The snow may have melted but there is still plenty to eat and do at Tussey Mountain resort. Tussey Bär & Kitchen sits at the foot of the slopes, offering weekend brunch and dinner.
The restaurant elevates fan-favorites like burgers, wings and chicken plus featured dishes and includes an outdoor patio, the perfect place to sip Mimosas while enjoying a sunny afternoon at the base of the mountain. Garden planters adorn the patio with fresh herbs, and pots of tomato and pepper plants are also on site, all of which are used in Tussey Bär’s evolving menu of dishes.
“Food tastes better in season, so we focus on utilizing seasonal ingredients—and what our culinary planters provide us,” says owner Josh Lincoln. “It’s pretty cool to be able to provide our guests with herbs and vegetables that were picked hours before, just a few feet away from where they are seated.”
Tussey Bär’s brunch menu includes classics like Eggs Benedict, served with braised short ribs and roasted tomatoes, and introduces diners to unique options like the Swiss Cereal, a bowl of overnight oats made with whipped cream, raisins, vanilla, raspberries and shaved chocolate.
The Brunch Burger combines breakfast and dinner through a hearty custom-blend burger topped with an over-easy egg, bacon slices, tomatoes, smoked blue cheese, Hollandaise sauce and signature seasoning. The perfect bite of the burger marries the flavors of the juicy meat with the flow of Hollandaise sauce and the pop of the runny egg yolk.
The Bear Burrito features scrambled eggs, bacon, cheddar cheese, tater tots, queso poblano sauce and house-made picante sauce, all wrapped in a tortilla, grilled and covered in enchilada sauce, cheese and crema.
Those twenty-one and over can enjoy cocktails including a Bloody Mary, orange or grapefruit Mimosa, Spiked Coffee or a White Tussian (a White Russian, Tussey style).
Lincoln says Tussey Bär provides an elevated and intimate dining experience on its patio.
Tussey Bär’s recent dinner menu included Shrimp Toast with pepper jam, black garlic mousse and black and white sesame; Chicken Croquettes with Caesar cream, shaved parmesan, romaine and watercress puree; and Tussey Pho with bone broth, roasted pork, chives and rice noodles served with lime, hot peppers, bean sprouts, radish, basil, kecap manis and gochujang.
“It’s a unique dining experience,” Lincoln says.
For those seeking something a little more laid back, Tussey Mountain also hosts events at its Beer Garden, which offers food, games, live music and, of course, a variety of beer, wine and batch cocktails.
The restaurant is a great place for diners of all ages and is located among Tussey Mountain’s outdoor activities. Dogs are welcome anywhere on the property and receive complimentary water bowls. Before or after meals, diners can enjoy a round of par-three golf, go-carts, mini-golf, batting cages and more at the Fun Centre.
Guests can also order food from the Beer Garden and sit at a picnic table or hike up the mountain to choose a spot along the way to enjoy their drinks, food and stunning views. Visitors can enjoy the landscape of Centre County with miles and miles of breathtaking views. From Beaver Stadium to Mount Nittany and everywhere in between, there is so much to take in. The ski lift is available during private events.
“We have something for everyone to have a good time,” Lincoln says.
Tussey Bär & Kitchen is open 5-9 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays. Reservations are not required, but are recommended.
Be sure to check out the restaurant’s Facebook page for up-to-date dishes, menus and special event announcements. T&G
Hannah Pollock is a freelance writer in State College.
