Trust those who Yelp regularly. Really fantastic full buffet for $11.95 weekdays. David K. waited on me, and he did a fine job. Not too chatty, checked in regularly, and accommodated my needs. RECOMMENDED read more

Gardens Restaurant - Full buffet for $11.99... SERIOUSLY!!! - American Near Me - State College, Pennsylvania

My family recently stayed at the Penn Stater Hotel. In the morning, we were looking for a place to have breakfast and, as we had an appointment, to save time we decided to eat at the Gardens Restaurant in the hotel. The restaurant itself was pleasant enough and clean, the staff was friendly, but I would not recommend it at breakfast. At the behest of the server, we decided to get the breakfast buffet rather than choose from the menu. I believe that this may have been a mistake. For what you got, it was very much overpriced. The buffet consisted of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, pancakes, fruit, cereal and a variety of breads with high-quality jams. Although the sausage and bacon were very good, the eggs were over cooked and the home fries, rather than being crispy, were soggy. All of this was $20 per person. I suspect that the problem with the eggs and home fries was related to the fact that they were sitting in warmers for too long. Nevertheless, for the variety available, even if the quality were good, it would have been overpriced. If you are in State College and staying in the Penn Stater, skip the Gardens for breakfast. Pick one of the many other options in town, your pocketbook will appreciate it as will your tastebuds. read more

Ummm. Welcome to middle America? Mediocre breakfast buffet at best. Microwaved Eggs, extra greasy bacon, undercooked potatoes, bland oatmeal, and unripened fruit! This place has it all. On the plus side, Servers were nice and attentive. The dining area was clean and large. $18 dollars seems high but welcome to 2024 I guess. Bring a CC as they can't charge the room. read more

My experience was top tier. Not only was the food amazing, but the service topped it! The service exceeded all expectations and I'm very grateful I was able to experience it. Shout out to the coffee, brewed to perfection. 5/5 stars for this amazing restaurant! read more

$115 for a room and $35 for breakfast! Does that sound right to you?!!! It's not right! But that's all they have! And the pool was closed all weekend at the hotel!! Never staying at the Penn Stater again! read more

Gardens is located on the ground floor of the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center. This is the fancier sit down restaurant compared to Legends with its Tavern/Sports Bar look. Large restaurant with lots of seating, the buffet area is in the front when you enter. Offers a breakfast buffet that is reasonably priced, but I prefer to order from the menu. Serves a nice breakfast that I've enjoyed the last few times I've ate here, portions are fair sized. Home Fries are wedged potatoes and the bacon is good. Serves Ketchup with breakfast, something I find a little odd at times. Sunday they do not have a breakfast menu and it's buffet only. Serves a lunch and dinner menu that I have no experience with. Overall, nice place for breakfast. read more

Gardens Restaurant - Breakfast. - American Near Me - State College, Pennsylvania

Dang that brunch is crazy good! First time here two days ago. We made reservations (you really must) for Sunday brunch. Stunning variety of food - and everything was fabulous! Crab imperial, poached salmon, smoked salmon (and caviar!), yummy bread pudding, Berkey Creamery ice cream (and tons of other desserts), Irving's bagels, lamb chops, roasted veggies and potatoes, cheese selection, pate selection (never expected that!), a rainbow of fresh fruit, custom omelettes, salad bar, great soup, traditional breakfast foods (eggs/sausage etc.) plus a million other things. The value is unbeatable and the quality of the food is fantastic! We had a lovely server (Amy) who was super kind, attentive and positive. She clearly likes where she works. Cannot wait to go back! read more

I would rate this a very good buffet on quantity and variety of choices. The staff is very attentive also. The restaurant may want to improve its advertising because it was difficult to find it online. Again I would recommend this venue for its Sunday brunch! read more

Our favorite Sunday brunch spot in town. Large buffet, Although I usually stick with Belgium waffles covered with berries and smoked salmon, I am tempted by many other choices. $22.50 per person included a mimosa. Our waitress told us that a regular size iced latte would be $7 and I skipped that. Their Friday and Saturday dinner buffets are also very good. read more

We had the American Bounty buffet this past weekend and absolutely loved it! The selection was great, the flavors were excellent and often surprising in the best ways (cornbread stuffing with spicy sausage? swordfish with watermelon and feta? lobster bisque? sesame crusted tuna? apple crumble with Creamery ice cream? 100% yes, please!), and every item we tried was terrific. I am usually not a steak person but the steaks were incredible. read more

This has always been my favorite brunch and something I have always look forward to, but since Penn State sold it, the price has gone up and the quality has gone down. The lamb is gone and replaced with tortellini with sauce from a can. The homemade soup is now watered-down soup from a can. All in all, what was there was less impressive and bland flavored. When Penn State ran it, I would rate it a solid 5 of 5 and it was a good value. Now it is just a very over-priced disappointment. read more

The breakfast was sub par, equivalent to the free breakfast at a Hampton Inn. Cost was $15 + tax and tip which was a lot for what was offered. There are better options nearby unless you value convenience over quality. read more

Have had several meals at The Gardens over the last couple of years. Always good and the service is usually very good and friendly. Stopped in for Breakfast over THON weekend and had a great waitress. On the ball, always there when needed with refills. I had the buffet but my better half picked from the menu. The buffet had so much to chose from and it was all fresh and warm. There were some desert items, too. read more

A fantastic brunch. Food was fresh and delicious, a wide assortment of breakfast and dinner entrees. Service was top notch. And for less than $25! If I lived in the area this would be my go to brunch. read more

