Chumley's

A great, cozy spot with professional courteous staff to enjoy time with friends or unwind on your own, this establishment has been a staple of the State College bar and restaurant scene for years! Their bottled beer 🍻 selection includes imported options you won’t find anywhere else in town. The wine 🍷 list is equally impressive, and the food menu, featuring house-made dishes 🍲 prepared to order, is updated weekly on their social media pages.

A very welcomed safe haven with fabulous drinks. Was back in town over Christmas and was delighted by the full Christmas cocktail menu. All the cocktails I tried were great. You can tell there is a passion for combination and flavors there. The interior is wonderful and boy did they ever decorate for Christmas. I would love to see what they do for other holidays. I will be back and definitely recommend stopping in for a visit and supporting local gay bars like this.

I’ve visited this place multiple times, and every time I am met with the rudest service and the snarkiest comments. I don’t know if it’s because I look young for my age and they want an older crowd but they always make a snarky comment about how young I look when asking/looking at my ID. Every time I ask a question or make an order, I get met with a sassy, mean reply. Ex: I asked for a gin and tonic and the follow up was “Are you going to give me any specifics or…” instead of just simply asking me what gin I want. One time I went to sit at the bar, and the bartender says, “Isn’t it obvious these seats are already taken?” (It wasn’t, or I wouldn’t have tried to sit, as I have bar etiquette). Also made some weird remarks to my fellow trans friend while going into the bathroom. I visited this place multiple times to give it a chance, some people have bad days, but that’s not the case here, it’s consistent. It’s a shame because there aren’t many queer spaces in the area, and the service makes me feel like I’m not queer enough or able to be in that space. My friends who come with me also notice the behavior towards me. The food and drinks are good, but the service has completely turned me off, and I won’t be returning.

Horrible experience. My friends and I came in as a stop on our bar crawl for maybe 20 minutes. we all ordered one drink and made sure to tip well even though the drinks were already overpriced. Bartender kept making snarky remarks at us for sitting at the bar. made us so uncomfortable we needed to leave. On the way out the “bouncer” made horrible comments to us and stated that “sometimes it doesn’t matter if you are paying customers,” basically saying that the disrespect we received was somehow excused. don’t go here.

It is a tiny space in the heart of State College downtown. However, as tiny as it was, they had live music. There was a group of Latin@s and Eric (who is American) playing wonderful music of South America. The bar is cozy and opened to everyone. I order a couple of Grand Marnier in the rocks and a basket of nachos (which come from the restaurant next door).

The bartender took our order but ignored us for awhile until we decided to walk away. Very racist cuz I’m a gay asian. I think all gays should stay away from this so called LGBTQ bar. I got treated fairly in other bars in the town to be honest.

LGBTQ local pub in downtown State College...like a gay version of Cheers! Visited during a holiday stay with friends and enjoyed some fabulous cocktails with fun names.

Went for a nightcap. Charming space! Don’t count on the website menu for accuracy of seasonal cocktail drinks.

Ellen is the BEST!! It's always a pleasant atmosphere. Good drinks, great service. Although I've lived in Clearwater, FL for years, I always stop in when I'm in State College which is usually twice a year.

Chumley's is one of the few non-undergrad trash bars in State College, and it gets extra recognition for also not being frequented by sad trashy alumni, so it really stands out! The clientele are always chill and just looking to have a good time with good company. I love that they don't play music super loud so that you can still talk to people, and the whole set up is really focused around conversation and not getting as hammered as fast as possible (like all other State College bars). The staff are SO nice and one of the best things about Chumley's. Ellen is the nicest bar tender you will ever meet. The drinks here are better quality and more creative than anything in town. They have abundant gins you've never heard of, a very unique cocktail menu, and the full gamut of beers, including a good selection of belgians. Only downside to Chumley's is it's tiny. The silver lining is it never gets crazy loud or busy, so it is hard to complain about that!

I attended Penn State 50 odd years ago the My Oh my was a terrifoic speakeasy. My trip to Chumley's no one spoke to me or even looked at me. I have many admirers in many other cities. I found the men snotty& judgmental & suspicious The bar tendresse became totally engaged with a straight couple & ignored my request for another drink. i finally got one

Amazing, divey little spot! Super welcoming and friendly atmosphere. We will be here again!

