Located in Toftrees, the American Ale House is a hidden gem. For some reason I don’t always think of it when the preverbal “I don’t know, where do you want to go eat?” comes up, but every time we go, I’m always impressed with the menu and wonder why we don’t come more often? Plenty of outdoor seating (plenty of indoor too), a great bar area, live music, a steam bar, brunch, daily specials and….great food. The menu offers a great range of salads, sandwiches, burgers, steaks, specialties such as Amish Chicken and Crispy Duck, a Steam bar with mussels, jambalaya and gumbo. If you are an oyster fan, they also have a great selection of oysters on the half – always fresh.
lets eat!
I can always find something, usually more than one something on the menu that I want to try. In the 90s they had a Cowboy Tri-tip wrap that I ALWAYS ordered (I can still taste it) that sandwich is long gone from the menu however, their Cowboy Steak Sandwich is a close alternate and it is my tried and true go-to order.
I also highly recommend their “On the Greens” salad selections; all are enough to fill you up, and range from Thai Chicken, Chopped, Filet Mignon salad or my favorite, the Seared Scallop salad. Served with arugula, goat cheese, oranges and the veggie I hold above most others, roasted beets.
My husband enjoys The Ale House’s Lobster Roll (although now he is torn between theirs and Maine Bay & Berry’s) This version is more akin to Maine-style, served cold tossed with mayo and celery and shrimp as well. Pieces are smaller mixed with mayo, celery, herbs, and shrimp similar to a chicken salad consistency versus just pieces of lobster meat on a roll.
Overall all you are almost guaranteed to find something on the menu to try and enjoy; there really is a great range of selections. The atmosphere is great, especially if you are able to take advantage of live music or nice weather and sit out side. Unlike a lot of outdoor seating options in State College, this one is not adjacent to the parking lot or a busy road. Set back from Cricklewood Drive just enough to give you the feeling that you are sitting on a neighbors back porch.
Service is generally good to above average. Prices range: salads/ sandwiches/ burgers: $10-$17, specialties and steaks: $22-$42.
Centre County Eats 
Don’t know if you realize that this says American Ale House BUT it’s the write up for another place.
Mom
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