Food was good as always, but the temperature inside the cafe was ridiculously cold. Everyone's feet were numb by the time the meal was finished....passed on dessert so we could return to our car and warm up. If you are visiting during cold weather, dress as if you were going to eat outside, since it will be very close to that experience. read more

Who do you think you are Elk Creek? I've been here 3 times but only actually been seated and able to eat once. While the food is good the hostess' have consistently been extremely rude, acting as if they don't need our business. We've tried to come on more than 3 occasions, one time to be told we couldn't be seated because we didn't have a reservation, but when we've called to make a reservation we've been told they don't take them. Tonight the hostess took the group behind us even after acknowledging that we were first. When we have been seated the tables are way to close together. Just because you're the only show in town in Podunk, PA doesn't give you the right to treat people like crap. Three strikes and you're out. Elk Creek, I will be telling my friends NOT to go to you because of your lack of hospitality. read more

Every time I return the menu options seem to be getting worse. This place used to have great vegan options (tempeh Reuben, seasonal vegan risotto, and more), as well as a rotating seasonal menu with more veg-friendly options. And all them were incredibly delicious. However, in a recent visit my only option was a Spinach Salad. Unimpressed, I decided to just have a beer and leave. Very disappointing. Hopefully they will start to turn their menu around soon or I will probably start to decide against making the drive just for their beer. read more

Your review helps others learn about great local businesses. Elk Creek Cafe + Ale Works is not 5 star in the "snootie-white--tablecloth" sense. It is 5 star because it is a star in so many ways that matter. This brewpub http://www.elkcreekcafe.net/index.php/Beers/ sits at the corner of the only crossroads with the only stoplight in Millheim, an industrial city / agricultural hub whose early and mid- 19th century buildings along the east-west street have seen much better days. The north-south street ambles along Elk Creek, through one of the prettiest valleys around. You have to drive carefully in this area and be patient, because you are likely to have to negotiate around or behind Amish carriages. It is no exaggeration to say that the Elk Creek Cafe is somehow the spiritual center of this town and the region. Its main room has high ceilings, a generous bar, and huge windows that make it feel roomy and airy, even when it is jam packed. It features locally grown food. Its walls are a revolving gallery of local artists' work, especially those of the Farmland Preservation Artists of Central Pennsylvania - http://www.farmlandpreservationartists.org/ And it regularly brings in musicians, both local and those on tour. But what about the food? Get to the point! you say. The menu is not huge. But somehow it can satisfy a wide range of tastes. Amidst the grass fed locally raised meat dishes, you can always find a vegan special of the day and vegetarian items. My carnivorous friend tells me that the Elk Creek Cafe hamburger (from local cows) is the best hamburger he has had anywhere. The dinner portions fill me up., so I often don't have room for dessert or share it. They are also very good. Let me add that the people who work there are unfailingly helpful and responsive. Last week, when we arrived there about ten minutes before opening for lunch, they opened the door and invited us in. And about that spiritual center idea. I don't know the details, but not long ago the Green Drake Gallery and Arts Center opened up across the street. It was founded by a family of artists - and features art and classes and more. All this during the Great Recession. There is a spirit moving in Millheim, well worth your stopping by and sharing it.business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees. read more

Great food and beer but the price is a little high, brunch will cost you about $46 standard, Great atmosphere, good people, big fan.

I love this place, and as some of the other reviews suggest, it's well worth the drive. MY drive is only 10 minutes, but I'd drive more than that for the good food (locally sourced in a big way), awesome beer and jammin' tunes on the weekends. Thursdays are Pub Hangs - music + no cover charge. If you haven't yet, GO! If you have, I don't need to tell you to go again because you probably already did :) read more

What has happened in millheim since I left? Great food, service & beer on par with anything you will find in a similarly positioned establishment in any city. A welcome addition to Penns Valley. read more

