Webster's Bookstore Cafe — Restaurant in State College

When I lived in State College, Websters was one of my favorite places to go and meet up with friends, work on schoolwork, or read.

The space is split about half and half between the used bookstore and the cafe area. The selection of books varies depending on what's been traded in, but I've made a number of excellent finds over time. Their selection of vinyl records is also fairly broad. I even managed to find a first pressing of Monty Python's Matching Tie and Handkerchief once. (It's not a super-rare record, but it's not super common, either. And it's one of very few three-sided records...) There's also a good selection of local interest books, maps, guides, and other locally-made goods.

On the cafe side of things, I've never had anything off the menu I didn't enjoy. They have a broad selection of homemade baked goods (Elaine is a wonderful baker; her orange cookies with white chocolate chips and cranberries are a personal favorite), and their selection of teas and coffees includes a number of house blends, all equally delicious.

We have purchased bulk loose tea from Websters a number of times, too, and the prices are exceptional, especially given how good the tea is. I would recommend the Happy Valley Darjeeling or their Earl Grey (or their Lavender Earl...

WOW - just WOW ! I was just treated extremely rude by the individual who ‘only’ works at the cafe and could not help me when I inquired about a vintage book title I am looking for - in fact his words “ I have no idea what you’re talking about . I just work in the cafe. We do have books but I don’t know what we have. We do have an online book search engine why don’t you try that” When I asked if someone was available to speak with that did know what books they had available. He repeated “ no I just work in the cafe, and there is nobody here that can help you with that - we have a book search engine you can try”. I told him I was “sorry to bother him and take up his time” and he just said “ no worries” and hung up. This I might add was after I called 4 times to which nobody answered the phone. The fourth time someone finally answered with just “hello” - I had to ask if I was speaking to a book shop? He clearly was bothered that I was taking up his time, the dismissive annoyance in his voice was clear. I typically prefer to support and purchase locally when possible - but in the case I will just order the vintage...

Note that this business is located in a basement. You CANT distinguish that there is a library/cafe unless you walk down the staircase. There is a weird odor; it may be that it is a basement but they need a humidifier asap. I approached the cashier and said “hi” and she said “give me a moment.” I always wonder why it is first the wait a moment rather than a hi, and give me a moment.

I ordered a Turkey peppercorn sandwich. It was 11 dols with tip included. The sandwich is served in this thick bread that does not fit your mouth. However, it has very good flavor. A bit spicy but not overwhelming. The sandwich is accompanied with a salad. Good choice.

There is a good collection of books and magazines and a lot on discount too.

There is rock and roll music in the background but not so loud. The ambiance is pleasant. I hope they fix...