Discover Lock Haven’s best bites downtown

by Cleia Stern Staff Writer

Many LHU students, staff, and faculty agree that Lock Haven’s smalltown charm is one of the most alluring qualities of the university. This small-town charm would not be possible without the local small businesses and restaurants nestled throughout the Lock Haven community.

I may only be an avid keyboard critic, and I am sure you all know that I am not Google, Yelp, or TripAdvisor. However, I speak the opinions of the people. Just for this article, imagine that I am a livelier version of your favorite restaurant review site.

Allow me to share with you the recommendations of LHU students on where to grab a bite.

Odd Fellas

If you’re looking for a burger, Odd Fellas is the spot for you. They offer a wide variety of burgers, salads, sandwiches, and milkshakes. This burger joint is highly recommended by LHU students, staff, and faculty due to the spectacular food, unique rustic atmosphere, and friendly staff.

Taylor Romich, a student at LHU, said “I really like their special sauce.” He said “I’ve never had any other sauce like it.”

Located on Main Street in downtown Lock Haven, Odd Fellas is a great joint to head to if you’re looking to grab a meal off-campus and experience Lock Haven’s charm.

TEXAS RESTARAUNT

The Texas Restaurant is a community favorite, especially for breakfast. The small-town diner atmosphere is a breath of fresh air from the hectic schedules of students, staff, and faculty.

One of the most notable features of the Texas Restaurant is the 10% student discount offered upon presentation of LHU Student ID. In addition, the prices are reasonable, making it an affordable option for a quick meal.

LHU student, Kassidee Wozniak, considers The Texas Restaurant to be her favorite place to eat in the local community. Her favorite aspects of the restaurant are “the breakfast food, very nice staff, and timeliness of when food gets to the customers.”

ORIGINAL ITALIAN PIZZA

(OIP) Original Italian Pizza (OIP) offers pizza and Italian cuisine in two locations, Lock Haven and Mill Hall, both central to LHU. The restaurant menu consists of tasty Italian food, such as pizza, pasta, sandwiches, fish, chicken, and other Italian classics.

The atmosphere of both OIP locations is casual and inviting, allowing customers to feel right at home. If you’re craving Italian cuisine and looking to enjoy a night out with friends, head to OIP Lock Haven on Main Street or OIP Mill Hall, located near Wal-Mart.

ICE SHACK

Need a sweet treat? Ice Shack offers an extensive variety of ice cream, frozen ice, sundaes, and more! In addition, Ice Shack serves homemade soups, sandwiches, and soft pretzels.

The ice cream shop also offers new ice cream and soup flavors weekly with their Flavor of the Week program.

LHU student-athlete, Sydney Houck, considers Ice Shack to be her favorite place to eat outside of campus. Houck said, “they have my favorite strawberry milkshake that tastes just like the ones from home.”

Ice Shack is a major supporter of the local community as all profits go toward funding the Bald Eagle Boys Camp. As the weather begins to heat up in mid-March, Ice Shack is the perfect spot to cool down with a sweet treat.

AVENUE 209 COFFEE HOUSE

If coffee is what fills your cup, Avenue 209 is the perfect place for a pick me up. The coffee shop offers a variety of cafe-style drinks, including bold international coffee blends. Additionally, Avenue 209 serves a killer sandwich and offers baked goods that vary day-to-day.

The peaceful cafe atmosphere makes for a perfect place to study, meet with friends, hold a meeting, or simply take a breather. LHU Dual-Enrollment Student, Olivia Rockey, loves Avenue 209 because of “the quiet and comforting atmosphere.”

The coffee house also caters to LHU students with a late-night finals study location, and of course, including free coffee. Fill your cup and surround yourself with the light-hearted ambiance of Avenue 209.