Looking for no-fuss food for Penn State tailgates? 5 local caterers and their top tips

In a college football destination like Happy Valley, tailgating is a big deal. However, pulling together the perfect tailgate is easier said than done, and spending your Saturday toiling over barbecue and beer selections can detract from the fun. For those who’d rather simply chow down and cheer on the Nittany Lions than spend Saturday sweating over a grill, Happy Valley caterers are here to help, with an array of offerings sure to make your game day is great.

Here’s what you can expect from five favorite area providers, as well as some of their top tips for tailgating.

Harrison’s Eat Well Catering

Harrison’s Eat Well Catering offers personalized tailgate options for groups of 25 or more. Pick-up and drop-off options are myriad, with some tailgaters picking up their feasts on the way to the game and others asking for drop-offs, such as during the second half of a noon game, for dining after the game wraps up. Self-setup or full service are both options.

“To make this all happen, our ordering process includes the expertise of our catering manager who has been tailgating himself for 10 years,” said Kit Henshaw, co-owner. “Picking the right foods for the time, crowd and weather is so important. Additionally, we can build in the dietary needs of the group, with gluten-free and vegetarian being the most requested.”

Tailgate and picnic-style food options range from pulled pork to shawarma chicken skewers to Italian meatballs.

Get more details: Find more information, including sample menus, at harrisonseatwellcatering.com, and send inquiries via EatWell@HarrisonsMenu.com or by calling 814-237-4422.

Hoag’s Catering

Hoag’s Catering offers tailgate catering pick-ups starting as early as 6 a.m. on game days, delivery to numbered spots only and full-service tailgates. Pre-game and post-game tailgating options are available (such as breakfast before the game), and the caterer can provide just the food or everything you might need for the event, including service-ware, chafing dishes, linen, drinks and more. While tailgating packages with certain foods — like ribs, pulled pork, tacos and nachos — are available, menus can also be customized.

Orders should be placed by Tuesday at 4 p.m. prior to game day.

Get more details: Find more information about pricing and menu options at hoagscatering.com/catering-menus/tailgating/. Customers can reach out with inquiries at 814-238-0824 or ashley@hoagscatering.com.

Charcuterie by Calsey

At Charcuterie by Calsey, owner Calsey Marcinko offers a particularly unique and trending tailgate food option: Penn State-themed charcuterie boards and grazing boxes.

“It’s a versatile and visually appealing option that offers something for everyone,” she said. “I make each order completely custom for each client. No boards are typically the same, which makes it special and different from other [charcuterie providers] that have ‘standard’ boards that they do. I use quality items and add in florals and desserts that make it not only something yummy to eat, but pretty to look at.”

Past Penn State-themed boxes have included a blend of blue and white via ingredients like blueberries and white chocolate covered pretzels, and cheeses proudly spelling out “We Are.”

A two-week notice for orders is preferred and all charcuterie boards and boxes must be either picked up in State College, or they can be delivered for an extra fee.

Get more details: Go to www.facebook.com/charcuteriebycalsey, where you can place orders via DM, or text or call 814-762-4934.

Bonfire Old-Fashioned BBQ

Enjoy the flavors of Bonfire Old-Fashioned BBQ, located at 2609 E. College Ave. in State College, but from the convenience of your tailgate with one of the restaurant’s catering packages. Packages include your choice of meats and sides and start at $16.99 per person, for a minimum of 10 people. All catering packages also include breads, cutlery, plates and serving utensils. Choose from options like pulled pork, fried or grilled chicken, ribs and brisket.

Get more details: Find more details and catering packages at bonfireoldfashionedbbq.com, or call 814-470-7337.

Twisted Whisk Catering

Twisted Whisk Catering is offering DIY catering packages with drop-offs outside of stadium parking. Tailgate customers can choose from the caterer’s robust menu, with options that range from pulled pork to lasagna, chili to cheese boards. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are also available.

Get more details: Find more details at wistedwhiskcatering.com/ and www.facebook.com/TwistedWhiskCatering/.

Top tips from Happy Valley caterers

Whether you opt to order from a caterer for one of the remaining Penn State game days, the above caterers had a few tips to help you host the best tailgate possible.

From Harrison’s Eat Well Catering: “Choose foods that match the weather — bread disintegrates if enjoying a rainy event! Plan for multiple eating times, for example [if there’s a] late kick-off time. Don’t keep hot food on chafers for longer than two to three hours, because the foods dry out, or, alternately, have foods with lots of sauce. On cold, windy days it is almost impossible to keep hot foods hot. Whether you use chafers, grills or single burners, a well-crafted aluminum foil tent is needed. Pre-order and pick up some delicious foods beforehand and take them with you, as deliveries are only permitted with a paid-for parking pass with a numbered spot. A nice touch [is to] have some to-go containers for your guests to take some delicious leftovers as they depart.”

From Ashley Huey at Hoag’s Catering: “Your cooler can also be used to keep food hot —great to put your pans of food inside once they are hot and ready to go. Bring an empty cooler with you for your pick-up! If you’re unsure of your group size, go heavy on foods that can be stored and taken home. I’ve never heard anyone complain about too many chips before.”

From Charcuterie by Calsey: “Tailgates are all about fun, so balance the traditional football snacks with a few creative and PSU themed items (such as a charcuterie board!).”

Holly Riddle is a freelance food, travel and lifestyle writer. She can be reached at holly.ridd@gmail.com.