Fantastic spot - friendly staff, welcoming atmosphere, great drinks menu (haven't tried the food yet). They even have a little free library!

It's a good atmosphere. Drinks are reasonable. There's a limited food menu from my understanding. Bartenders are good.

Low key. Great drinks. I had a nice time. Enjoyed music. Bar tender friendly. Check it out!

I've heard about Chumley's, and I think it may be one of the only gay bars in town and they were closed a lot of last year for remodeling and covid. But I finally made it last week with a good friend and it was amazing! My friend is a regular and he told me he loves their cocktails, so I went into it expecting good cocktails but not much else. The cocktails were delicious and relatively well priced, but the atmosphere was also great! For such a small space, they make it feel very open and welcoming. The bartenders are all extremely nice and we're happy to provide suggestions for cocktails if you weren't quite sure what you wanted. They also have some light food options that were delicious (we had the potatoes). The bar is one of my new favorites and I'm already excited to go back!

Have come here for the last three years for homecoming. This time I got turned away for literally no reason. I've heard people in line say "let's go to the fag bar because there's no line" who've been served. This year I was denied entry and honestly if you are an actual gay person I'd stay away from this place. Very disappointed.

Loved this place!! Stopped here while bar hopping. The drinks were super on point. A lot of fun things to try and they don't skimp on the booze! Staff was fun and friendly. Give this place a try and support your local community!

Great little gay bar in a small town Now getting famous for craft cocktails. The renovation really made this place shine.

My wife and I were taking the kid back to school and stayed overnight. We came upon Chumley's and decided to stop in -- friendliest place ever. No TVs(!) so everyone at the bar actually talks to each other. We met like 7 people and had a blast. Ellen, our bartender, was excellent. We got into a great conversation about music and musicians. I mentioned Steve Gadd, and she knew who he was. She proceeded to change the music to put an old Ricki Lee Jones song on which he played. C'mon! That topped a great night. We'll definitely be back.

Justin knows how to make a great drink and the food is great! Aviation for the win!!!!

My Girlfriend and I were in State College visiting our friends, who were in town from Ohio. Think Philadelphia but on a much smaller scale. Although this is a gay bar, it was outstanding and our group highly enjoyed ourselves. Two of the couples is our group were gay so we had to checkout the only gay bar in town. It is a small place but it works. There is a long bar when you enter with seating and there are tables in the back. There is also a drink height ledge along the walls. Our group hung out at the back of the bar at one of the tables. The drinks here are made generously and well. They are also very reasonably priced! Of all the bar hopping we did during our long weekend, this place was in my top three favorite bars.

If you prefer frequent conversation and community - consider this four stars... if you are hoping for a modern, gay dance venue - look elsewhere. (And good luck in this town!) Undeniably small, this is the only bar in State College that caters to a gay crowd 7 nights a week. (Although some would argue that Mezzanine, Tony's Big Easy, and Indigo Nightclub attract the "closeted" gay crowd 7 days a week.) Chumley's has an enjoyable neighborhood-feel for those who identify with the LGBTQ and allied communities. If you like to get involved - the manager loves to host events, so bring ideas for socials or trendy happenings and talk to Ellen! Happy hours and community events make this bar a popular stop - especially during busy football weekends, when the rest of the bars in town have lines down the block! (You should also know that this place is often the "token gay place" on bar tours. Happily, unruly homophobes are usually booted by the bartenders.) They card everyone once, maybe twice - rarely do the bartenders forget a face! Happy Hours are Monday thru Thursday: All drinks are half-price until Midnight - so come enjoy some top-shelf! Friday Special: If you enjoy Clem's BBQ, you should visit on Friday evenings around 7pm. With the purchase of a drink or two, you can get some free Clem's, free Pizza, and watch Jeopardy with the crowd! (And yes, there are "rainbow nights" at both Indigo Nightclub and Mezzanine, but they aren't gay-friendly every night.)

