossed in the entryway to the bar. However, our server was polite and as a bar manger myself I understand the situation being overwhelming. She did go to each table for drink orders then food all in a row. Given the chance tho, clearly, teamwork needed to be brought in to make things easier on her. Out of 3 tables only 1 needed anything seperated. Nothing outrageous just 4 and 2. The bartender and servers rolling silverware absolutely noticed we were sitting unattended to and did nothing to help their coworker. 2 of our tables had left only one person at each to pay by now, about an hour and a half into our service. Eventually a manager came over, a young gentleman who worked with us in seating, cleared our stacked plates as we asked him for our check. He brought a check, just as the server finally got a chance to come over and offered to split it as we asked for to start. Again, nothing to crazy as we even reminded her of the separation. She did this very kindly without hesitation even as we offered to make it work without doing so. Given the circumstances, our parties felt none of this was her fault for being given tables all at once with no help. I believe she also had other tables in the section too, that got sat also. Our main complaint was other employees not helping a clearly overwhelmed server and just watching it happen. The bartenders switched shifts as we were there ( I believe) and the 2 rolling silverware, 1 had a tank top on and the other short hair. As we did enjoy our meal, the ranch dressing was very good, never getting refills, or checking back was disappointing. Teamwork goes a long way in restaurant service, no matter...

The Venerable Corner Room under new Management the last few years, is lacking one simple, sweet, traditional thing...and it's easy to help them fix this! There is a wooden rack near the front revolving door and the weigh-yourself machine, a set of 20 special shelves, made especially to hold traditional red Etch-a-Sketches, for little ones to play quietly and creatively with. The new owners no longer have them, exact reasoning of that decision is unknown...perhaps the 20 Etch-a-Sketches were not included in the Sale Price of the Hotel State College/Corner Room/Allen Street Grill. Who knows? But the shelves are there, built-in...and empty. They cost around $25 each. Let's pitch in and purchase some, and install them back where they BELONG. I've pledged to buy some, actually ordered them via locally-owned Children's Toy Store The Growing Tree. Haven't received a call from them that the Etch-a-Sketches have arrived. Twenty at $25 each would be around $500, and I don't quite have that to spare right now. Be a good State College/Centre County/PSU Visitor neighbor, and buy one. Or twelve. Purchase anywhere you wish, at whatever price you wish. My choice is to support local/small businesses, whose advertising and labor practices are ethical and good for our Nation as a whole, and our PEOPLE in particular, especially PEOPLE who have...less. Like, for example, little children who have little power or say in this world -- and need grownups to act like responsible, loving grownups...and provide them with wholesome opportunities to grow, learn, create and play, in safety & the spirit of adventure. Even in a College Town Restaurant, sitting at a booth, watching the Big People hurry by. Think about it...and remember YOUR Etch-a-Sketch? I remember mine, still have it after 48+ years. Got it for Christmas when I was...

I hate to give such a bad review but my meal was bad. This was my favorite place to go to when I was in grad school.

First off my server just popped up at the table and just said “what do you want to drink?” No intro nothing. I ordered an iced tea. I got the iced tea but no sugar, lemon or straw. I had to get the attention of another server to get everything. Never got a refill either. And to note the place was not busy and a lot of servers were standing around talking. I ordered the prime rib sandwich. I was given a choice of sides and was not made aware there was an up charge until I got my bill.

The fries were good. I will give them that. However my “prime rib” sandwich was warmed roast beef lunch meat. Arby’s would have been better and a larger portion. A horseradish sauce was on the sandwich but only half of it. Very disappointing.

The second time I saw my server was when she came to give me the check. Who knows where she was hiding out that entire time.

I know they are trying to be more modern and have an updated menu. However the food on the menu doesn’t reflect the legacy of the restaurant. Bring back some of the classics you...