Beyond the pale terrible service! Would NOT recommend this restaurant to anyone. The food is ok, but over-rated probably because there's no culinary competition in State College or its environs. Each time I have been to Elk Creek Cafe, the wait staff, specifically the host/hostess, have been rude. When they bother to attend to the large crowd growing at the door, they are unfriendly and unhelpful--the last time the host TURNED his back on us as we were asking about the wait to engage in a different conversation. Secondary to the service, the tables are too close together and you feel as if you are sitting in your neighbors lap. read more

Drove 40 minutes for an anniversary dinner. Arrived around 6:20. Turned away at the door because we didn't have advance tickets for some concert we didn't know started nearly 2 hours later. What establishment refuses customers and starts enforcing the cover charge 100 minutes before the event? The SIGN ON THE DOOR even noted 7:30 for the 8:00 pm concert. NEVER going back to this hole. read more

If you haven't been in to Elk Creek for awhile, go back try again.....there have been major changes in the kitchen and it's great once more

Great food! Good service, sometimes a little slow. The burger is top-notch, and the fish and chips are worth it too. It's hard to believe such good food can be found in Millheim! read more

Elk Creek is a local pub, cafe, restaurant with live music at night. That's a lot to squeeze in but for a small town I call that a multi-task social spot! The people are very nice and preserves the friendly everybody knows everybody's names feel. We were visiting from out of town and quickly became the talk of the local spot it seems. Elk Creek has a wide beer selection of local brews. I love a burger with local meats and Elk Creeks didn't disappoint, I did however order it medium rare and they made it medium which is fine with me since my policy at a new place is to be slightly conservative. The beers were great and very reasonably priced. read more

The evening began with a wonderful table choice by Jenny, followed by Katie making excellent food suggestions and ended with all 7 of us enjoying a delicious evening. The cold nettle & watercress soup was so incredible - I did something I have never done before....enjoyed a bowl as my appetizer and another bowl as my entree! Really it was that good. My compliments to the chef. read more

Came here once for lunch. The prices are pretty high for what you get, but the steak is delicious. The menu is limited at best, and this isn't a good place for picky eaters that don't like burgers. I doubt I'll return in the near future, but it's definitely a cool place to visit at least once if you're in the area. read more

I Love coming to Elk Creek for lunch after hitting up Inglebean for a cup of coffee and browsing the Farmers Market on a Saturday morning. What I love about Elk Creek is that they source a lot of the food from Local Farms and Businesses they list where they source it on the board behind the bar, the beer flight is awesome and allows you to taste a lot of the unique beers they have. The Ham Sandwich and Burger are both great and sourced locally, the farmer that supplies them with the pork even comes in and eats there on saturdays after the farmers market. They can fill growlers as well if you want to take some beer home. The bad, since it is such a popular place they often have waits during the evening and especially when there is a band playing. It can put a damper in your plans if you drive all the way there and didn't know that there was a band playing and the tickets are all sold out. read more

Really tasty burgers, great beer. In the middle of nowhere, this place is like an oasis!

Mushroom soup is awesome as are the hand-cut fries with the excellent aioli. They have some good vegan options, but not as many as you would expect from a place that prides itself on the local and the healthy. They have very good beer, which is one of the draws, but it is also important to support this local business in Millheim. read more

First time at the Elk Creek last night. The server was nice but very slow and inattentive. We were with a large group, however, so maybe going with less people would change that. Food was average. The onion pita was very dry and bland. 2 of us ordered that and we were both disappointed. Had the beer sampler which was a good deal for $10. About on par with some of the other local brews. The back room needs an update to be on par with the front of the restaurant. We'd give it another try, but it didn't live up to everything we'd heard. Unless the next time is spectacular, not really worth the drive from Bellefonte. read more

This place is top notch. The staff and owners are amazing. They make you feel so welcomed special and appreciated. You instantly feel like you are part of the community. The food is spectacular. I had what could easily be the best sandwich ever. Fries were delicious and as an avid craft beer enthusiast and occasional craft beer j judge I can honestly say that of the literally thousand-some beers I've tasted over the past few years elk creek Aleworks is hands down the most beautifully balanced beers of them all. Great quality. Delicious food. Impeccable service but that's just the beginning. The patrons of this Place are so incredibly friendly. The stage is awesome. The sound is great. The entertainment is quality. The beer is so good. I would drive hours just to visit this place. Add it to your list of places you must experience. Can't say enough good things about this establishment. Go there. Eat drink and be merry! You will not regret it! read more

Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks - Nice stage. Last time we were here had great music! Awesome crowd! - New American Near Me - Millheim, Pennsylvania

Elk Creek Cafe's 2012 Valentines Day meal was top notch as usual. I had the seared salmon that was nicely spiced and not dry at all,The salmon was lane on top of a taste bud stimulating coleslaw containing apple apple shavings, red onion, thinly sliced cabbage, dressed with a light and creamy sauce that brought all the flavors together in a very tasteful way. Perhaps the last food on this plate I'm describing was saved best for last because It was a semi ingenious use of red fennel by compounding it into a somewhat type of potato pancake called a latkie, and I haven't been able to find a recipe that tells me how to make the red fennel latkies that the menu described as a side to the salmon. AMAZING FOOD AND ALWAYS PLEASED AFTER EATING THERE! read more

I have visited Elk Creek Cafe as an out of towner 4 times now and have had wonderful, friendly service every time. I have ordered a burger each time and will order one when I go back. Definitely worth the drive from State College. read more

The food is amazing and service it great not to mention the bands they have. This is a must go to if you in town and want to eat out! 5/5 stars it's great. read more

Went here two weeks ago to see a performance. Great food and atmosphere. Loved the Salad I got. My husband enjoyed his burger. Great coffee.

Sad to report, I believe the Elk Creek Café has become complacent and too pleased with itself. They are cutting corners and offered a skimpy Vegan Tagine which did not come close to constituting even a side dish to an entrée. The Café has revitalized the town, but if you don't choose wisely your meal will neither satisfy nor constitute a fair value. Sad to report, it has become an upscale brewpub with food an overpriced adjunct. They need to pay attention to portion size, presentation, meal temperature, etc. It seems they couldn't care less. read more

So glad to have this wonderful cafe around the corner from me! The reviews are accurate. The food is excellent! ....and so is their beer!

Love the Amish buggies going by! Great food, beer, music & ambiance!

Wonderful dinner - the new chef does not disappoint. The specials with steak and scallops were beautifully prepared, and the house-made buttercream chocolates = happiness. I hadn't been there in a while and was glad to see the wine list has vastly improved - it no longer feels like a sheepish afterthought overshadowed by beer. Service was attentive, thoughtful and unrushed - great experience overall. read more

Love this place! Every time we visit our friends in the State College area we ask to go here,

My husband and I absolutely love this place. Great food, good service, and amazing live music; what more can you ask for? I would definitely recommend making the trek out to Elk Creek from State College at least once--you won't regret it. read more

Second time coming to Elk Creek and it was the same as the first time. POOR SERVICE!!! So slow! I could never find my waitress. My salad never came out, after waiting 15-20 min I finally asked. Elk burger was good but small. Prices are a little high. Not much to choose from on the menu. Atmosphere is crowded. Tables are too close together. read more

I wish I could say better about Elk Creek, as I am a local farmer and want to support local restaurants that source from regional farmers... However, I am consistently let down by the quality of food served at Elk Creek. This was probably my last time dining there - I ordered a seasonal salad with kale, and the leaves were yellowing and going bad. My boyfriend wasn't served the meal he ordered, and when he was finally served his salad, he could barely eat it because the dressing was so acidic- it felt like my mouth was being pickled. I think Elk Creek is a bit overrated, and I wouldn't go there if you want high quality food, prepared by skilled chefs. It is certainly not that. It's fine if you want beer and fries, but I wouldn't bother ordering anything else. read more