This is most likely the strangest review for a gay bar that you will ever read. Why? Because a) I´m not gay, and b) I don´t drink. Now that we have that out of the way let me explain. My son is gay and is a doctoral student at Penn State (parents have to brag). We visited him a couple of years ago and he insisted that we go to Chumley's. I drank a Coke and had some food, it was pretty good. The main reason I like Chumley's is because my son likes it. He has friends there and the bartender was nice. I'm glad he has a place to go where everybody knows his name and he can relax and be himself. On Wednesday they have trivia night and with everything shut down because of the corona virus they have been playing on line. I have played on my son's team and last week we won! Who could ask for more?

not inclusive. I went here with some friends and this place ruined my night. The bar tender was rudest, nastiest, entitled and power hungry. She literally took my friends drink from his hand and tried to take another's drink. She refused to give us refunds for the drinks that she took from us.. I called them the next day to complain and they didn't care. I was told to call back for a manager and they never did anything. It was clear that they don't care about return business, I do not give my money to any of the restaurants linked by this company.

Fast service, free pizza, trivia. A dive bar that is welcoming to outsiders and a much needed break from the crowds of undergrads.

Ellen was on a power trip and needs to go, We stopped going I am a gay male. My partner and traveled very far to State College to visit dear friends on campus. We were so excited to take them to a friendly gay bar that was inclusive to all. Boy was this a huge mistake. Ellen was very rude. un welcoming, and .obviously wet in the panties on her power trip! My friend was very sober but ordered the wrong drink for me. She accidently asked for a vodka and and vodka in instead of a cranberry and vodka. We were laughing. It was cute and an honest mistake which i have also made. Ellen reached over the bar without a word and grabbed her drink and mine! We had been there less than 2 minutes. We were asked to leave. My friends husband came over due to the commotion. Ellen attempted to grab his drink too. This place is needs to new management . We visit State College often and will never go back. I am a 45 year old gay man. I have been to 100s of gay bars in my life. this was by far the worst experience I have ever had ! Please do not reward this bad behavior! There are so many other great welcoming place to support!

Ahh, I've had some good times here. The cramped space makes the joint feel lively even with only a handful of patrons, and the fact is that Karaoke here is the most fun in town. Chumley's is that little place tucked in between the the Corner room and Indigo that it seems like no one's noticed. I've alluded to it before to friends who've been in State College for months, only to find they'd never heard that it existed ("There's a gay bar in State College?!") And when I say it's a little place, I mean it. We're talking feel-like-a-sardine-packed-in-a-can-from-the-moment-you-walk-in-the-door small here. The space between the bar and back wall is probably skirting the line with fire code, since you can barely get through if someone's sitting at the bar and there's someone standing behind them. Yet, for some reason, I think that adds something to the charm. It feels really intimate, and you just have this feeling like you're friends with everyone in the room from the moment you walk in. The bar is great, Ellen mixes a good drink, and is one of the few people who takes cocktails seriously. As a bit of a cocktail snob, I appreciate not having to explain every drink I order to her, but she's visibly happy to learn when I do order something that's just a little off her radar. The bar is well stocked, ready to handle anything from a classic cocktail to a sweet party drink to a modern mixology creation. Overall, I like Chumley's a lot. I wish I had more opportunities to go there, and I kind of wish it was a little bigger, so you'd have room to move around. I won't complain about the lack of a dance floor, since I don't think it really fits Chumley's vibe (though there ought to be room for a place like that in town someday). Besides, how can I not give it something good when the times I've had here have all been fun and memorable? A solid 4 stars.

First off, I should state that I am straight. I go here when town is jammed full of drunken fools after a football game or other event that makes town packed. This place is never packed. Normally, the mixed drinks are good and you can always get a good, well poured Guinness. Also they normally have a decent beer or two on tap. Fair warning, you will get the evil eye from many of the other patrons if you don't fit into the "gay bar" look. I don't know if they don't like me because I am not a regular, because I look like a frat boy, because they think I am in there to try and find two lesbians to have a 3-some with or they think I am straight with an 8 and think I am looking for someone to exploit. I don't know. Anyway, I normally have a good time and the bartenders are friendly and I have had some fun conversations over the years.

