Tommy's Asian Grill

Welcome to Tommy's Asian Grill, a Chinese restaurant located at 432 E College Ave in State College, Pennsylvania, serving the local community and the nearby Penn State University. It's worth noting that one reviewer mentioned the restaurant might also be known as "Xi An Grill" or a similar name, which could be relevant for local users searching for this establishment. As part of the Chinese Restaurant category, Tommy's Asian Grill offers a menu that at least partially features authentic dishes, with hand-pulled noodles and beef noodle soup being specifically highlighted in customer reviews.

Regarding the environment of Tommy's Asian Grill, one long-time customer described the restaurant as "a little dingy" and suggested that this might deter some people. However, this same reviewer also posited that the owner/chef's primary focus appears to be on preparing good food, implying a trade-off between ambiance and culinary quality. The other reviewer did not comment on the cleanliness or décor, focusing instead on the food and pricing. Therefore, potential customers should be aware that the atmosphere might be basic or somewhat worn, but this could be indicative of a kitchen prioritizing authentic flavors over aesthetics.

The services offered by Tommy's Asian Grill include dine-in, as one reviewer mentioned eating at the restaurant, and presumably take-out, given the nature of many such establishments serving a student population. One positive service interaction noted was a polite staff member offering a free soda to a returning customer, suggesting a degree of customer appreciation. However, the second reviewer did not comment on the service, focusing solely on the food and its value.

A significant feature of Tommy's Asian Grill, based on the positive review, is the authenticity of its food, particularly the hand-pulled noodles and the soup that accompanies them. The reviewer who had visited years prior noted that the soup still tasted the same and that the noodles and fatty beef were delicious, emphasizing the authenticity and the consistency of quality over time. This suggests that Tommy's Asian Grill may specialize in certain traditional Chinese noodle dishes that are highly regarded by those familiar with authentic cuisine.

However, the second review presents a contrasting perspective, focusing on the "really small" amount of food received relative to the price, which was deemed "not good, especially with the quantity." The reviewer recounted overhearing a college student at a nearby table remarking that he would need to order "extra 2 times to be full," further emphasizing the concern about portion sizes. This reviewer's specific order was "the beef noodle with the soup," and they noted that the meat contained "so many tendon or fat," which was a negative aspect of their meal. This experience led the reviewer to conclude that, despite it not being their first visit, it would be their last, indicating significant dissatisfaction with the value and quality of their recent order.

The discrepancy in these two reviews is notable. One praises the authenticity and taste while acknowledging a potentially unappealing environment, and the other criticizes the portion size, price, and quality of the beef in the noodle soup. This suggests that the experience at Tommy's Asian Grill might be inconsistent, or that different customers have varying expectations regarding ambiance, portion sizes, and the specific dishes they order.

The provided information does not contain any details about promotional offers or specials at Tommy's Asian Grill. Restaurants in college towns sometimes offer student discounts or lunch specials, but there is no mention of such promotions in these reviews. Local users interested in potential deals should contact the restaurant directly at (814) 954-8116 or +1 814-954-8116 to inquire about any current promotions or discounts they may be offering.

In conclusion, Tommy's Asian Grill (possibly also known as Xi An Grill) in State College, PA, appears to be a Chinese restaurant that may specialize in authentic dishes like hand-pulled noodles and beef noodle soup. One long-time customer praised the taste and authenticity, even noting a slightly "dingy" environment but appreciating the polite service and a complimentary soda. However, another recent customer expressed significant dissatisfaction with the small portion sizes relative to the price and the quality of the beef in the noodle soup, stating it would be their last visit. This divergence in feedback suggests a potentially inconsistent experience or varied customer expectations. Local users considering Tommy's Asian Grill should be aware of these contrasting opinions, particularly regarding portion sizes and the restaurant's ambiance. For more information on their menu or any potential promotions, contacting them directly at (814) 954-8116 or +1 814-954-8116 is recommended.