My husband and I love this place. We usually go for dinner but went for brunch today. As always the food is fresh, filling and delicious. The service is always quick and friendly. Even though they brought me the wrong dish for brunch it took no more than 5 minutes for them to quickly bring out the correct platter. And of course their beer is their own brewed and so refreshing. Never disappointed. read more

For my birthday lunch, I posed the question to my friends: "Where should we go?" Prevailing recommendation was the Elk Creek Cafe in Millheim, PA; about 30 minutes from my house. I'd heard good things previously and decided, sure why not, let's go. Arrived just prior to noon for their Sunday brunch menu, which runs 11am-2pm. Got seated and liked the ambiance. The menu left a bit to be desired (limited especially for our 2 year old), but we both found something we wanted, and ordered pancakes for the little one. About 5 minutes after we arrived, another couple was seated next to us. Someone brought us water (with only two glasses, basically ignoring our daughter), stating our server would be right with us. The same woman appeared about 5 minutes later proclaiming that SHE would be our server (and not dressed like the other servers on the floor...). She took our drink order. I asked if they have Pepsi or Coke, she said, "We have a... Diet Coke." I asked for water. My husband ordered the Diet Coke, which he later said did not taste like Diet Coke. (Oh, and he was never offered any refills either.) Our daughter was getting antsy while waiting and I volunteered to take her outside for a minute. When I came back in, the table next to us had started eating. Yes, the one that was seated 5 minutes after us. Our waitress came by and I asked if she knew how much longer our food would be; she said she'd check. She came back and said it would be out soon. We watched as at least 3 tables who had come in after us got their food and started eating, while we waited with an empty table and a hungry 2 year old. Finally, our food arrived at 12:27 (remember, we arrived just before noon). A couple minutes later, our waitress asked how everything was. I questioned her: "Was there an issue with our order? I noticed at least 3 other tables that were seated after us got their food first. This is our first time here, and it's not been a very positive experience so far." You could tell I caught her off guard and she wasn't sure what to say. She responded: "Well, we're pretty busy. It just depends on what you ordered, some things are quicker than others." I normally would have understood this reasoning, except for the fact that the table directly next to us, ordered EXACTLY the same thing as we did (minus the pancakes, but seriously they are PANCAKES!), and still got their food at least 15 minutes sooner. Plus, we ordered breakfast stuff: eggs, bacon, potatoes. Nothing that takes an exorbitant amount of time to make. And not kidding, less than 5 minutes after the above exchange, she came by and asked if we wanted boxes and/or our check. We'd barely even touched our food, and now I was feeling as though we were being kicked out. We said no thanks. This was after I witnessed our waitress speak to another waitress about us; and saw her talk to the manager. The manager, who never even took the time to stop by our table to question our concerns at all. We finished our food, our daughter was melting down, and I went outside with her while my husband took care of the check. I will give credit, the food itself was pretty good. But the service left a LOT to be desired. And I'll understand if she's not normally a server, but at least let the management acknowledge when there is an issue. Honestly, I don't think we'll be back. read more

MIXED REVIEW. The food here is great: Quality ingredients prepared well. Watch out for the live music, though. They book (mostly) very good acts, BUT they are always turned up way, way too loud for such a small space. Forget about having a conversation while you dine if there's a band playing. Most irritating, the first time I experienced this I had upon entering asked the manager-host (who told us about the $10 per person cover charge for the band) if we would be able to have a conversation during the music and he said that we would. However, the same jerk came around and shooshed us when we tried to do just that. read more

Warning to those thinking about purchasing tickets to one of their evening performances, without arriving early and purchasing a meal if you expect a table. When there is a headliner, this place essentially becomes a supper club pretending to be a brewpub. There is no table seating unless you purchase dinner on top of the ticket price for the performer, and a beer or two. I was careful to purchase tickets on-line early to be sure to avoid the SRO level. My wife and I arrived in plenty of time for the show, and I was told there was no table seating remaining, though I had called two hours before and was assured by someone else that there would be. If you're going to run a club comparable to one in the city, when tickets run to $20 or more, then make sure there's a place to sit down. Others may appreciate the informality but some expect a basic level of service. read more