Coming back for a visit and looking to rekindle the memories of that great little gay bar you loved when you lived here? Save your time this isn't the Chums you used to know. The manager Ellen has become lazy about her job and bitter towards the gay male clientele. The only reason to go there was Brian the bartender and he's no longer there. Don't even get me started in his "replacement" who is rude and can't make anything more complicated than a rum and coke. If you are looking for a fun place with cute boys check out Duo, Inferno, or the new bar above the Phyrst. They might not be "gay bars" but with Ellen at the helm there are more gays at other bars than Chums anyway. It's not uncommon to walk in Chums on a weekend night at midnight and see barely 10 customer. What a shame!

Let me explain something to you. This is the best damn bar in State College. Want to have a good conversation with someone? Come here. Want to avoid having to yell at the top of your lungs to talk to that person? Come here. Want to meet the sweetest bartender, Ellen, that you'll ever meet? Come here. Want to eat free food on Friday evenings? Come here. Want to meet someone new that you otherwise would not have met? Come here. Want a new kind of cocktail that you never would have conjured in your head? Come here. Thanks, Chumley's, for being the best bar and staff in State College, Penna.

For the third time in a row, my partner has been denied entry to Chumley's. Understandably, the bouncer is responsible for ensuring that patrons are not visibly intoxicated. My partner was not intoxicated, and has not been on previous occasions. Rather, tonight, he dropped the cards from his wallet. In organizing those cards, including his ID, he was denied access to Chumley's. For the third time. Under similar circumstances. My partner is of Asian descent. For an individual not under the influence, what other reason should he be denied entry to Chumley's?

A great little bar, Chumley's has catered to the gay community since the late 80's, when me and some friends started going in every evening for happy hour! Now they have a rainbow flag out front, and a great welcoming environment inside. Good local beers on tap, and a great bartender; enjoy this home away from home while visiting Penn State!

There are no fonder memories I have than pulling up a stool every Thursday evening, having the same drink appear without words even being exchanged, toasting Ellen's amazing memory, and having a few rounds while mustering the liquid courage to sing along with Mark and Kelly. I've made friends here, brought friends here, heck-I've even lost friends here. If I still lived in State College, my Thursday night ritual would be untouched. It's such a gem, and will forever be my first stop in town if I ever return. No, this place isn't crowded on weeknights-it's even sparse-and that appeals to some more than others. You'll get free pizza, chips, and (on Mardi Gras) gumbo, but there are far better reasons to return. Go find them out.

As one of the first individuals to open a Gay Disco in 1976 (The Scorpion Lounge Downstairs)to compete with the little My Oh My Bar...long gone...I was in the initial meetings for those who were setting this up. Liz Pierce...a wonderful person who used to manage Mr. C's...again long gone ...owned the place...not sure today, but when I came back to visit Penn State in the 80's Chumley's was just a lot of fun. Yes it is crowded...but I always loved it there...State College's gay bar history is colorful and interesting...I am glad that I had a hand in what was a great era from 1974- to 1980 when I returned to Atlantic City to work for my uncle at the Chez Paree. Chumley's is a must stop for any gay alumni ...

Chumley's is a solid bar.....nice bartender, good alcohol options and nice greasy chips to satisfy bar hunger needs. As soon as I make more friends in state college I will be sure to get there more often for some drunken comfort.

I love Chumley's. I've been going for about 5 years now, and any time I walk in I either see people I know or get to talk to new folks. Patrons are friendly, and often regulars. I've only rarely encountered unfriendly folks there; the few I have met have taken themselves elsewhere soon enough. It's a rather low key atmosphere, even on football weekends. The crowd changes by time of evening, so if Jeopardy at 7 (the only TV program besides Penn State football for which the sound is on) isn't your speed, perhaps the 11p party which sometimes includes the drag community (when we can be bothered to dress up) might be. There's not really room to dance, but we manage. The faux-windows on the walls help it feel less small, and I love the art hanging on the walls. For those who look closely, there are a few "Easter eggs" that speak to the name of the place and Central PA. Personally, I love it, but I have been told I lack taste. The bartenders, Ellen and Brian, are great both in making new beverages and helping you select something you like even when you only sort of know what that is. They remember a) who you are, and b) what sorts of things you like. It does get crowded & loud when they host special events, most recently drag karaoke, usually to benefit the AIDS Project or State College Food Bank. Expect you will need to show ID at the door. Because of State College rules, the fact they are on a shared liquor license with 5 other Hotel State College bars, and PA LCB targeting of gay-oriented businesses, Chumley's keeps everything unquestionably above board. Trust me, it's nothing personal.

