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Dumpster Nachos
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Carolina Gold
About
Bill Pickles Tap Room
Welcome to Bill Pickles Tap Room, where BBQ dreams come true in the heart of State College, Pennsylvania. Nestled at 106 S Allen St, this vibrant tap room seamlessly combines a laid-back atmosphere with an impressive menu that pays homage to classic Southern barbecue. It's a place where flavor takes center stage and passionate foodies unite.
As you step inside, you're immediately greeted by a lively ambiance — a character-filled spot perfect for both casual hangouts and spirited gatherings. Bill Pickles Tap Room shines brightest with its innovative take on BBQ favorites. The standout item? The Dumpster Nachos, a monumental tray loaded with pulled pork, corn, black beans, and a medley of zesty toppings that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you opt for the small or large size, it's a shareable dish that invites camaraderie.
For those who crave something creamy, the Pimento Cheese Dip delivers a heavenly experience with its whipped texture, complemented beautifully by crunchy Alabama firecrackers. And let’s not forget about the must-try Mac ‘n’ Cheese — it’s rich, indulgent, and much adored by diners looking for comfort food that outshines the rest. Each bite is a testament to the kitchen's dedication to quality and taste.
Salads here are equally noteworthy. The Smokehouse Salad calls upon crisp bibb lettuce, delightful additions like smoked blue cheese, and an option to add succulent pulled chicken. Meanwhile, the Down South Caesar tantalizes with BBQ-rubbed croutons and a caesar dressing that dances on the palate.
What truly sets Bill Pickles apart is their Carousel of House Crafted Sauces, positioned at every table. From the Sweet Dixie Red to the tangy Alabama White, these sauces offer something for every preference, inviting diners to elevate their BBQ experience.
Diners rave about the flavorful smoked wings, though some may note they'd like a bit more crispness—a minor quibble in the midst of an overwhelmingly positive dining experience. The tap room also boasts a fantastic selection of craft beers, brilliantly pairing with the smoky goodness of their dishes.
Customer experiences reflect a warm community atmosphere, where service goes beyond expectation. Friendly staff, led by a hands-on general manager, are praised for making patrons feel at home. The tap room shines, especially during special events like Penn State football games, where the excitement is rivaled only by the delicious food.
When the craving for BBQ strikes, Bill Pickles Tap Room emerges as a top destination to chow down while enjoying great company and a relaxed vibe. Don't miss the chance to savor their delicious offerings, unwind, and immerse yourself in a welcoming community of fellow BBQ lovers.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Bill Pickles Tap Room in State College is a BBQ gem! Their Fresh Smoke pulled pork is tender and smoky, paired with house-made sauces. Smoked wings are flavorful, though not crispy as preferred—still delicious! Mac ‘n’ cheese steals the show, creamy and better than most. The vibe’s laid-back with a cool outdoor deck and killer craft beers. A must-visit for BBQ fans, but crispy wing lovers might ask for a quick fry. Great spot to chill and chow down ”
“ Atmosphere would be a 5 star if there were heaters lining the line. Too cold to wait without it, but really like the ones they have now. Overall love this place. Always a vibe ”
“ College bars can be challenging places to work. Since joining the State College community, I have had positive experiences at Bill Pickles Tap Room on College Ave and S. Allen Street. Every time I go there, I'm positively greeted by doormen Jake, Eric, and Liam. Jake is exceptionally professional when he has to deal with unruly, intoxicated patrons, so I give him tremendous respect and hope management can reward him for his consistent professional behavior. In addition, you have to love having a hands-on GM with a smile. Brittany seats the guests, clears the tables, and sometimes, I think she cooks in the kitchen, too. I love going to Bill Pickles during Penn State football games and getting excellent customer service and experience because everyone is great there. They make you feel a part of their community. Check out their new menu! The food is excellent! ”
“ My boyfriend and I went to Pickles on Wednesday during the burger special day. There was a selection of 3 burgers. I got a Chipotle burger and he got the Korean burger. We both really enjoyed them. There was 6 bourbon pairing, which is the restaurants single barrel bourbon option which we also got and thought was great and went well with our burgers. Overall, great food, kind staff, and perfect bar atmosphere. ”
“ Popped into Pickles for a late lunch on a Saturday afternoon. Our visit was during the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts so the town was busy as was every restaurant and bar. The inside area has a large bar and a big open door to a small outside deck along the street. There is no organized seating so - as the bouncer shared.....it’s every man/woman for themselves. We managed to score two seats at a tiny counter which worked for our party of two. We ordered smoked chicken wings, cornbread and a pulled pork sandwich (the punch and fluff) - all were delicious and reasonably portioned and priced. We also enjoyed a Paloma and a Gin Strawberry Lemonade - both refreshing on a nearly 100 degree hot and humid summer day. Definitely recommend for their bbq influenced menu and a beer or cocktail. (They also have a few NA beers and mocktails!) ”
“ Came here with my girlfriends last weekend, and it was nice to be back! Brought back some good memories. The burger was just as great as I remembered! Very juicy, flavorful, and cooked just right. The staff were friendly and really knew their stuff. They made sure we had everything we needed and gave great recommendations. The whole experience was just easy and enjoyable. ”
“ Very delicious place!! The tacos I got were very tasty, and the Alabama White sauce (as well as their other sauces) were very good as well! Definitely a good place to go to get a quick drink and enjoy some good food! ”
“ Great atmosphere, delicious food with generous portions. They have a kids' menu and are pet-friendly. The service staff were amazing. Highly recommend! ”