I was nothing short of shocked by this little restaurant in the middle of nowhere. My friend begged me to go for lunch because she had heard good things, and I was, to say the least, skeptical. Definitely proved wrong, and I've been back a few times since. On my first visit I got the ham sandwich. I really don't like ham sandwiches, but for some reason I had a hunch it would be good. Oh yeah, it was. Thick slices of ham with mustard and a sweet tomato chutney, this isn't your average ham sandwich. The second time around I got a burger. I'm often skeptical of burgers, but since this place had already changed everything I knew about ham sandwiches, I figured why not. YES, I made the right choice. The burger was simple but fantastic and ridiculously juicy, and the Belgian-style fries are awesome. Since then I've tried all the salads (all good) and a couple of the daily dishes and have not been disappointed once. I think my only small complaint is that they only have tomatoes for your burger when tomatoes are in season. Tomatoes are pretty much a burger necesssity for me, and while I appreciate their focus on seasonality...come on, I can't live without year-round tomatoes. I know this is bad, I blame my Italian genes. Though I haven't ordered any of them, there are lots of vegan options which is awesomely unexpected for a pub-type restaurant in Central Pennsylvania. The whole eat local philosophy makes you feel like you are contributing to something positive too. Yes, the 40-minute drive from State College is a long one...but it's totally worth it. Especially since there's not one good burger to be had in town. If only the chef could open up a second, less remote venture...hint hint... read more

We couldn't have been happier to follow a recommendation and come here yesterday. What a fun, comfortable spot! We only wish we had been able to stay and hear music. Green salad with goat cheese & pistachios was beautifully presented & delicious. There was plenty for the three of us to share as a starter. My fish & chips was perfectly prepared; the tartar sauce was the best I've ever had. My husband's burger was was well-prepared & tasty. The coconut noodle dish was perfect for my daughter; I was happy to get a few bites of the dish! Finally, the ale & shrub were just great! The food was wonderful, as was the service. We will return! read more

Good beer. Decent music. One of the only brew pubs / restaurants that I've ever been to that doesn't offer kids options on the menu . Tough to drive all the way from State College with family and friends only for your kid to only eat fries. read more

I've been here several times and like their attempt to purchase things locally when possible. Generally not a big fan of places that only serve their own beer. That is, unless it's a brewery that I like that also has a restaurant like Al's of Hamden, Stone, Troegs, etc. Their beers seem adequate, but i'm pretty picky so I only had one. Food options weren't that different than when I was there a year ago so it seems that some items have a following, but they offer specials which liven things up. The Tabasco ketchup is decidedly - meh. Really Tabasco isn't that good and there's a myriad of better options available these days to spice up the old tomato sauce. The competition for Frites is stiff these days and these are middle of the road. Their buffalo and BBQ drumsticks were a hit with the kids. If you happen to be near Milheim, PA - this is clearly the place to go, but that isn't likely that case unless you're trout fishing, visiting Woodward, or Amish. So you're likely in State College contemplating a drive to Millheim. It's worth a shot and you'll likely not miss all the 3 star restaurants in State College, just grab ice cream at Myers Dairy on the way back into town. BTW the fishing is amazing near here. read more

After hearing so many great things about ECC, I decided to make the trip and give it a try. It is well worth the drive from State College! The restaurant is in an old store front. They kept the original hardwood floors but updated most everything else. The decor is so much fun and the lighting is excellent. Not too dark, not too light. There are a few tables that are in the "showcase" area of the front of the restaurant. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive. She knew the menu very well and was able to answer all of our questions. We ended up with non alcoholic bevys, the beer cheese appetizer, a burger, trout salad, and brownie sundae. Everything was excellent. All toppings were fresh and delicious, prices were on par, and the helpings were sufficient. I love that this is not a chain restaurant and the employees wear their own clothes instead of the typical black pants and black shirt. Everyone working here had their own personality and it nicely showed. Good job, Elk Creek Cafe. I can't wait to come back. read more