Small and dark yet oh so friendly place to hang out for a while with great staff and nice patrons. When looking for a place for a drink in State College when the other bars are packed with drunken dorks, you can count on Chumly's to not let you down. If you stop in, tell Ellen that Ralf sent ya. Cheers!

Visiting for my nephews graduation and thought I'd sneak away for some drinks and conversation at the local gay joint. Sadly the latter wasn't possible due to the live music being played. Whoever decided this 400 square foot bar would be a good live music venue needs their head examined as you can't hear the person next to you speak when it's playing. I guess I could excuse it if it were drawing a crowd and making it a happening place but the place was not crowded at all. I brought it up to a local I was talking to on Grindr and he said pretty much the entire gay male customer base hates it but the manager keeps adding more live music because she likes it. It's a gay bar lose the coffee house music and play some Britney and Beyonce. It's NOT complicated.

As a PSU Alum and a very active member of the LGBTQ+ community, I can't say enough good things about this place. I love Chumley's and Ellen is fantastic! Visiting this upcoming memorial day and very much looking forward to it!

This is State college's only LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans) bar and while it's small it is friendly, and the staff are very nice. It's not overpriced, drinks are very excellent with a wide selection of liquor, beers, and even wine, and lots of excellent music even if sometimes it gets loud.

I love Chumley's. Ellen is the best bartender ever, so friendly, makes a strong drink, and always remembers your face. Definitely more laid back than other gay bars I've been to in my life, no dancy-ness or anything like that. But a great place to spend a few hours having great conversation with friends or strangers :)

Literally the size of a closet, but Ellen makes a delicious drink and remembers her regulars. Fridays around seven you can get free dinner with purchase of a drink (Bell's pizza, BBQ, and sometimes a make your own nacho bar)

If you want to go to a friendly gay bar in Happy Valley, stop by Chumley's. I am from New Jersey outside of the Philly area. I have not been at State College in a few years but remember it was a great bar with great bartenders. I met Justin on Friday night 3/3/17. Very welcoming and enjoyed our conversation and laughs. Reading the other reviews are spot on. I believe I met Ellen a few years ago when I stopped in but really never got to talk to her because it was very busy. This weekend was Spring Break and I wasn't aware of it at all. Was visiting for a few hockey games to support the Lions Hockey Team that I have read and watched throughout the year and made it my birthday weekend. Not only did I get to meet Ellen and see how she interacted with the customers but I actually got to talk with her Saturday night. What a wonderful lady I got to talk with and got to share some nice stories. She made me feel welcome from the time I walked into the door until the time my trip ended as I left the bar Saturday night. Ellen made my stay in Happy Valley extra special just by meeting her and conversing with her for only a short period of time. I highly advise anyone that is in the area to stop by have a drink and say Hi. Thanks again Ellen!!!!!! I will definitely try and make it to State College a little more often. Thanks again Ellen!!!!!!!!! What a Great time and conversation! xoxo David (The Philly United guy)

By far the worst bar I have ever went to. I was down for the blue an white game of this year (2013) and a friend of mine his girlfriend always wanted go to this bar. The three of us go in, we're the first 3 people of the evening in their. This 50 year old bartender strikes up a little conversation and automatically told the guy I was with he seems to intoxicated would he like non alcoholic beverage. First off he wasn't intoxicated and secondly the thing I found disrespectful was he has a glass eye. Me being a gay female I know all about being discriminated against and she stands there and tells him he can't have an alcoholic beverage. Of course the first thing his gf and I think is ok bartenders are suppose to look for slurred speech and crossed eyes so on and so forth. The bartender then states she didn't know he had a glass eye... How did she realize then he was too intoxicated? She assumed and she made an ass out of herself. This bartender makes me embarrassed to be a lesbian. Complete disrespectful toward A. Men and B. people who are different. I would never go back to this bar. Oh and get a younger bartender maybe you'll bring in more business. It's a college campus looking for young college kids to have fun not old disrespectful lesbian bartenders to judge other people. Your a homosexual you should know all about being treated differently so don't go doing it to other people.