Staff Picks: What Vibe Bar Should Replace Jax Bar & Kitchen

Rest in peace, Jax Bar & Kitchen.

With Jax closing in downtown State College , a new bar is set to take over the Calder Avenue/College Avenue location. In case the new owners of Penn State’s next bar needed inspiration, our staffers came up with ideas for what they want to see in State College’s bar scene.

Mikey DeAngelis: A Tiki Bar

State College has no shortage of bars. We’ve got Irish pubs, sports bars, and dive bars galore. A couple of months ago, I made a pitch for State College to get its own German Biergarten. I still think this should happen, as a German-themed place would be a unique and welcome addition to the Happy Valley bar scene.

However, I don’t think Jax is the right layout for that spot. I think somewhere with an outdoor patio is a better spot for that. As a slightly underground bar location, I think the former Jax space would be good as a tiki bar. It’s a unique vibe that can’t be found elsewhere in town. The decor would be fun and the menu could feature lots of delicious tropical drinks (in addition to beer like Kona Big Wave for the beer drinkers). A tropical-themed tiki bar would be one of the most unique venues in town and would be a place that people would flock to.

Hailey Stutzman: Another Underage Bar

So if the Den is buying this bar…that means it has to be for underage folks, right? I’m fully 21, but I know the struggles of being underage and not having anything to do (mostly for guys not involved in Greek life). Let the young kids have their fun. (This is satire.)

Joe Lister: Somewhere Not Expensive, Please

Since turning 21 a few months ago, I’ve spent way too much money on bars. Somewhere that will just give me a Miller Lite for just more than a dollar would be huge.

I already know that people will say this bar will make no profit. However, I will singlehandedly keep any bar that gives me a beer at $1.50 alive for as long as I am. Just let me ball on a budget, please.

Brendan Wagner: A Strip Club

A strip club right in downtown State College would ironically be one of the premier attractions in the area. Who knows? After turning 21 at the Phyrst, your next stop could be the local strip club. Unfortunately, this place would make SO much money at Penn State.

( Editor’s Note: Freak.)

Kyra Birmingham: A Bar With A Fish Tank

We need more variety in State College. I enjoy a good sports bar, but it can get boring. What I would really love to see is a bar with a fish tank. I don’t care what drinks they serve as long as I can sit there and find Nemo.

While logistically it may not make sense to mix alcohol, college students, glass, and wildlife, I don’t care. I want to see pretty fish.

Aidan Conrad: Puttshack

There may not be enough room for 18 holes, but a well-designed nine-hole minigolf course can be an absolute hit with college students. Puttshack is known for its high-tech courses and having a bar near its entrance. If this is feasible, then it would be a staple in downtown State College.

Nolan Wick: Stock Exchange Bar

In this type of bar, prices for drinks increase or decrease depending on demand from other customers in real-time. Customers would place orders from a screen at their table and would have the ability to see and therefore control what prices are at any given moment.

This would bring real-world economics right to tables downtown without even having to set foot into the business building. At this bar, you even have the ability to wreak havoc from your table. It’s a unique experience that State College doesn’t currently have, so why not?

CJ Doebler: A Saloon

Hitching post, player piano, those weird half doors. Much obliged in advance, downtown State College.