We visited the Gardens Restaurant on Sunday, 10 June for a family celebration. I was greatly disappointed with the Sunday buffet!! They served the buffet from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and we arrived for our 12:30 reservation only to find out that by 1 p.m. the lobster stuffed flounder was already gone and they replaced it with a less exciting dish. They also had a beef roast and when two different carvers were asked, at different times, if there was any rare beef the answer from both was "that's all we have!" And finally, one of their featured desserts is Penn State Creamery ice cream. When I went to get a dip the tub was empty. It was eventually replaced by a container that was almost empty and icy; when questioned why it wasn't fresh, the waitress said "we have to use this up first.... Needless to say, I passed on the icy ice cream! All, in all, this was a greatly disappointing Sunday buffet service and not up to the Penn State Gardens standards!!!! read more

We stumbled upon this place last year and have been back just about every time there is a big group of us getting together for brunch on Sundays. This restaurant is located inside the Penn Stater Hotel so there is plenty of parking. Go there for the champagne buffet brunch on Sundays. About $17 per person includes a glass of champagne or mimosa. (If transportation is an issue, they have the same option at the Nittany Lion Inn on campus) My fave has to be the Belgian waffles with fresh strawberry compote and fresh whipped cream... yum! The other breakfast and lunch options are pretty good as well. The menu seems to vary weekly. Make reservations and avoid having to wait for a table. So why not a 5 star rating? Its not the best champagne brunch, but a pretty darn good option to have in Happy Valley. read more

This is the best brunch I've ever had! For $20 you get a glass of mimosa (or champagne) and a variety of delicious treats. The day we went they had leg of lamb, prime rib and smoked salmon. They also carry local favorites like Berkey Creamery ice cream and Tait Farms jellies and jams. If you're looking for high quality food for brunch this is the place to go! read more

Gardens Restaurant - Today's menu. Keep in mind every week the menu changes. - American Near Me - State College, Pennsylvania

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I've only been here twice for the Sunday brunch, but I've enjoyed it immensely both times. A glass of complimentary sparkling wine or mimosa is included, and both are good. Both breakfast and lunch options are available, and foods span from savory to spicy to sweet. Breakfast goods include bagels, omelette bar, waffles with toppings, eggs, various meats, blintzes, and fruit. Fresh vegetables, salads, crackers, breads, cheeses, lox, roast salmon, and caviar (with accompaniments) are also presented. Lunch items include various roast meats, pastas, vegetables, and potatoes (exact menu changes weekly). For about $18, it's a very good value - maybe not all the time, but fun to bing visiting family or celebrate a special occasion. Service is excellent and the space is great- open, with large windows looking out on the woods, and plenty of greenery and plants throughout the room. read more

I have eaten at this restaurant twice. Both times I ate food from the buffet and not the menu. The price of $22.95 per person is very reasonable. They offer foods such as sirloin steak, stuffed flounder, shrimp and scallops, catfish, salmon, salad, cheese, ice cream from the Penn State creamery, desserts from the Penn State bakery, etc. I just am not wowed. I leave some of the food on my plate because it could taste better. During my most recent visit, the waitress did not clear our plates or provide drink refills fast enough, and she dropped and shattered a wine glass on the floor. Dress is casual, and you can bring little kids. read more

On of the best buffets around and includes local cheeses from the Creamery. The dessert buffet has Creamery ice cream. Be sure to make reservations during busy times (football weekends, PSU events like THON, holidays, etc.). read more

Basically nothing vegan. Barely anything vegetarian. Why ruin a perfectly good spinach salad with bacon? Basically a meat fest. Also what a waste that every table gets ' complimentary' platter of ridiculously indulgent foods like shrimp cocktail and pickles? Why? They should ask first before assuming anyone will eat anything on that platter. Food was not great. Options were overly indulgent. Give me healthy options for brunch any day over this fat and calorie waste-fest. read more

Not a good selection for vegetarians during lunch. Food was good, but I only could eat the potatoes and steamed vegetables and didn't even touch the lackluster salad bar. Great dessert selection, though. read more

The food is always good, but it would be hard to find worse service! Coming here usually feels like a mistake.

Brunch buffet is great, but only the food. Service is abysmal. You'll wait forever for a coffee refill and then sit at your table clueless as to how you pay your bill as they don't explain or leave a guest check with you unless you ask. For a school that prides themselves on their hospitality management programs the Penn Stater sorely lacks in all areas. read more

The food at the Gardens is fantastic, and service has always been top notch. The only complaint I have is with the salad bar--there should be more items on it. But as for the quality of the food, it could not be better. I usually eat here 2 or 3 times a year, and have never been disappointed. read more

Nice atmosphere and good food. The lunch buffet lacked vegetarian options with only baked potatoes but the salad bar was nice and seemed to complete it. However, some hot entrees would be nice for those who are vegetarian. read more

Although we live in State College, my wife and I had never been to Gardens before last night. We went there to celebrate our anniversary, and we are so glad we did! Marlena took care of us and did an outstanding job. Helpful, friendy, attentive, and fast! We thoroughly enjoyed our seafood appetizer and our blackend Tilapia - both were perfectly done. We will definitely return! read more

I used to love the brunch, but due to the poor service I will never be returning. Though I had made a reservation 5 months in advance, our party was seated at separate table in an overflow seating area that was not nearly as nice as the normal restaurant. In fact, at the omelette station, the chef said "because I got stuck up here today, I have the shitty pans." Additionally, though I felt bad for her, our waitress spilled trays of mimosas in 3 separate incidences and then continued working in her soaked uniform. And, to end on a continued negative note, a 20% gratuity was added to our check (as perhaps expected with a large party), which I begrudgingly paid even though our service and experience that morning was terrible. read more