Today's nostalgic Americana was yesteryear's bread and butter.

Located conveniently on College Avenue, just a block away from the sprawling Penn State University Park campus, The Diner has served up a lot of late night coffee and has fed generations of residents, students and visitors over the years.

The evolution of one of State College's best known landmarks likely began in 1929 with a local rail delivery of a pre-fabricated Ward & Dickerson dining car from Silver Creek, NY.

 
Click Above to Magnify Ward's Original Design Patent

Shortly after College Diner opened its doors, it was moved to its current location at 126 West College Avenue and New College Diner was born.  In 1933, New College Diner was joined on the block by Penn State Diner, another Ward & Dickerson dining car that was set up perpendicular to College Avenue sandwiching the State Theater.

 
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New College Diner, 1950
Watercolor, Barbara Ford, Artist
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New College Diner Photo

When Penn State Diner closed its doors in 1973 , New College Diner took on its name and continued to operate and expand until it was renamed Ye Old College Diner in 1980.

 
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Today, The Diner continues to operate day and night after continued renovation and expansion with a full menu, plenty of seats, a fun staff and, of course, our world famous stickies.